Session Presenters
Kerry Anderson has been part of the Public Libraries Services Branch team for four and a half years. She received her MLIS from the University of Alberta in 1998, but has worked in libraries since her high school days.
Holly Arnason, for 2010-2011, was EPL's Next Generation Readers and Information Services Intern Librarian and the primary researcher for the "What Customers Want" project.
Jay Archibald has over 5 years of human resource experience in diverse roles, all within fast-paced, growth-oriented organizations. He is a Certified Human Resources Professional and holds (among others) a degree in Human Resources & Labour Relations from Athabasca University. He is a Councillor with the Town of Beaumont and has sat on the Board of Directors for the Beaumont Library since 2007.
Jocelyn Badley finished her degree in English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta in 2005, followed by her MLIS in 2007. She works as a Virtual Services/Reference Librarian at Strathcona County Library in Sherwood Park, where her responsibilities include reference, website maintenance, database subscriptions, collections, and technology training. She also serves on TAL’s Licensing Service Committee and on GELA’s Prison Subcommittee. When she is not at work, Jocelyn sews, reads, plays video games, and makes brief forays outside to check on her garden.
Susan Beatty is the Head, Learning Commons, Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary. She has extensive experience in both academic and public libraries. Her main responsibility is coordinating the delivery of reference service and technical support in the new Learning Commons. Susan has presented at various international conferences in Hong Kong, New Zealand, United States, England and Scotland.
Janelle Beblow, Communications Coordinator for The Alberta Library, is an award-winning communications professional with 14 years of experience speaking to groups of all sizes. She believes that what you communicate and how you communicate it are important elements in achieving goals. Janelle is excited to help library staff translate their enthusiasm and passion into effective communication.
Kim Bewick is Youth Librarian, Teen Services, at Strathcona County Library. She has a BA in Women’s Studies and an MLIS, both from the University of Alberta, and is a volunteer with the GELA Women’s Prison Library and Reintegration Subcommittee. She is passionate about social justice, library services, and bacon.
Amanda Bird is a Community Librarian at the Highlands and Jasper Place branches of Edmonton Public Library. She is a volunteer with the GELA Women’s Prison Library and Reintegration Subcommittee, and is passionate about social justice and public library services.
Michael Burris has been advocating for libraries throughout his 20 year library career. From his years as Public Services Librarian in Yellowknife, to his stint as the Chief Librarian in Kitimat, BC, to his decade with the BC Library Association, and through to his current work as Executive Director at Public Library InterLINK, Michael has benefitted from the wisdom and passion of library advocates at all levels, and has worked to transform passion into action.
Marilyn Cavanagh, prior to her retirement, was a business owner and the Executive Director of the Lesser Slave Lake Community Development Corporation. She is an avid reader and a strong believer in the value of public libraries in a community.
Kim Chung is the Program Director with the Centre for Family Literacy and has been working in the field for 8 years. She has over 18 years of experience in programming and training people of all ages. She was introduced to family literacy as a participant in a Rhymes that Bind program and is very passionate about the topic and the way she has seen it build capacity in adults, children, families and communities.
Virginia Clevette is the Manager of the Stanley A. Milner Library, located in the heart of Edmonton's downtown. As the main branch of the EPL system, the Milner Library offers a full range of library services and attracts citizens from all walks of life, including those who are living high- and at-risk lifestyles. Virginia oversees the work of 2 community librarians and 2 outreach worker who connect with downtown organizations and social service agencies.
Deborah Cryderman recently completed her MLIS degree, shifted from library manager of Stettler Public Library to the Library Director of Camrose Public Library, and lives in constant terror of any of her risky choices being noticed by the wrong people. So far, so good!
Diana Davidson became Director of Libraries Branch two years ago, on the opening day of the 2010 ALC. Diana holds a Ph.D. in literature and was an instructor at the University of Alberta for many years. She served as a Trustee on the Edmonton Public Library Board and as Chair in 2008.
