In 2015, the University of Victoria Libraries, the Greater Victoria Public Library, and Camosun College Library launched the inaugural Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference (VILSC). Since then, we’ve come together annually to create meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and long-lasting friendships.
Contact
libraryconference@uvic.ca
VILSC Directors
Jonathan Bengtson, University Librarian, UVic Libraries
Jonathan Bengtson is the University Librarian at the University of Victoria. He is the immediate Past President of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the current chair of the executive committee of the National Heritage Digitization Strategy (NHDS). Jonathan is the founder and co-editor-in-chief of the international, peer-reviewed, open access journal KULA: knowledge creation, dissemination, and preservation studies and the 2021 recipient of the Ron McDonald Distinguished Service Award by CRKN. Jonathan has been a library director in Canada, the US, and the UK over the past 25 years.
Erin Howard, Director of Learning Services, Camosun College
Erin recently joined Camosun College in September as the Director of Learning Services. She provides leadership for the Library, Makerspace, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), and Writing Centre. Erin is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership at Western University and previously completed a masters degree in educational technology from UBC. Erin has experience in curriculum and instructional design and expertise in the areas of hybrid team development, stakeholder engagement, and competency-based assessment. Erin was excited to ditch her winter tires in Alberta to head for the coast and has been enjoying her time so far at Camosun. She has two adult sons and two small dogs that she likes to spend her time with, and loves exploring the outdoors and staying active!
Maureen Sawa, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Victoria Public Library
Maureen Sawa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), Throughout her career, Maureen has been recognized for her collaborative and non-traditional approach to library service and her pioneering work with cross-sector partnerships. A recipient of the United Way of Greater Victoria Award for Collaboration & Partnership., she is a past Chair of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council and the Association of B.C. Public Library Directors. A founding member of the Ottawa Declaration Working Group, Maureen continues to represent public library interests on a variety of provincial and national working and advisory groups.
VILSC Planning Committee 2024
David Boudinot, Co-chair (UVic)
Jennifer Wells, Co-chair (UVic)
Aiyang Ma (GVPL)
Naomi Charaf (GVPL)
Rae Parkinson (Camosun)
Kimberley Sutcliffe (Camosun)
Vruti Patel (Camosun)
Haydn Lloyd (Camosun)
Charles Hogg, (BC Legislative Library)
Kaelan Smith (UVic)
Michael Lines (UVic)
Samantha MacFarlane (UVic)