T13 - Canadian Children's Library Services: What makes us Canadian?
Session Description
Generously sponsored by: Carr McLean
Much of the discourse around library services to children comes from an American perspective. A cursory look at the books, journal articles, and blogs on the topic of current library service to children will reveal that the vast majority of these pieces are about libraries and library services in the United States. As librarians, library technicians and others working in Canadian libraries, we recognize that Canadian macro-culture differs in significant ways in terms of how it impacts the lives of children and families. We believe these differences influence how we perform our work in children’s libraries in Canada. This panel discussion will focus on some of the things thatwe asCanadian library workers conceptualize as uniquely Canadian and why we believe that both critiquing and adapting “standard” practices emanating from the United States are important for library workers who serve children and families inCanada. By offering insight from their own experiences in the field, the panelists will tackle topics such as: parental leave and childcare; health care; public education and standardized testing; multiculturalism and national identity; and Indigeneity. Attendees will be encouraged to offer their own insight and ask questions. We will provide attendees with a short bibliography of resources for further reading.
Speakers
Curated by Dr Tess Prendergast, UBC School of Information
Biography
Dr. Tess Prendergast is a Lecturer in Librarianship at UBC School of Information. She graduated with her MLIS degree in 1996 and spent the next 23 years working in children’s services roles in public libraries. In 2018,Tess completed her doctorate in early literacy education, and the following year, retired from Vancouver Public Library to take up her faculty appointment at the iSchool. Tess teaches various courses in librarianship and children’s literature and has published and presented on early literacy, children’s books, and inclusion for many years.
Christie Menzo, Burnaby Public Library
Biography
Christie Menzo is the Branch Manager of Cameron Library with the Burnaby Public Library system where she helps to oversee the creation and continuation of community-led services in the Lougheed Town Centre area. She previously enjoyed 7 years withVancouver Public Library, where she held several positions, including Community Librarian and Assistant Manager of Early Years Services. She is currently an adjunct instructor with the UBC school of Information and she describes herself a passionate advocate for the importance of community-led practice and support for the early years in Canadian libraries.
Karen Sharkey, Greater Victoria Public Library
Biography
Karen Sharkey is a Public Services Librarian overseeing the Healthy Communities Portfolio at the Greater Victoria Public Library and a doctoral candidate in Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia. Before moving to Victoria, Karen worked as a Children’s Services Librarian in Vancouver and Port Moody and as a Program Manager developing library-based literacy projects with partners for Book Aid International and CODE. Her doctoral research will examine discourses and practices of early literacy in public libraries.
Stephanie Hong, Vancouver Public Library.
Biography
Stephanie Hong is a library technician in Children’s & Teen Services at the Vancouver Public Library. She is passionate about innovative and engaging programs for tweens and teens and co-developed VPL’s Dungeons & Dragons 101 program and Teen Summer Challenge series. Over the last two years, Stephanie has also been the Writing & Book Camp Coordinator where she works to foster a creative community amongst emerging writers and storytellers ages 11 and up. When she’s not developing exciting programs for youngpeople, she is instagramming all things #teensatvpl.