
The Canadian Library Association Announces Winner of the
CLA/Information Today Award for Innovative Technology
For Immediate Release
(Ottawa, April 18) The Canadian Library Association / Association
canadienne des bibliothèques is pleased to announce that the 2011
recipient of the CLA/Information Today Award for Innovative Technology
is Red Deer Public Library for their project Engaging Community on
the Web: Red Deer Public Libraries Election Forum. The award is
given in recognition of the ground breaking and innovative use of
technology to foster community awareness and engagement in the political
process.
Red Deer Public Library has changed the way libraries define engaging
the community. Their innovative marketing and promotion of community
involvement in the political process has changed and will continue to
change the way libraries, librarians and library services are perceived
and valued by their communities and the general public in Red Deer,
Alberta.
One of the most innovative aspects of their project was the
simplicity of the message, and broad reach into the community using
candidate blogs and comments, social media and live video streaming of
Election Central. The public engagement in the election and the
continued engagement in the library identify this project as an exciting
new representation of the ability of libraries to serve their
communities!
The CLA/Information Today Award is presented annually to honour a
member or members of CLA for innovative use and application of
technology in a Canadian library setting. The Award is generously
sponsored by Information Today, Inc. and will be presented at the CLA
2011 National Conference & Trade Show in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the
World Trade & Conference Centre, May 25 - 28, 2011.
The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des
bibliothèques is Canada's largest national and broad-based library
association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and
special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all
those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through
information and literacy.
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Media Contact: Elaine DeBonis
Assistant Director, Timmins Public Library
edebonis@ntl.sympatico.ca