The Informed Library: Full‑Day Symposium: Intellectual Freedom (Free Event)

The Informed Library: Full‑Day Symposium: Intellectual Freedom (Free Event)

Lethbridge & District Exhibition Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre

Virtual


Description

Full‑Day Symposium: Intellectual Freedom (Free Event)
When: April 16, 2026 • 10:00AM-3:00PM (MT)
Where: Lethbridge & District Exhibition Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre
Hosted by: Library Association of Alberta (LAA) & The Alberta Library (TAL)

Join us for The Informed Library spring symposium, a full‑day learning experience dedicated to deepening understanding and strengthening practice around intellectual freedom in Alberta’s libraries. This free event welcomes library staff, trustees, students, and community partners who are navigating the increasingly complex conversations emerging in today’s information landscape.

This year’s symposium features a hands‑on workshop with James Turk, a national leader in intellectual freedom and academic expression. Through interactive learning, real examples, and facilitated discussion, James will guide participants in developing the knowledge and confidence needed to engage meaningfully with community members about intellectual freedom. He will also lead a practical session on how to craft, evaluate, and strengthen intellectual freedom policies that support transparent, values‑driven decision‑making in libraries of all sizes.

You’ll be part of a thoughtful and action‑oriented exploration of how libraries uphold the right to read, access information, and engage in open public dialogue.

During this full‑day symposium, you’ll:

  • Learn strategies for having productive, trust‑building conversations with community members about intellectual freedom
  • Explore real‑world scenarios involving challenges to materials, displays, and programming
  • Work directly with James Turk to understand the components of strong intellectual freedom policies
  • Practice drafting and refining policy language that aligns with your library’s mission and values
  • Connect with library colleagues from across Alberta to share experiences and approaches

Enjoy complimentary coffee, a catered lunch, and time to network with colleagues throughout the day—supported by the Library Association of Alberta.

Upcoming Sessions in the Series

The Informed Library continues throughout spring 2026:

  • April 2026 – Full‑Day Symposium: Intellectual Freedom
  • May 2026 – Fireside Chat: Fundraising and Sustainability

More session details will be shared soon.

A big thank‑you to the Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) for supporting this free series and helping make these learning opportunities possible.


Featured Speakers

Speaker James Turk
Professor James Turk is Director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University. With an A.B. (magna cum laude)  from Harvard University, an M.A, from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Professor Turk has been a Knox Fellow at the …

Professor James Turk is Director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University. With an A.B. (magna cum laude)  from Harvard University, an M.A, from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Professor Turk has been a Knox Fellow at the University of Cambridge, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, and Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto.


He writes and speaks extensively on freedom of expression, academic freedom, intellectual freedom, civil liberties, university governance, and related public policy issues. 


Professor Turk has received a number of awards for his work, including the Intellectual Freedom Award for outstanding contributions to intellectual freedom in Canada from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération Canadienne des Associations de Bibliothèques (2023), the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award from the Ontario Library Association (2019), the Milner Memorial Award for contributing significantly to an understanding and strengthening of academic freedom in Canada from the Canadian Association of University Teachers (2018), the Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award from the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association (2014), the Jay Newman Award for Academic Integrity from the University of Guelph Faculty Association (2013), and the Distinguished Member Award from the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education (2012).


He also has been Executive Assistant to the National President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Director of Education for the Ontario Federation of Labour, and Research Director for the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of Canada. He serves as a member of the Steering Committee of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group. His most recent paper is, “Academic Freedom in Canada: Its Origins, Components, and Limits,” Canadian Labour & Employment Law Journal 25(No. 1) 2023.

Full Description



Organizer

Library Association of Alberta and The Alberta Library


View this event's webpage »

Date and Time

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(GMT-0500) US/Central

Location

Lethbridge & District Exhibition Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre

Virtual




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