How does a nascent Federation of Library Associations work well with others? The Case of Canada

Abstract

In 2016, a new Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) was born as an intentional and positive outcome of the dissolution of the Canadian Library Association. The Federation’s focus is on national advocacy for all libraries. This is a new way forward – one that hopes to leverage the combined membership strength of the many library associations in Canada, to create new opportunities for individuals in the library community to have their voices heard at a national level, and to reinforce collaboration amongst the various library associations rather than see competition amongst them. CFLA’s emergence is a credit to its key association members’ willingness to invest in, and to work together on, common issues -- but how will the Federation and its member associations best coordinate advocacy on key civil society issues? How do they engage with other memory institutions and associations, and non-library groups that are active on those issues? Drawing upon various Canadian associations’ activities, including the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, Ontario Library Association, and the Federation itself, we will describe work in two active policy areas: indigenous services and response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and copyright and user rights’ groups’ readiness for a 2017 Parliamentary Review of our Copyright Act.