The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques is the leading national voice for the Canadian library and information community.

CLA continues to advocate with the federal government regarding the impact of the 2012 budget cuts to federal libraries and Library and Archives Canada.

• Determining the impact of the 2012 federal budget cuts on LAC : Questions to LAC. 
  • Response received from LAC  (April 2013)
  • Follow-up letter to LAC from CLA  (April 2013)
• CLA Member Advocacy Survey on the Impact of Federal Budget Cuts to Canada’s Libraries: Final Report
• Federal Library Budget Cuts Toolkit

CLA conducts research and collects statistics on the state of Canadian libraries.

• National Statistical and Values Profile of Canadian Libraries: Report (November 2012) (pdf)
  • National Values Profile (pdf)
  • National Statistical Profile (pdf)

CLA defends against challenges to intellectual freedom.

• ALA Letter to James Moore re: LAC code of conduct (April 2013)
• Letter to James Moore re: LAC code of conduct (April 2013)
• Statement on LAC code of conduct (March 2013)
• CLA Supports Dale Askey in Libel Suit Defence (February 2013)
• CLA continues its support for Dale Askey (March 2013)

CLA contributes to various federal government consultations.

• Letter to the Clerk of the Privy Council regarding the appointment to the position of Librarian and Archivist of Canada
• CLA responds to 2013 Federal Budget
• Submission to the Information Commissioner's consultation on the Access to Information Act
• Submission to 2012 federal budget consultation

CLA participates in the Library and Archive Canada's Pan-Canadian Documentary Heritage Network

• Network Reports
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) User Roundtable
• User Round Table on the National Union Catalogue

CLA provides training materials to help members become effective advocates.

• Library Advocacy Now!
• Canadian Library Month

 

Together with partners, CLA/ACB advocates to the federal government in two broad areas of interest:

Public Policy issues that impact libraries, librarians and information specialists, and library users. Examples are:

• Copyright and other intellectual property issues
• Intellectual freedom and freedom of expression
• CLA Summer Grassroots Advocacy Kit

Funding issues that impact the flow of federal funding to libraries. Examples are:

• Community Access Program
• Library Book Rate

Issues of concern to the Canadian library and information community and CLA's involvement:

• Access to information for print-disabled Canadians
  • Symposium on a National Network for Equitable Library Services: Final Report, 27 February 2013 [PDF]
  • Opening the Book: A Strategy for a National Network for Equitable Library Service for Canadians with Print Disabilities [PDF]
  • Ouvrir le livre: Une stratégie pour un réseau national de services de bibliothèque équitables pour les Canadiennes et les Canadiens incapables de lire les imprimés [PDF]