Jim Dunbar, RISE Consultant Librarian at the Shortgrass Library System, has been a proponent of QR code usage in libraries for more than three years. He has monitored and researched the ways that QR codes are being used to provide smart phone users with information and experiences from a variety of organizations and businesses.
Linda Duplessis obtained her B.Ed. and MLIS from the University of Alberta and spent several years as a teacher and teacher-librarian in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. She began working at Peace Library System in 1993 as a Library Services Consultant and was appointed Director in 2001.
Marian Enow, as a Community Librarian at the Stanley A. Milner Library, works closely with several inner-city organizations to identify ways in which the library can support the needs of those living in Edmonton's Inner City.
Debbie Feisst is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts (Education & Physical Education) Library at the University of Alberta. She has also held the position of Internet Resources Librarian at Edmonton Public Library. Her professional areas of interest include building and maintaining relationships with faculty and curriculum materials centres and services for pre-service teachers.
Ken Feser is a professional librarian who is employed as a consultant to the library community by the Public Library Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs.
Cathy Freer-Leszczynski is the Director, Customer Services, at Calgary Public Library.
Linda Garvin is the Manager of the Mill Woods Branch of Edmonton Public Library. She has been an active participant in the Multicultural Connections and the Community-Led Service Philosophy teams of EPL. She sits on the Steering Team of the Library Settlement Services Program and hosts a Settlement Practitioner at the Mill Woods Branch.
Carmel Gatt is an award-winning architect with over 32 years of experience in Alberta. He is the Principal of Carmel Gatt Architect Ltd., a specialized architectural practice in Calgary focusing mainly on the design of libraries, commercial and retail projects. He has been a speaker at the ALC on 3 previous occasions and is a sessional lecturer at the School of Library Information Science at the University of Alberta. He has designed several libraries, among them the recently-opened addition to the Signal Hill branch of Calgary Public Library, the Crowfoot branch of Calgary Public Library, Okotoks Public Library, Chestermere Public Library, and the schematic design of the Mount Royal University Library. He has been designing libraries since 1987.
Jonna Grad is the Executive Director of the Centre for Family Literacy. She joined the Centre 2 1/2 years ago after moving to Edmonton from Ontario. Jonna has over 15 years experience working with families and communities in the nonprofit sector. Her background includes both direct service and management and administration roles, which has given her a wide breath of experience to draw on in her work.
Bonnie Gray is Assistant Director of the Public Library Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs. She has an MLS from the University of Western Ontario and a diploma in public administration from the University of Alberta. She worked with county and regional libraries in Ontario prior to coming to Alberta in 1980, where she has worked with public library staff and trustees on projects related to training and continuing education and spent several years working to create regional library systems. She is currently involved in library policy development and strategic planning, grants distribution, library service planning and cooperative initiatives with provincial library organizations.
Robyn Hall is a librarian at Red Deer College Library. She has taken a leading role in helping to integrate mobile-based services at her institution.
Carla Haug is a 21st Century Library Spaces Intern Librarian at Edmonton Public Library. A lifelong Edmontonian, she has studied (MLIS, 2011; BA Comparative Literature, 2006) and worked (Cameron Library) at the University of Alberta; and spent some years working for EPL, who hired her for her very first library job as a student page in 1999.
Ken Haycock coordinates the Centre for Information Research and Innovation at San Jose State University's School of Library and Information Science and is Senior Partner with Ken Haycock and Associates Inc. Dr. Haycock is professor emeritus and former director at San Jose, the world's largest MLIS program, with over 3,000 students n its nationally ranked program, as well as at the University of British Columbia. He has been a leader in effective board governance for several years, working with trustee associations in British Columbia and Ontario. His website includes several useful resources for boards (www.kenhaycock.com). He resides in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Richard Hayman joined MacEwan in 2009, and is currently a Reference Librarian and the Acting English Librarian. He brings an ardent interest in and aptitude for technology-based initiatives, and is involved in many projects that enhance the library’s virtual services and collections, including e-books and mobile content delivery.
