Thanks to everyone who came to our sessions at the Saskatchewan Libraries Conference in Regina and the Marigold Library System Conference in Calgary over the past week! We were thrilled to meet up and chat with people in person and were honored to have been invited to present at both events.
We also enjoyed hearing from the other speakers at these conferences. Highlights of the Saskatchewan Libraries Conference included Geoffrey Allen, Riane Lepaire, and John Ylioja’s presentation on library accessibility. Their talk included a powerful live demo of the experience of using accessible technologies like screen readers from a user perspective, a demo that made clear the barriers that exist in library web platforms and physical environments. Nina Varishagen’s presentation on the role of the library in fighting disinformation was another highlight of the event. Varishagen shared her work developing course material on disinformation for post-secondary students and faculty and dispelled common misconceptions about the nature of inaccurate information online.
At the Marigold Library Conference, we were compelled by Donna Ross’ presentation on honouring the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Ross, a member of the One Arrow First Nation in Treaty 6 territory, shared her personal experiences with trauma and reconciliation, as well as her work developing material for the Alberta school curriculum. We also enjoyed Tammy Nischuk’s presentation on integrating mindfulness and creativity into library programming. And, of course, a major highlight of the event was a keynote presentation by Canadian fitness icons, Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod, who shared their insights on foundational health, perseverance, and positivity.
Thanks again to everyone at the Saskatchewan Libraries Association and the Marigold Library System who worked to make these events a success. We look forward to meeting up again next year. In the meantime, watch out for presentations from our staff at the Archives Association of Ontario Conference on May 27th and the Atlantic Provinces Library Association on June 8th!