Canadian Federation of Library Associations

Canadian Federation of Library Associations
Name	Canadian Federation of Library Associations
Founded	2016
Type	Non-profit federation
Focus	Library advocacy, policy, and collaboration
Headquarters	Ottawa
Region	Canada
Membership	National library associations
Leader title	President
Leader name	(varies by term)
Website	cfla-fcab.ca

Canadian Federation of Library Associations. It is a national organization established to provide a unified voice for Canada's library communities. Formed through the merger of several predecessor bodies, it represents the interests of library associations across the country. The federation works to advance library values, influence public policy, and support the professional development of its members.

History

The organization was formally created in 2016, consolidating the work of the former Canadian Library Association (CLA) and other entities like the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL). This merger was driven by a need for a more cohesive national advocacy body following the dissolution of the CLA after over seven decades of operation. Key figures from the Library and Archives Canada community and leaders from provincial associations such as the Ontario Library Association played instrumental roles in its formation. The founding was seen as a strategic response to evolving challenges in the information landscape and a desire to strengthen the profession's influence within institutions like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Structure and governance

The federation is governed by a Board of Directors elected from its member associations, with an Executive Committee handling day-to-day operations. Its organizational structure includes various committees and working groups focused on specific areas like copyright, intellectual freedom, and indigenous matters. The presidency rotates among representatives from prominent member institutions, which have included leaders from the University of Toronto Libraries and the Vancouver Public Library. Annual meetings, such as the CFLA-FCAB Annual General Meeting, are held in conjunction with major events like the Ontario Library Association Super Conference.

Member associations

Full membership is open to national, provincial, and territorial library associations across Canada. Key members include the British Columbia Library Association, the Alberta Library, the Manitoba Library Association, and the Atlantic Provinces Library Association. The federation also maintains close collaborative ties with institutional members like the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council. Affiliate relationships exist with specialized groups such as the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives and the Canadian Health Libraries Association.

Programs and initiatives

Notable programs include the Indigenous Matters Committee, which works on projects related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action. The federation administers awards like the CFLA-FCAB Truth and Reconciliation Award and previously oversaw the CLA Book of the Year for Children Award. It leads national initiatives on digital literacy, copyright reform, and the preservation of Canadian heritage through partnerships with Library and Archives Canada. Collaborative projects often involve the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and other global bodies.

Advocacy and public policy

The organization actively lobbies the Government of Canada and federal agencies on issues critical to libraries. Primary advocacy areas include modernizing the Copyright Act of Canada, supporting Net neutrality principles, and securing funding for public institutions. It presents briefs to parliamentary committees, such as the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and engages with departments like Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The federation also champions intellectual freedom, often citing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in its positions.

Publications and resources

It publishes policy statements, position papers, and reports, such as its foundational documents on intellectual freedom and copyright. Key resources include the CFLA-FCAB Copyright Committee Guidelines and reports from its Indigenous Matters Committee. The federation regularly issues submissions to government consultations, which are archived on its website. While it does not publish a regular journal, it disseminates information through newsletters and at conferences like the Canadian Library Association Conference and the IFLA World Library and Information Congress.

Category:Organizations based in Ottawa Category:Library associations in Canada Category:Organizations established in 2016