2009 CASLIS Award for Special Librarianship in Canada Announced

(Ottawa, April 29, 2009) – The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques today announced that Yvonne Earle is this year’s recipient of the Canadian Association of Special Libraries and Information Services (CASLIS) Award for Special Librarianship in Canada in recognition of her unique contributions to librarianship in Nunavut including leading efforts of several Nunavut library systems to incorporate Inuktitut syllabics into online cataloguing and developing a consistent Inuktitut vocabulary for bibliographic description.

Awarded annually since 1979, the award is intended to recognize and reward those who have made an outstanding contribution to special librarianship in Canada through professional and/or Divisional activities. Professional activities may include research, publishing, teaching, or significant participation in other related professional associations.

Yvonne Earle, who has served as the Legislative Librarian at the Legislative Library of Nunavut, Nunavut Legislative Assembly; Baffin Regional Manager for Northwest Territories Public Library Services; and has volunteered with the Iqaluit Literacy Committee and Nunavut Literacy Council; has demonstrated leadership and innovation in advancing special librarianship in Canada by advocating free and open access to information for all residents of Nunavut, regardless of what language they speak, what kind of library they use, and which remote hamlet they are located in.

"We were impressed by the very clear impact Yvonne has made on her colleagues, both in Nunavut and beyond. She really embodies the spirit of giving back, of seeking challenges, and making the profession stronger. CASLIS could not be more pleased to have such a wonderful candidate for the 2009 CASLIS Award for Special Librarianship" stated Robyn Stockand, CASLIS President.

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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For more information, contact: Melissa Fraser, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, (613) 996-5562 or Melissa.Fraser@international.gc.ca