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ISSN 2369-4939
Volume 7 Issue 2
February 1, 2021
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Greetings. I can't believe it is February already, but here we are. We are hard at work at and around the SLA office. The 2021 conference planning is well underway and I am excited to see what our joint conference with Manitoba will offer. We are already thinking about and working towards the SLA AGM, which will be held in May, so please keep an eye out for more information.
I am also very excited that we were able to transition the OBOP event to a virtual format. Author readings, the launch event hosted by our Patron the Honourable Russ Mirasty at Government House and discussion sessions are all being filmed. These videos which will
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| | Photo credit: Andrew Marshall |
be available to libraries are in addition to the events hosted at libraries. It was a great pleasure and privilege for me to have been able to represent SLA at the recent filming of the launch event at Government House. It was very different than any other year, but I was happy that we could still find a way to make it work so that we can launch OBOP month in style.
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Last Chance to Apply for
Continuing Education Grants:
Applications Due February 15, 2021
Have a great idea for a workshop for library staff? Interested in attending a conference, workshop, or other professional development opportunity? SLA offers Continuing Education (CE) grants to provide and support relevant educational opportunities for its members. Applications for CE category one, two and three grants are now being accepted.
Please submit applications to slaexdir@sasktel.net or mail to Dorothea Warren at 10-2010 7th Ave, Regina SK S4R 1C2 by February 15, 2021.
Mary Donaldson Award of Merit
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| | Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Archives Board. #55-446-01
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Applications are invited for the 2021 Mary Donaldson Award. The Mary Donaldson Award of Merit was established in 1977 to provide a bursary to a full-time or part-time Saskatchewan student enrolled in a library and information technician program. The award will be presented during the annual Saskatchewan Library Association Conference in May. Please note the deadline for applications is March 31, 2021.
SLA Frances Morrison Award
Call for Nominations
The SLA Frances Morrison Award is an award of merit for outstanding service to libraries given in the name of one of Saskatchewan's exceptional librarians. This award is open to all, individuals or institutions or groups, and not restricted to professional librarians or SLA members. It is an honour to have one's work recognized by this award. Please think about who you could recognize and consider making a nomination by March 1, 2021.
Honourary Life Membership
Call for Nominations
An Honourary Life Membership is conferred upon a current SLA member who has made a substantial and recognizable long-standing contribution to SLA and/or library service in Saskatchewan. As a member of SLA for life, the recipient has full voting privileges, does not pay annual dues, receives all Association publications, and may serve on committees. As well, this membership entitles the recipient to discounts at all SLA functions and workshops. Nominations are due March 1, 2021. More information is available on the
SLA Board Nominations for 2021-22
A great opportunity to contribute
to your profession!
As a board member, you have an opportunity to lead and influence the direction of the Association. You will become familiar with issues affecting libraries of all types. As an organization, we work collectively to improve and support libraries through advocacy, communication, stakeholder engagement, professional development and networking. You will gain experience that contributes to your professional portfolio and at a personal level, you get to make new friends and contacts.
There is a time commitment; SLA typically holds 6 - 7 meetings a year (June Board changeover, August retreat, October, November, January, March, April/May). Typically meetings are a mix of virtual and in person. Board members chair and/or participate on the Association's committees including: Continuing Education, Advocacy and Development, Engagement, Communications, Fundraising and Programs. The work accomplished by these committees benefits the Saskatchewan library community. This year, there are three positions available- 2 for Member at Large and Vice President of Advocacy and Development. For more information please contact
slaexdir@sasktel.net.
The nomination form may be found here
Expression of Interest
If you are interested in joining the SLA Nominating Committee 2021 please contact Dorothea at slaexdir@sasktel.net .
SLA has the following board positions open Member at Large (2) and VP of Advocacy and Development.
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SLA Learning Opportunities Series
On January 27th, the first speaker in our Learning Opportunities Series was Danielle Bitz, University of Saskatchewan. Danielle gave an excellent presentation entitled More Than Words: LIS and meaningful engagement with contemporary Indigenous communities. The session was a great success and was very well attended. Huge thanks to Danielle for the very interesting and thought-provoking talk!
There are three remaining sessions featuring one per month. Each will be 45-50 minutes with time for Q&A and/or facilitated discussion.
February 24, 2021 from 12:00-1pm Speaker: Kaetlyn Phillips, University of Regina Data Literacy in Everyday Media - This presentation will look at how to assist patrons with identifying good and misleading data in everyday mass media. March 24, 2021 from 12:00 -1pm Abby Wolfe, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan The ABC's of Dementia Friendly Libraries - Explores how libraries can become more inclusive, supportive & accessible for people affected by dementia. April 28, 2021 from 12:00 -1:00 Helen Power and Chau Ha, University of Saskatchewan & Saskatchewan Polytechnic Creating a Library Community of Practice - Discussion on determining scope, facilitation & assessment, based on literature review & presenters experiences
These lunchtime learning opportunities are free of charge and all are welcome to attend. To register, contact Leslie Charlton at slaadmin@sasktel.net
For more information on this and following presentations, go to
It has been an eventful week for OBOP.
