SLAte - March 2019


Mar. 1, 2019


ISSN 2369-4939
Volume 5 Issue 3

March 1, 2019

Letter from the President

Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan

Why Become An SLA Member

The Marion Sherman Bursary

Comings and Goings

Program News

FYI

Greetings from a frosty, frigid Saskatoon. It is definitely time for this deep freeze to be over and luckily, SLA activities are generally held indoors.

We are gearing up for our conference on May 2nd and 3rd at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saskatoon. The pre-conference session will be held on May 1st. Registration is now open and the pre-conference and program schedules have been posted. Check it out and register! Be sure to catch the early bird rate. The Conference Program Committee has worked incredibly hard to arrange speakers, plan the schedule, and get the details set. The slate of keynote and featured speakers is fantastic and I anticipate an excellent conference this year.

As I write this, the One Book One Province Program Launch at Government House in Regina has yet to occur on February 28th. If the weather cooperates, I will be in attendance and will report on the event in the next issue of SLAte. It is sure to be a special evening hosted in partnership with the Honourable W. Thomas Malloy, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

Photo Credit: Anita Retzlaff

The SLA Winter Socials occurred in Saskatoon and Regina on February 20th. The Saskatoon event was a lot of fun! It was great to meet some new people and have someone attend for the first time. The SLA Happy Hour and the Winter Social provide great opportunities to get to know fellow SLA members in a more intimate environment. Consider attending these events in the future and get to know someone in the library community who you might not otherwise meet. It is also a great opportunity to spend time with people you may know but with whom you rarely get a chance to sit down and talk.

Alison Jantz

SLA President

Executive Director's Report

Closing Date for Board Nominations

Reminder that March 4 is the closing date for nominations for Board of Director positions. If you are interested in contributing through board work please review the description of roles below.

Partnership Winter Retreat

SLA is fortunate to be a member of the national network of provincial and territorial library associations. The Partnership meets twice a year for a retreat to work together to develop services and programs, share information, support and resources. In January the Partnership members meet for a day preceding the Ontario Library Association  (OLA) conference. OLA provides complementary conference registration to those attending the partnership retreat. The meeting had a full and varied agenda with a few highlights noted below.

Read more.


Registration to Saskatchewan Libraries 2019 Conference is open and offers various attendance options. Can't make it for the entire conference? Register for a single day ($130) or session ($30), or join us for the pre-conference workshop on Design Thinking ($50 including lunch). For a full list of registration options and discounts, click here .

This year's conference program includes a full slate of speakers and presenters, including Jack Saddleback, Monique Woroniak, and Zarqa Nawaz. For those passionate about research in practice and evidence-based librarianship, this year's offering also features a new 'Research Stream'. To view the full program, click here .

Please note: The conference materials are best viewed using Firefox or Google Chrome.


Attending Saskatchewan Libraries Conference for the first time? Meet new people and see how things run behind the scenes by volunteering when you register. Just indicate your day(s) of availability on the online form, and we'll handle the rest!

Volunteers Wanted for Conference 2019

The Saskatchewan Library Association is requesting volunteers to assist at the annual Saskatchewan Libraries Conference, Libraries Transform! The conference is at the Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon on May 2-3, 2019. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities some of which are listed below:

  • Registration Desk: alongside other volunteers and/or staff. These shifts are generally 2 hours. The registration desk will be open the evening of May 1 as well as May 2-3.
  • Photographer: SLA needs good quality photos that can be reproduced in the newsletter, SLAte, and on the website.
  • Session Recorders: This is a great opportunity for those already attending sessions. A session recorder takes notes and writes a summary about the session after the conference.
  • Session Conveners: introduce the speaker(s) at individual sessions, expresses thanks at the end, and handles any needs that come up. May also act as recorder.
  • Technical Support volunteers: set up laptops and projectors for presenters. They are generally "on call" to troubleshoot.

Please consider volunteering at this year's SLA conference. Your help would be appreciated.

Please contact: [email protected]

Please indicate if you have a preference for a particular task, date or time of day.

For further information about the conference, please visit: https://saskla.ca/programs/2019-conference

SLA Board Nominations for 2019-20

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) some of which are teleconference. Board members chair and/or participate on the Association's committees including: Continuing Education, Advocacy and Development, Membership, Publications, Program. The work accomplished by these committees benefits the Saskatchewan library community. This year, there are six positions available:

  • President (1 year term)
  • Vice President of Advocacy and Development (2 year term)
  • Treasurer (2 year term)
  • 2 Members at Large (2 year terms)
  • 1 member at large (1 year term)

Read more

Public Engagement for Design of new OPL-LAC facility - Inspire555

A public engagement process will soon be underway to gather input for the design of a new landmark facility shared by Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada at 555 Albert Street in downtown Ottawa. The architectural firms tasked with designing the building will incorporate inspiration and ideas from local residents, Indigenous Canadians and people across the country over the next several months through themed workshops, pop-up events, expert lectures, and online activities.

The first in-person Ottawa-based workshop will take place on February 28 and again on March 2, combined with an online portal from March 1 to 15 to generate input more widely. People wishing to engage in this exciting City-building project of national and historic importance can learn more about opportunities to participate and by consulting their website: inspire555.ca

The University of Regina Library is pleased to make available an online archival copy of the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan.

As a service to researchers and as an important historical record of a period of time in Saskatchewan research and publishing, the University of Regina Library, Archives and Special Collections Unit has republished an online archival version of the Encyclopedia. The materials are presented as they were when published. While the Encyclopedia may contain terms, concepts, and interpretations that have evolved since original publication, this is a historical document that reflects the times in which it was created.

