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Archive for March, 2009


CRTC eConsultation for Net Neutrality Hearings

Published March 31st, 2009 in net neutrality | No Comments »

The CRTC has launched an eConsultation website where anyone can comment on the topics that will be covered during the July hearing on Internet traffic management practices. According to their website:

Some Internet service providers (ISPs) use traffic management techniques to influence or alter the flow of Internet traffic on their networks. The use of certain practices has raised concerns in Canada and other jurisdictions. On November 20, 2008, the CRTC initiated a proceeding to examine Internet traffic management practices and consider whether such practices are appropriate.

They are looking for comments on:

  • Impact on User Experience
  • Impact on Innovation
  • Approaches to Internet Traffic Management
  • The role of the CRTC in traffic management practices
  • ISP notifications

A full transcript of the discussion threads will be placed on the public record of the hearings. Comments will be accepted up to April 30.

American children’s books: between 1.3% and 6% diverse…

Published March 25th, 2009 in other | No Comments »

Some depressing statistics about representations of minorities (black, Latino, American Indian and Asian) in American children’s literature, reported by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center:

  • 172 books (6%) had significant African or African American content.
  • 40 books (1.3%) had significant American Indian content.

Thanks to Mitali for the link.

New issue of Information for Social Change Journal

Published March 25th, 2009 in other | No Comments »

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this organisation, Information for Social Change “examines issues of censorship, freedom and ethics amongst library and information workers,” and promotes “alternatives to the dominant paradigms of library and information work.”

The latest issue of their journal, No. 28, Winter 2008/09, is available now.

The Tamer Institute For Community Education awarded the 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Published March 25th, 2009 in other | No Comments »

The Tamer Institute For Community Education has been awarded the 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, according to a National Post article from yesterday.

The Institute works in the West Bank and along the Gaza Strip, making books available to children there who cannot attend school. The Award website acknowledges the Institute’s work, “under difficult circumstances,” to carry out “reading promotion of an unusual breadth and versatility.” The Institute has dedicated the award to “the children of Palestine who have faced many painful events throughout the past 60 years.”

Art, Access and Legislation in the Digital Age

Published March 18th, 2009 in copyright | No Comments »

Making it work: Art, Access and Legislation in the Digital Age

A public forum on how to build a vibrant online Canadian arts presence while ensuring fairness for both artists and users.

Hosted By:
Olivia Chow, MP (Trinity-Spadina)

Panel experts on digital copyright law, arts, industry, public interest and policy:

  • Charlie Angus NDP Digital Affairs Critic
  • Michael Geist Canada Research Chair in Internet And E-Commerce Law, University of Ottawa
  • Don Quarles Executive Director, Songwriters Association of Canada
  • Stephen Waddell National Executive Director, ACTRA
  • Victoria Owen Canadian Library Association representative

Free, open to the public. Dicussion encouraged.

Streamed live from ustream.tv

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Health Sciences Building, U of T
Street: 155 College St
City/Town: Toronto, ON

Canadian Citizenship in the Information Age

Published March 10th, 2009 in conference, information commons, open government | No Comments »

The DemTech Symposium is a pre-conference of the Canadian Library Association’s Annual Congress and Trade Show, organized by the Information Commons Interest Group. The call for presentations ends March 15. They are looking for presentations on:

  • Consultation & Public Dialogue;
  • Public Policy and Legal Challenges to accessing government data;
  • Technologies to Enable Access.