The open letter from the CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries) to Prime Minister Steven Harper asks that the government consult with the library and archival community when selecting a successor to Daniel Caron who resigned as the leader of Library and Archives Canada last week.
The Librarian and Archivist of Canada plays an important dual leadership role within Library and Archives Canada (LAC) as well as for the wider library and archival community. The Librarian and Archivist is this community’s voice to the rest of the world and plays a crucial part in the preservation of, and access to, our national documentary heritage. Considering your government’s promotion of Canadian history, we believe that you will appreciate the crucial role played by Library and Archives Canada and its leadership.
We believe that a long career of broad engagement with the Canadian library or archival community is an important qualification. Someone that has demonstrated leadership in this community will be able to forge the necessary collaboration to assure LAC’s success in these difficult economic times.
The letter is signed by Thomas Hickerson, President of CARL.
A copy was sent to James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Read the Complete Letter (1 page; PDF)