F05 - Provincial Digital Library
Session Description
Generously Sponsored By: Northeast Document Conservation Center
Digital libraries have become the repository for the intellectual, historical and cultural record of provinces, countries, and even continents. Europeana, Digital New Zealand, Trove in Australia, Digital Public Library of America, and OurOntario, are all examples of digital libraries that have seen collaboration across government, library, archives and museum sectors. These digital libraries provide access to a range of materials that enrich the intellectual and leisure life of citizens, showcase the contributions of individuals, organizations and government, and contribute to economic well-being.
But who is using them and can we measure their value? Hear from local organizations on their experience with digital libraries, and why it is important to invest in their creation. At the session get an update on the BC Provincial Digital Library initiative including a showcase of the project technical infrastructure. We will also hear an update on the Canadian National Heritage Digitization Strategy.
Speakers
Caroline Daniels, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Biography
Caroline Daniels is the BC PDL Steering Committee Chair, and a member of the PDL Administrative Team. She is the Systems, Interlibrary Loan and Web Librarian at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and a BCLA Board Member.
Dan Sifton, Vancouver Island University
Biography
Dan Sifton is a member of the PDL Admin team and the lead on the project platform/infrastructure. He is the Coordinator of Library Automation and Technical Services at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, where he works with technology (and people!). He’s an avid fixed gear cyclo-commuter, and most days he’s really excited to get to work.
Jenny Benedict, West Vancouver Memorial Library
Biography
Jenny Benedict is a member of the BC PDL Steering Committee. She has served as a senior public library administrator for ten years, seven of them at West Vancouver, and is currently Chair of the Association of British Columbia Public Library Directors. She has a keen interest in enriching communities by surfacing public library resources through technology.
Max Otte
Biography
Max Otte is a member of the BC PDL Steering Committee. He is a digital information strategist for the provincial government of British Columbia, where he previously worked as an archivist. Max is also the Vice President (incoming President) of the Archives Association of British Columbia. Max is particularly interested in the question of how to provide access to archives in the digital age and is excited to be involved in the PDL initiative.
Ember Lundgren, Royal BC Museum and Archives
Biography
Ember Lundgren is the Preservation Manager at the Royal BC Museum and Archives, responsible for the care of Archival collections, digital preservation and digital access. Ember is passionate about assisting colleagues in the museum to make their digital projects a success. Each project from the museum collections poses a unique opportunity for research into best practices and Ember enjoys facilitating the workflow with colleagues.
Sandra Singh, Vancouver Public Library
Biography
Sandra Singh is the Chief Librarian of the Vancouver Public Library. She is also the inaugural Chair of the National Heritage Digitization Strategy.