Preconference Session: Reimagining Libraries Nova Scotia for the Future: Increasing Collaboration, Increasing Community Value

Sponsored by:  Nova Scotia Provincial Library and Novanet.

In the spring and summer of 2007, members of the Council of Regional Librarians (CoRL), the Novanet Consortium of Libraries, and the Nova Scotia Provincial Library (NSPL) came together to lay the groundwork for the Nova Scotia Library concept, later to become Libraries Nova Scotia (LNS). A vision statement was developed, a steering committee established and numerous initiatives ensued in subsequent years, including the popular Borrow Anywhere Return Anywhere (BARA) partnership program involving academic and public libraries across the province as well as the community reading initiative One Book Nova Scotia, now entering its fourth year.

Fast forward to 2011 and the creation of the Archives, Museums and Libraries unit within the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. Although the LNS steering committee continues to lead the collaboration with a majority of members representing public and postsecondary libraries, there is now representation from the archival and museum communities.  Over the last few years, it has become increasingly apparent that the three areas share similar challenges.  The idea of further extending the partnership, and reimagining the original vision for LNS, offers exciting possibilities and opportunities.    

The purpose of this pre-conference session is to bring together these critical communities of interest to navigate the future of LNS - What has been accomplished? What has changed since 2007? What are the shared challenges and opportunities for the future?  What would a closer partnership look like?  What should the governance model be?    

Join us for this facilitated session to answer these questions and more as we explore the future of Nova Scotia’s Libraries, Museums and Archives working together.