Queen’s University has officially entered into a partnership with Library and Archives Canada (LAC).

In an agreement signed on Thursday, Queen’s and LAC pledged to work together to share expertise and knowledge; to collaborate in supporting academic advancement, research practices and technological developments; and to proactively facilitate community outreach to promote Canadian documentary heritage.

Going forward the university will work with LAC on topics of interest to the Queen’s community and to cross-promote their shared initiatives.  LAC will also continue to host Queen’s students through work placement programs and inviting members of the Queen’s community to participate in conferences.

“We are excited to formally acknowledge our commitment to collaborating with each other to increase our impact, and to lead the way forward in developing services, resources and technologies to support our communities,” says Martha Whitehead, Vice-Provost (Digital Planning) and University Librarian.

In concert with this agreement, the library welcomed Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, to meet local librarians, archivists and directors of galleries and museums on Thursday, May 25 in Stauffer Library. This informal gathering included a panel of speakers who explored the evolving world of GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums).

In addition to Dr. Berthiaume, speakers included Patricia Enright, Chief Librarian, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, and Paul Robertson, City Curator, City of Kingston, and several Queen’s individuals – Jan Allen, Director, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Paul Banfield, University Archivist, Rosaleen Hill, Program Director, Department of Art Conservation and Art History, and Martha Whitehead, Vice-Provost (Digital Planning) and University Librarian.  

Ideas for future initiatives with LAC are welcome – contact Queen’s University Library with any ideas.