The launch event at Government House, scheduled for February 25 has had to change and be rescheduled. Instead of an in person event, we have videotaped all the components and our video recorder, Em Ironstar will splice the pieces together. By the time we are finished there will be one coherent video with readings by Paul Seesequasis, author of Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sun. As well, the video will include a performance by Bradley Bellegarde (InfoRediculous), as well as remarks byas well as remarks by our Honorary Patron, His Honour, Russ Mirasty.
On January 26, we filmed 4 short readings with Paul, and once edited, will be made available to libraries across the province during the four weeks in March. Lastly, four moderated zoom panel discussions will be made available in March.
There's a lot to look forward to in March!
Materials available to help you promote your One Book project are available here.
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Conference 2021-Stay Tuned
Manitoba Library Association and Saskatchewan Library Association are partnering to host a joint conference in 2021. Planning is underway for a virtual conference the week of June 13. More information to follow.
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Freedom to Read Week
February 21-27 2021
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Book and Periodical Council. Please take this opportunity to consider, acknowledge and celebrate the intellectual freedom that we enjoy in Canada.
The Book and Periodical Council provides fabulous promotional materials to support Freedom to Read Week programs. Please visit
I Read Canadian Day is February 17, 2021
I READ CANADIAN DAY is a national day of celebration of Canadian books for young people. This is a day dedicated to 'reading Canadian' and will empower families, schools, libraries and organizations to host local activities and events within the week. For example, libraries or book stores can create a local I Read Canadian display for a month, or host author and illustrator visits during the week of the I Read Canadian day. Schools or communities can create challenges to get more readers involved - see how many readers can read Canadian. GOAL: The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. ACTION: We challenge the nation to "Read Canadian" for 15 minutes and to share their experience at their library, in their school, with their families and friends, or on social media Young people are encouraged to read, or be read to, a Canadian book of their choice.
Visible Minority Librarians in Canada Survey
The Visible Minority Librarians of Canada (ViMLoC) Network conducted a comprehensive survey on visible minority librarians in 2013. The Network would like to conduct this survey again to examine the changes in the library landscape regarding visible minority librarians in various librarian positions, including leadership. This survey will help ViMLoC identify visible minority librarians' needs and propose projects to empower them in their current positions or their future career development, such as mentorship programming, leadership training, and networking opportunities. This project has been approved on ethical grounds by Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of British Columbia. A detailed Informed Consent Form is included at the start of the survey for your review. It may take about 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. We will appreciate it very much if you can fill it out by February 28, 2021. All questions are optional; all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. If you have any questions about this survey, please feel free to contact Yanli Li at yli@wlu.ca or Maha Kumaran at maha.kumaran@usask.ca.
Public Consultations Now Open
for New Saskatoon Central Library Design
Saskatoon Public Library has begun embarking on an 18-month engagement process to involve the community in the design of a new central library. From now until February 19th, community members are invited to help shape the concept design phase of the library. More information regarding the beginning of public consultations around the new central library's design concept phase can be found here
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Outreach Support Walk-Up Window at Saskatoon Central Library
SPL has opened an outreach support walk-up window at the Francis Morrison Central Library in Saskatoon. The window allows patrons who are seeking help with issues such as housing, food insecurity, job searches and other crisis supports to connect with a SPL Outreach Worker without entering the building. Read more about this important initiative here.
Equity in Action: Fostering an Antiracist Library Culture
Online course starting February 23: learn how to transform your library services to better meet the needs of your users
and bring in new ones! More information can be found here.
Library Journal Winter Summit
Free virtual event Tuesday, February 23rd featuring key note speaker CNN's Don Lemon.
CCI Webinar Series: Works of Art on Paper
An introduction to the identification and care of works of art on paper February 22 - March 5. A 4-part webinar series presented by The Museums Association of Saskatchewan and The Canadian Conservation Institute. More information can be found here.
Ethan Hawke Shares his Passion for Libraries. See the full interview here.
University of Regina Spring Career Expo will be held through webinars March 8 - 19. Registration and more information can be found here.
Call for Nominations
Nominations are now open for the Heritage Saskatchewan Board of Directors. Deadline: February 11th.
The Heritage Saskatchewan AGM will be held virtually on February 25th. Nomination package is here
Newsletters from other cultural organizations
Check out the latest newsletters from the following organizations:
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Saskatchewan Library Association
10-2010 7th Ave.
Regina, SK S4R 1C2
Phone: 306-780-9413 or 306-780-9409
Fax: 306-780-3633
SLA reserves the right to change or edit any submission or to refuse publication in its entirety.
The deadline for receipt of submissions for SLAte is the 25th of each month.
Everyone, Including Culture, Wins When You Buy Lottery Tickets
The core funding that SLA receives through SaskCulture is part of the Lottery Trust where a percentage of every lottery ticket sold goes to support sport, culture and recreation groups within Saskatchewan. It appears that recent lottery sales are not meeting expectations, which will not have an immediate effect on SLA. However we encourage you to remind audiences and arts council members that buying lottery tickets benefits the entire community. Saskatchewan Lotteries has also launched an app that you can download in the App Store or Google Play. More information is available on the Saskatchewan Lotteries website.
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Saskatchewan Library Association © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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