The Partnerhip was created in 2004 by the Executive Directors of the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA), the Library Association of Alberta (LAA), the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and the Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) to support the professional development of librarians and information professionals. In February of 2005, the Nova Scotia Library Association (NSLA) and the Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA)also joined. By May of 2005, the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) and the Northwest Territories Library Association (NWLA) had also joined.

Two main initiatives by The Partnership are The Education Institute (EI) and THE OLAStore. Other initiatives include Partnership: the Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research and The Partnership Job Board. The Associations of The Partnership are co-operating on the development of these programs for the benefit of their individual members. All members of these Associations receive lower, favoured fees for programs and services. More information may be found below and also on the official Web site of The Partnership @ www.thepartnership.ca.

Partnership Retreat - Toronto, ON - August 2005

photo credit: Andrew J. Ryther, Director of Media Design, OLA

The Education Institute offers programs, workshops and events in various locations throughout the year. Virtual programs and courses are accessible on-line or by teleconference from the member's workplace or home. MLA Members enjoy a significantly discounted Member rate when registering for the Partnership EI sessions. Visit the EI and register for a session today! MLA Members interested in developing and contributing sessions to the Education Institute should contact the Provincial Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, Sherri Vokey, for more details.

EI Program Calendar

THE OLAStore supplies professional publications and materials offered by The Partnership, Canadian agents and distributors for over ten companies offering quality professional library literature. Other Library posters, various promotional materials and paraphernalia are also available.

For more details, visit http://www.thepartnership.ca/

Any questions, please contact manitobalibrary@gmail.com