2018 Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Lecture

Date

February 27, 2018 16:00 - 17:30

Location

Halifax

Details

Fast Times at Library and Archives Canada. Imagine Sisyphus Happy!

Abstract: When I arrived at LAC in June 2014, I shared my vision of the institution’s future with employees and with national and international partners. That vision was embodied in four simple—some might say simplistic—commitments, which I reiterated at every possible opportunity during my first few months. LAC should be dedicated to serving its clients, be at the leading edge of library and archival sciences, be engaged with networks, and have greater public visibility.

Like characters in a novel whose actions surprise their author, these four commitments have taken on a life of their own and they have led us along some unexpected paths. I propose to explore the trials and tribulations of this vision, by discussing the initiatives launched over the past three years, as well as the management principles—or lack thereof—that underpinned those initiatives.

Biography: Dr. Guy Berthiaume assumed the position of Librarian and Archivist of Canada on June 23, 2014. Prior to joining Library and Archives Canada, he was the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec between 2009 and 2014, following a 30‑year career in academia. Dr. Berthiaume holds a Doctorate in History.

In addition to serving as a professor of Ancient History at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), he held administrative positions focusing on research and university development. Previous roles include Vice-President, Development and Public Affairs, Université de Montréal, and Vice-President, Research and Creation, UQAM.