Special Libraries Committee
The Ontario Library Association’s Special Libraries Committee (OLA-SLC) is a group of special librarians and non-traditional information professionals operating in smaller or lesser known library workplaces (beyond special exhibits or collections) that are not typically visible to the public. Members are dedicated to collaborating, promoting, and sharing the wealth of knowledge in our professional community in Ontario. They come from a diverse range of fields including librarians in government, entertainment, media, law, business and news, as well as research consultants, information specialists, knowledge workers, prospect researchers, and students.
The committee advocates for awareness of special libraries and their unique challenges, and provides opportunities for partnerships and community outreach by coordinating professional development events, special library and research tours, article nights, and community socials. The committee also supports the call for proposals for the Special Libraries stream at the OLA’s annual Super Conference.
CO-CHAIRS:
- Natasha Kwiatkowski, ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton
- Mi Yoon, McMaster University
Alison Skyrme, Toronto Metropolitan University
Astrid Lange, Toronto Star
Christina Ransom, Access Copyright
Rebecca Efrat, CBC
Jordana Winegust, Kids Help Phone
Maggie Tiong, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Corrina Taccone, Ministry of Education
Gina Freitag, Ex-Officio, Ontario Library Association
Read the Committee’s Terms of Reference or contact Gina Freitag (gfreitag@accessola.com) for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
More to come… please check back!
PAST EVENTS
- March 21, 2024 – Special Libraries Spring Social (at Glad Day Bookshop)
- February 29, 2024 – Escape Room Research Tour
- January 25, 2024 – Toronto Symphony Orchestra Library Tour
- December 7, 2023 – TLA Courthouse Library Tour
- August 10, 2023 – Special Libraries Summer Social
- July 7, 2023 – Toronto Cemetery Research Tour
- May 26, 2023 – Chinese Canadian Archive Tour at TPL
- April 20, 2023 – Snakes & Lattes Games Library Tour & Social
- May 30, 2018 – Tour the Frank and Anita Ekstein Holocaust Library
- May 3, 2018 – Lunchtime Tour of the ROM Library and Archives
- April 24, 2018 – Tour the Ontario Historical Society’s library
- December 6, 2017 – Tour Double Feature: Ryerson University Library’s Archives and Special Collections, and the Ryerson Image Centre
- November 21, 2017 – Open Community: An Info Pro Intro Event
- June 7, 2017 – Join us for a tour of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s library and archives!
- March 2, 2017 – Improve Your Data Literacy: Tips for spotting misleading statistics
Visit the Special Libraries Committee website to find out more about the committee and the program/services they offer.