MLC 2018

The panel will present a background story of each library, including a brief history of the three libraries and the communities, and how they have evolved over the years. We will then discuss the unique challenges that northern libraries face, including those regarding distance, isolation, funding challenges, changing demographic and social issues, among other concerns. The panel will also discuss the many rewards that come with serving a northern community, and how each library has overcome some of the challenges in unique and interesting ways. We will discuss the way we have worked together to support each other, and what our collective vision is for service to the residents of Northern Manitoba. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. At this time we also hope to have some general discussion among participants regarding issues they may have and input that could come from others who have found themselves in similar situations. Our target audience is anyone who is involved with libraries in any capacity, within the Province, not just in the North. We believe it is important that all library employees, board members and government representatives understand how diverse the library community is in Manitoba, and hope that it will lead to better understanding and collaboration between all libraries. We also think that this would be a good opportunity to have library workers in similar situations network, potentially creating a support system that can go beyond the conference.