Joint Statement Regarding the Appointment of a Librarian and Archivist of Canada

April 24, 2014

April 24, 2014 – The Archives Association of Ontario, Association of Parliamentary Libraries in Canada, Canadian Association of Law Libraries, and Canadian Library Association (CLA) welcome the appointment of Dr. Guy Berthiaume as Librarian and Archivist of Canada. After 11 months without confirmed leadership, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is now able to chart a path forward with renewed guidance, vision and energy.

We are encouraged by Dr. Berthiaume’s extensive experience in leadership roles pertinent to the mandate and operation of Library and Archives Canada and his strong commitment to the field. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec since 2009 he has lead a renowned memory institution and has addressed many of the issues germane to Library and Archives Canada.

The library and information community look forward to working closely with Dr. Berthiaume and the leadership team at LAC. The challenges for LAC are considerable. However, new beginnings are opportunities to take bold new steps and to reconnect LAC with Canadians from all walks of life.

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover announced Dr. Berthiaume’s appointment on April 14, 2014, for a term of five years, effective June 23, 2014.

Kelli Babcock
President, 2013-2014
Archives Association of Ontario
president@aao-archivists.ca

Vicki Whitmell
President
Association of Parliamentary Libraries in Canada / L’Association des bibliothécaires parlementaires au Canada
vicki_whitmell@ontla.ola.org

Annette Demers, BA LLB, MLIS
President
Canadian Association of Law Libraries / L’Association canadienne des bibliothèques de droit
ademers@uwindsor.ca

Marie DeYoung
President
Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques
Marie.DeYoung@SMU.CA