You’re Invited: The Informed Library Full‑Day Symposium on Intellectual Freedom – April 16
You’re invited to join the Library Association of Alberta (LAA) and The Alberta Library (TAL) as we partner with the Southern Alberta Library Conference to host a special in‑person event this spring:
Hosted by: Library Association of Alberta (LAA) & The Alberta Library (TAL)
Join us for The Informed Library spring symposium—a full‑day, hands‑on learning experience focused on strengthening understanding and practice around intellectual freedom in Alberta’s libraries. This free event welcomes library workers, trustees, students, and community partners navigating today’s increasingly complex information landscape.
This year’s symposium features an interactive workshop with James Turk, a national leader in intellectual freedom and academic expression. Through real examples, guided activities, and group discussion, James will support participants in building the confidence and practical skills needed to engage thoughtfully with community members. He will also lead a practical session on crafting and evaluating strong intellectual freedom policies that support transparent, values‑driven decision‑making in libraries of all sizes.
--------------------------------------------------------
During this full‑day symposium, you will:
-
Learn strategies for having productive, trust‑building conversations about intellectual freedom
-
Explore real‑world scenarios involving challenges to materials, displays, and programs
-
Work directly with James Turk to understand the components of effective policies
-
Practice drafting and refining policy language aligned with your library’s mission
-
Connect with colleagues from across Alberta to share learnings and approaches
Participants will also enjoy complimentary coffee, a catered lunch, and dedicated networking time, supported by the Library Association of Alberta.
----------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events 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 details coming soon.
A special thank‑you to the Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) for supporting this free province‑wide learning series.
We hope you’ll join us for this important and engaging day of learning.