Gail Hulnick brings 20 years of experience in news media as a TV reporter, radio morning show host, and magazine writer, plus 13 years in business as a communications consultant, to libraries and other groups. She delivers presentations to national and international organizations and provides coaching to leaders in the corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. Through WindWord Communications Inc., Gail also provides strategic communications planning services. Her background includes an MBA in Marketing, an MA in Journalism, a BA in Sociology and Psychology, and a term as a library trustee. She is based in Vancouver.
Ernie Ingles, FRSC, Vice-Provost and Director of the School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta, has over 40 years of academic and professional experience working in university settings. He has served as Chief Librarian at two Canadian universities and is currently Vice-Provost at the University of Alberta. In his new role as Director of the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS), Ernie is keenly interested in expanding the SLIS curriculum to include for-credit courses and continuing education workshops and courses in rural and multi-sector librarianship. This survey is the starting point of a broad educational and research agenda that will focus on libraries, library workers, and library services in rural, remote, and regional libraries.
Punch Jackson is mostly retired, but continues to advocate for libraries, the voluntary sector, community development and recreation. A political and social media junkie, he edits "Punch's Library Daily" online resource, is a regular volunteer, and a veteran public servant, having served 30 years in the Alberta public sector. Punch is also the LAA award winner in 2000 and 2010.
Oliver Kamau is the Regional Coordinator of In-School and Library Settlement Services programs. He has been active in the areas of multiculturalism, equity, human right and anti-racism education, and has been involved in numerous collaborative programs with community organizations and post-secondary institutions. Oliver sits on the Steering Team of the Library Settlement Services Program.
Deborah Kendze has an MLIS from the University of Western Ontario and has worked in school, academic and public libraries for over 25 years. She spent one year as Library Manager for The Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library and was devastated to see it burn to the ground. Currently, she is Director, Library Services, for Northern Lakes College. She is a strong advocate for libraries of all kinds.
Martina King is a Research and Reference Librarian at Grant MacEwan University and a volunteer member of the GELA (Greater Edmonton Library Association) young adult book club at the Edmonton Institute for Women (EIFW). She is passionate about digital literacy and providing learning opportunities.
Kevin Kramers is the Facilites and Operations Division Director for Edmonton Public Library. Kevin has had past experience working as the Facility Manager for Edmonton Police Services.
Lori Krupa graduated with a MLIS from the University of Alberta in 2010, following an extensive career as a Communications Specialist in the media and healthcare. She holds a BA in Communication and a diploma in Radio and Television Arts. Lori works as a Librarian in Adult Services at the Strathcona County Library in Sherwood Park. Collection development, writing/publishing and advocacy are her main areas of professional interest. Outside the library, her favourite place to play is in the mountains, equipped with family, friends and a camera.
Caroline Land is the Literacy Services Librarian at Edmonton Public Library. She is passionate about libraries’ roles in supporting literacy development for people of all ages.
Kristin Litke is the Client Services Technician at Yellowhead Regional Library. She holds an MCITP in Database Development and is a former public library manager. Her work is primarily focused on TRAC Central Site ILS Administration and YRL technology projects such as websites, apps and of course, CCD.
Gerald Logan is an educator who has held positions at the school, district and ministry level. Technology is a passion that has been a mainstay in all of his experiences. Gerald has taught every subject, but his recent focus has been on technology.
Marian Logan has taught in the face-to-face world as well as online. She has authored online courses and uses technology as part of her daily interactions with students. She has taught French as a second language, Social Studies and technology.
Sean Luyk is a Public Services Librarian in the Academic Library Internship Program at the University of Alberta, Music Library, and was formerly an Information Management Assistant at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. His areas of interest include new approaches to collection development, music librarianship, digital preservation, and the role of librarians in supporting academic research.
Valerie MacDonald is a 21st Century Library Spaces Intern Librarian at Edmonton Public Library, having just received her MLIS from the University of Alberta in 2011.
