BC ELN library directors across the province and into Yukon gathered via the click of a link at the first ever virtual All Partner Meeting on November 27th. An annual gathering, the All Partner Meeting is typically a time for all partner library directors and Ministry representatives to travel to a central location, put heads together around tables, and discuss topics that matter to everyone, face-to-face. But while there were no handshakes or hugs in-person this year, there was lots of camaraderie and plenty of smiles on the screen.
Chaired by Susan Parker, UBC University Librarian and BC ELN Steering Committee Chair, the meeting started with updates from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and BC ELN service areas and current initiatives (
a summary of these updates is available here).
Attendees spent the rest of the session discussing beneficial aspects of collaboration during times of challenge. Using photographs as a way to express their experiences, library directors first talked about how the pandemic has affected their work. After acknowledging collaboration can be challenging in difficult circumstances, the group discussed examples of collaboration that have made a positive difference during the pandemic. Mining these instances brought to light many benefits of working collaboratively and how these advantages buoy us up during difficult times. BC ELN clearly has much to tap into as a community. As the consortium moves toward strategic planning next year, these discussions will form a solid foundation for future collaboration.
