Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to invite you to the 24th Annual IFLA Pre-Conference of Library and Research Services for Parliaments which will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from 6-8 August 2008.
The theme of the conference is Legislative Libraries: Partners in Democracy. We will focus on how parliamentary libraries work to assist their parliaments, parliamentarians and others to make the democratic process more effective. In an age characterized by advances in technology that are more rapid and persistent than ever before, we are faced with the challenge of responding to the changing needs of our client legislatures. Our role as knowledge providers increasingly has as much to do with connections as it does with collections.
I encourage you to come to Ottawa and share your ideas with colleagues from around the world. Explore ways in which we can be more effective in assisting parliamentarians, and join in discussions on how smaller libraries seek out innovative ways of offering the full range of services to their clients. Examine potential partnerships, such as training and support for developing democracies, and hear expert panelists explain their international work. Connect with your colleagues as we discuss ideas, share best practices, and learn from each other.
I am especially pleased to be able to host you in our Main Library, an architectural gem dating from 1876. An extensive and meticulous restoration process just completed last year has returned this unique building to its original neo-gothic splendor while making it one of the world’s most modern of library facilities.
Please check our conference website regularly for updates, as we develop our program and prepare to welcome you to Canada’s capital and the Library of Parliament!
Sincerely,
William Young
Parliamentary Librarian