Pilar Martinez has been a strong library advocate throughout her career. Through her various positions, including Public Services Manager, Branch Manager and now Executive Director, Public Services, at Edmonton Public Library, combined with the experience of her leadership positions within library associations, Pilar has developed a strong understanding of the fundamental need for advocacy.
Brent McDonough is a public and adult educator who has served as a Trustee on the EPL Library Board for 5 years, including a year as Vice-Chair and the last 2 years as Chair. He has also held the position of Vice-Chair for both the EPL Internal and External Committees. Having served in a leadership capacity on a variety of provincial and local boards and committees, Brent has significant experience to share with others.
Kristian McInnis is an experienced conference presenter, having previously discussed communication planning and design at Netspeed, AALT and ALC. He is currently manager of the SAIT Library website and is a board member for AALT and FLA.
Mary Medinsky graduated with her MLIS from the University of Western Ontario in 2007. She loves working with teens and teachers at Red Deer College's Confluence Campus in Rocky Mountain House.
Pat McNamee is a professional librarian who is employed as a consultant to the library community by the Public Library Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs.
Leeanne Morrow is the Head of Instruction and Reference Services for Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary. She is responsible for the planning and execution of the library orientation program for all first-year students. With the opening of the Taylor Family Digital Library, she has also been involved with establishing and running tours of the new facility.
George Needham is Vice President, Global and Regional Councils, at OCLC in Dublin, Ohio. George's portfolio includes governance issues and the OCLC Library, and he contributes to the OCLC Cooperative blog.
Beth Norris has held the position of Automation Services Librarian at Chinook Arch Regional Library System since March 2010. Her interests include user interface design, e-book developments, and mysteries with cats.
Mary O'Neill is a past and present volunteer board member of several non-profit organizations. She is a former Member of the Alberta Legislature and a past School Board Trustee.
Anne O’Sullivan is a children’s librarian at the Fish Creek Branch of Calgary Public Library, and a recent graduate of the MLIS program at the University of Western Ontario. She is particularly passionate about children’s services, and the role of the public library in the community.
Tami Oliphant, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta. Working with the Director of SLIS, Ernie Ingles, Tami is developing continuing education courses and workshops and curricula in rural, remote, and multi-sector librarianship. Tami worked with the Population Research Laboratory and the Alberta Public Library Service Branch to create and refine the questions included in the Alberta Survey. She is also responsible for analyzing the data.
Terra Plato has been a Consultant Librarian at Chinook Arch since 2006, becoming Manager of Consulting Services in 2009. She works with all member libraries and their boards in a variety of areas, with a focus on training, marketing and communications, and strategic planning.
Tricia Prosser has worked in Youth Services at the Strathcona County Library for 5 years. She has a diploma from Grant MacEwan in Library and Information Technology. Her areas of interest are children's programming, reader's advisory, gadgets and great customer service. Outside of work, she loves to read, race motorcycles, and hang out with her family.
Toby Rabinovitz worked within the Volunteer Leadership Development sector as a consultant, volunteer, and government employee. Working in the non-profit and public sectors, Toby honed her skills in a variety of areas, including adult education, organizational development, training, public engagement, facilitation and program evaluation. She is known as a skilled facilitator with an expertise in competency-based leadership development.
Julia Reinhart is the APLEN Director at The Alberta Library (TAL). She has a wide array of experience in public, school, and regional libraries. Prior to TAL, Julia served as CEO of Shortgrass Library System, headquartered in Medicine Hat. She has also served as Head Librarian for the Brooks Public Library and as Library Manager with the London District Catholic School Board in Ontario.
Bill Rice, since 2007, has served as TAL Communications Director. Bill has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, working with Ministers, College Presidents and CEOs. Bill served as a Communications Director for the Alberta Government, Keyano College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, leading communications and marketing teams in strategic planning, brand development and province-wide marketing campaigns.