Available through oURspace, the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan may be found at: http://esask.uregina.ca.


For more information contact: Mark Vajcner, University Archivist at 305-585-5314

Why Become An SLA Member?

by Linda Winkler, Vice President Membership and Publications and Michael Shires, Past President

Becoming a member of SLA has many benefits, some of which may not seem obvious at first. These benefits can accrue over time. The longer a library worker has a membership, either individual or through their institution, the more valuable it seems to become. Though there are a number of direct benefits from belonging to SLA, there are also less well-known benefits that can assist individual professional development through networking with other SLA members and libraries. As an SLA member networking can be accomplished by attendance at the annual Saskatchewan Libraries Conference and involvement in a variety of SLA committees including the board of directors. Networking with other library workers, both in Saskatchewan and beyond, can have many professional and personal benefits such as access to information and expertise across library sectors and in a variety of library related fields, information about potential job opportunities, and, not the least, friendships.

Read more .

The Marion Sherman Bursary

In 1984, Marion Sherman retired after serving Wapiti Regional Library for 34 years. To commemorate her service, the Wapiti Regional Library Board created the Marion Sherman Bursary to help promote library work in the province of Saskatchewan. The bursary is open to students currently enrolled in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library and Information Technology diploma program.

The $750 Marion Sherman Bursary is awarded annually to assist with tuition expenses. See the printable versions of the poster and application form.

The deadline for completed applications is Friday, October 4, 2019.

Welcome to new members, Brianna Howell-Spooner , who is in Prince Albert, and Courtney Ellsworth , who is in Saskatoon. Both are from Ontario. As well, welcome to Danielle Marie Bitz and Nicole Bergen . We look forward to meeting and working with you.

https://files.constantcontact.com/6175425f301/314f4adc-da69-4f0c-b92f-42a8c2e54fa5.pdf

Seeing the adults have lots of fun at their "Book Tasting" event in October 2018, the kids decided they wanted to have a "Book Tasting" of their own.

Spearheaded by Lydia Manly, the Book Tasting was planned and organised with the help of librarian Dian Campbell.

Four tables were set with four different Series/Authors. Nate the Great (Marjorie Sharmat), Bunch of Munsch (Robert Munsch). Amelia Bedelia (Herman Parrish) and Asterix and Obelix (Rene Goscinny). Along with the books from each series was a yummy treat picked with the series in mind, including lemon meringue pie (Amelia Bedelia's favorite). Kids were invited to look through the books, fill out their menu cards with names, ratings and drawings, and try out the snacks.

The program proved a great way for young readers to sample different authors and for kids to nibble on a book and decide if they wanted to devour the whole thing.

12 children braved the cold weather to enjoy the afternoon munching on Literary Food.

Thanks, Lydia, for all your hard work.

What is Happening at the Estevan Public Library?

Check out Estevan Public Library's March programs here .


UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity has new initiatives for book lovers! They have launched a weekly book club that is open to anyone who is interested in reading and discussing queer books. The centre has books available for participants upon request. The book club runs every Monday from 5 to 6 PM.

UR Pride also has a library with a collection of books and movies, which can be accessed here .

Please contact Marina Candeia at [email protected] for more information.


  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic is hosting an Information Night! If you are interested in learning more about the Library & Information Technology Diploma or the Library Clerk Applied Certificate, then this is the event for you. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 6PM to 8PM at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus (1130 Idylwyld Drive North). You can contact the Library & Information Technology Program at 306-659-3846 for more information about their programs.
  • SaskBooks and its Board of Directors invite nominations for the Recognition for the Advancement of Publishing award which acknowledges the commitment, leadership, excellence and innovation, and mentorship by individuals or by individual publishers who operate(d) in Saskatchewan. Read more .
  • April 17, 2019 is National Canadian Film Day, a day for all Canadians to watch a great Canadian film. It promises to be a great party, with hundreds of events planned in communities across every province and territory. Over the past two years, over 500 libraries across Canada have participated, and we'd like to invite you to join the fun. It's easy for libraries to take part by organizing a screening.

It's easy to register.

Just fill out this form.
For more information, please visit their website.

Learning Opportunities:

  • The Saskatchewan School Library Association is hosting author Ruth Culham on April 11, 2019 in Saskatoon and on April 12, 2019 in Regina. Please refer to their website for more information.
  • The ABC Copyright 2019 Conference will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from May 30 to 31, 2019. The theme of this year's conference is "Negotiating Copyright: Local, National and Global Contexts." Registration is now open! Details are available here.

Other News

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) will host its first ē-micimināyakik: Museums, Cultural Centres, Archives, Interpretive Centres & Libraries Gathering on May 2-3, 2019 at the Ramada by Wyndham Saskatoon.

An event of this scope has never been held in Canada. This Indigenous focused gathering will include presentations, keynote addresses, workshops, large and small group discussions and networking opportunities. Our goal is to share issues, ideas, progress and solutions for First Nations museums, cultural centres, archives, interpretive centres and libraries. The Indigenous gathering is primarily attended by Indigenous curators, archivists, librarians, researchers, interpretive centres and museum professionals. However, we fully expect Indigenous grassroots community members and leadership in attendance.

For more information, please visit their website.

Newsletters from other cultural organizations

Saskatchewan Library Association

15-2010 7th Ave.

Regina, SK S4R 1C2

Phone: 306-780-9413 or 306-780-9409

Fax: 306-780-9447

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Web: saskla.ca

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.

The Saskatchewan Library Association gratefully acknowledges the support of our funding agencies.


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