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Libraries On the Hill

Libraries On the Hill

January 7, 2025

A new article in Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research looks at the kinds of advocacy engaged in by three of Canada’s national library associations—the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA)—as well as gaps in advocacy themes and practices.

Libraries on the Hill: An exploratory study of Canadian library associations advocacy initiatives

Merran Carr-Wiggin
Student Experience Librarian, University of Calgary

Hélène Carrier
Associate University Librarian, University of Ottawa

Céline Gareau-Brennan
Faculty Engagement Librarian, University of Alberta

Michael B. McNally
Associate Professor, University of Alberta

Abstract

This exploratory study analyzes the advocacy practices and outputs of three national associations representing libraries and organizations of various types: the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations-Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB). Data was collected from a variety of sources, including the associations’ websites, records of federal government consultations and lobbying activities. A thematic analysis was conducted using open coding and visual theme mapping, and the results analyzed using Schein’s model for understanding organizational cultureThe results provide important insights into publicly available advocacy work by these associations since 2016. By providing the first step of quantifying advocacy work by Canadian library associations, this study lays the groundwork for further investigation to explore the impact of library association advocacy and to identify successful patterns and strategies for advocacy initiatives in the future.

Cette étude exploratoire examine les pratiques et les résultats de trois associations nationales représentant divers types de bibliothèques et d’organismes: l’Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada (ABRC), le Conseil des bibliothèques urbaines du Canada (CBUC) et la Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (FCAB). Les données proviennent de diverses sources y compris les sites Web des associations, les dossiers des consultations avec le gouvernement fédéral et les activités de lobbying. Une analyse thématique a été réalisée à l’aide d’un codage ouvert ainsi que d’une cartographie visuelle des thèmes et les résultats ont été analysés grâce au modèle de compréhension de culture organisationnelle de Schein. Les résultats fournissent des informations importantes sur les activités de lobbying publiquement disponibles de ces associations depuis 2016. En constituant la première étape quant à l’examen du travail de défense des intérêts des associations de bibliothèques canadiennes, cette étude fournit une base pour des recherches à venir cherchant à explorer l’impact du travail de défense des intérêts des associations de bibliothèques et à identifier des tendances et des stratégies réussies pour les initiatives de défense des intérêts à venir.

Top Advocacy Themes of Library Association Advocacy Artifacts (2016-2022)

ThemeCARLCFLACULCJointTotal
Copyright12.4%9.8%1%4.6%27.8%
Digital Content Lending and Licensing1.5%5.7%3.6%0.5%11.3%
Intellectual Freedom0.5%5.7%0.5%-6.7%
Indigenous Matters0.5%5.7%--6.2%
Privacy4.6%0.5%0.5%0.5%6.2%
Access to Information2.1%2.6%-0.5%5.2%
Accessibility1.0%2.6%1.0%0.5%5.2%
Telecommunication Policy2.1%2.6%--4.6%
Library Funding21.%0.5%1.5%-4.1%
Sustainability-3.6%--3.6%
All other themes11.3%6.2%0.5%1.0%19.1%
Total38.1%45.4%8.8%7.7%100%

Citation
Carr-Wiggin, Merran, et al. “Libraries On the Hill: An Exploratory Study of Canadian Library Associations Advocacy Initiatives”. Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, vol. 19, no. 2, Jan. 2025, pp. 1-28, doi:10.21083/partnership.v19i2.7718.

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