Alvin Schrader is Director of Research, University of Alberta Libraries, and professor emeritus and former director of the U of A School of Library and Information Studies. He has researched and published widely in the areas of intellectual freedom and censorship, sexual minority library services, and Internet access. Before taking his PhD at Indiana University, he worked in government and public libraries. Alvin has been active in the Canadian library community throughout his career, notably serving as President of the Canadian Library Association and of the Library Association of Alberta.He was the first Canadian Representative to the IFLA Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee, and is currently Convenor of the CLA Intellectual Freedom Advisory Committee.
Ron Sheppard is Chair of the APLEN Standing Committee and Director of Parkland Regional Library (PRL). He has been a TAL board member since 2005 and a member of the APLEN Standing Committee since 2007. Ron served on many projects dealing with resource sharing, interlibrary co-operation, and inter-institutional support conducted through both TAL and PRL.
Shannon Slater is a Community Outreach Librarian in the Humanities Department at Calgary Public Library. She works in a Readers’ Services capacity to enhance the Library’s services and programs for readers.
Sandy Stift has been at MacEwan University Library since 1997 in a variety of roles, including Reference Librarian, Centre for the Arts Acting Campus Librarian, and Reference Services Coordinator. Most recently, she has been Acting Collections Development Coordinator, where she has developed a keen interest in patron driven acquisition.
Carol Suddards served as project lead in 2010-11 for the ALTA Trustee Learning initiative, focusing on trustee learning and board development. She has served on the EPL Library Board for 5 years, including as Vice-Chair. In this role, she assisted the board in reviewing its own recruitment, orientation and ongoing trustee learning approaches. She is an experienced adult and community educator who loves to share what she has learned and support others in their learning.
Judith Sykes is in her fourth year as School Library Services Manager, Government of Alberta, Education, and has been leading the School Library Services Initiative. School Library Services Initiative committee members joining Judith will be introduced during the presentation. Judith had presented the background, research and updates regarding the School Library Services Initiative at the Alberta Library Conference in 2010 and 2011.
Sharon Thompson has been a consultant at Parkland Regional Library for over 4 years. Prior to that she was the school librarian at an Islamic school in Kuwait, where library collections were closely monitored by students, staff, parents, administration, and the Ministry of Education.
Jared Tkachuck is an outreach worker for the "Building a Safer Community through Inclusive Learning” project. Jared has a degree in social work and works directly with Boyle Street Community Services and other social service agencies to provide library clients with referrals and access to a range of services and supports.
Grant Tolley is the Manager of Strategic Planning at the Public Library Services Branch of Municipal Affairs.
Kathleen Troppmann is the Teen Services Coordinator at St. Albert Public Library. She is looking forward to finding more ways to involve teens in the community.
Caroline Vandriel has been working for Northern Lights Library System since 2009. She has her MLIS from the University of Western Ontario and an MA in Secondary Education from the University of Alabama. She likes exploring new ways of presenting information for the greatest possible impact.
Beth Wortman is a 21st Century Library Spaces Intern Librarian at Edmonton Public Library after completing her MLIS at the University of Alberta in 2011. She’s thrilled to be a real librarian and doing research but she finds it weird to write about herself in the third person.
Shannon Vossepoel, Head Librarian at Brooks Public Library, has been using QR codes at Brooks Public Library for the past year and a half, and has actively monitored the response to this initiative. She has also researched and monitored the ways that QR codes are being creatively and effectively used in libraries and other industries.
Anne Marie Watson (BA, MLIS) is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Red Deer College Library, and has experience in special and public libraries. An active community volunteer who was elected as a school trustee in 2010, she is a keen user of social media who looks for new and innovative ways to engage the community. Follow her tweets at @amjwatson.
Jocie Wilson has worked in libraries for over 12 years. She started as a student page and is now working as a Client Services Librarian for Yellowhead Regional Library. She has been able to expand her passion for children's and teen services this past year from just public libraries to now include school library services as well.
Laura Winton is a recent grad of the University of Alberta's MLIS program. Her research and professional interests include teen services, multimedia literacies and texts, popular culture and young people, and reading processes.