Indo-Canadian Librarian Series - Narendra Passi

In his own voice:

"I attended University of Delhi, School of Library Science and graduated in 1959. I was the first Gold medalist in librarianship at that university. I got encouraged and decided to continue my studies towards M Lib. Sc. which I completed in 1960. I was hired by Vikram University, Ujjain that year and stayed there for five years. I came to Canada in 1965 and found a job at McMaster University. Joined as a Reference librarian, got many promotions and by the year I retired, I was the Head of Reference Services. I also started Library Science courses (part-time) at the U.O.T. and graduated in 1969.

I started doing volunteer work and also became President of the Hindu Samaj of Hamilton. It was during that time that the temple got attacked the week after after the 9-11 in the USA. We had to collect funds and start the temple activities all over again. Now I am the President of the Seniors Seva Mnadal of Hamilton and Region. This programme came about when the Ontatio Government announced "AGING AT HOME " program."

• Facebook
• Cited in: A Bibliography of Bertrand Russell (Page xxi)
• Member: South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region

The Best Bottomline of the Year 2009 by Dan Lett

If more city councillors were married to librarians, it would be an easy call. Is writing on the wall for city's libraries? By: Dan Lett,

Libraries discussed in the above article:

The new Minneapolis Central Library

The New York Public Library in Manhattan

Vancouver Public Library

Seattle Central Library with Rem Koolhaas

Winnipeg Public Library – Millennium Library

See on the same shelf:

The 25 Most Modern Libraries in the World

Librarians at the gate [Toronto Reference Library renovation]

Really Modern Library

Eight recipients announced for 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards

The Library of Alexandria by Kelly Trumble

Better by Design: An Introduction to Planning and Designing a New Library Building by Ayub Khan

Property tax boost to help libraries [Vancouver City Council], Globe and Mail - Wendy Steuck - ‎Dec 18, 2009‎

A tale of two countries' libraries - Canada versus USA

[TARA WALTON/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

Jane Pyper, Toronto's chief librarian, in the stacks; books are "the perfect format," the others are ever-changing.]

Click here to read the news story:

A tale of two countries' libraries - Canada vs USA

The 25 Most Modern Libraries in the World

I found this list of 25 on the Web, and surprisingly it misses, the most important world famous modern library, i.e, Library of Alexandria:
 

The 25 Most Modern Libraries in the World By Christina Laun @ bestcollegesonline.com
Extract: "Libraries aren’t just musty places to store books with librarians shushing anyone who makes a peep. They’ve become much more than that and the modern library is often home to sleek architecture and the latest technology. These 25 libraries, in no particular order, demonstrate how libraries have become part of the cutting edge of information management, design and Web technology, and all of them can help you get some ideas on how to bring your library into the future."

My question: Are these ranked? Answer: no! Are these evaluated, nope!--
Reader: You will have to do it.

• Yes, a few lilbrarians are happy that they are cited:
  The 'M' Word - Marketing Libraries: 25 Most Modern Libraries in ...
  
  UCSD Libraries: Geisel Library Named Among 25 Most Modern Libraries
  
  Only one critique of something related: Tame The Web, Dear Fiona (if that IS your name)

See also on the same shelf:

• 100 extensive Universities Libraries around the World that anyone can access
• National Library Week: Most Beautiful Libraries Around the World, ABC News

  In an effort to highlight the contributions of libraries and library workers, National Library Week kicks off April 14-20. Since its inception in 1958, it has been sponsored by the American Library Association every April . This year's theme is "Communities matter @ your library®."
  
  -- Library of Congress, Washington D.C.; New York Public Library, New York City; Salt Lake City Public Library; Geisel Library; University of California: San Diego; Seattle Central Public Library; Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland; Abbey Library, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Vatican Library, Vatican City; Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

Multicultural Canadian Website: Promotes History of Indo-Canadians

The Government of Canada Supports Simon Fraser University Library under a project called "Documenting and Exploring Multicultural Canada".

"This project on the study and exploration of Canadian multiculturalism involves upgrading the Multicultural Canada website by digitizing various documents that record the contribution of different ethnocultural communities to Canadian society. Among other things, the website will bring together documents, newspapers, and sound clips currently scattered throughout different libraries and archive services. The site will be a unique source of information on the history of the Chinese, Ukrainian, German, Hungarian, Vietnamese, and Indo-Canadian communities in Canada. Information will be provided in English and French and in the language of each community."

"The goal of this project is to preserve and provide access to the record of individuals and communities of Canada’s peoples. Through newspapers, interviews, photographs, letters, family papers and oral histories, the people who have made Canada have documented their experience." Says Lynn Copeland, Dean of Library Services, Simon Fraser University Library. Project contacts

See also on the shelf:

• Library and Archives Canada: Multicultural Initiatives
• Japanese Canadian Story Telling
• The Historical Chinese Language Materials in British Columbia (www.hclmbc.org)

Librarians at the gate

MILESTONES

Cities worldwide are investing in libraries as never before, hoping for that `Bilbao effect,' the kind of civic shot in the arm only an ambitious building can provide. In its modest way, Toronto is no exception
Nov 03, 2007 04:30 AM Christopher Hume Urban Affairs Columnist, Toronto Star

extract: "...Though long overdue, libraries are finally starting to get the respect they deserve. Despite reports of their demise, they have not only survived the onslaught of civic poverty and computerized knowledge, they have thrived.

Cities around the world are investing in libraries as never before. In some instances, new libraries have created their own "Bilbao effect," changing the very image and perception of a community. The most celebrated example is that of Seattle, which famously hired Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas to design its new main branch. The result is one of the most original buildings of the 21st century. Most remarkable, it isn't just another pretty face; it actually functions.

Even more interesting in some respects was the 2002 "reconstruction" of the legendary Alexandria Library in Egypt. Destroyed in antiquity, it has been now been dramatically replaced by the Norwegian architectural firm, Snohetta.

Though Toronto has nothing of equal significance, we are well into a library rebuilding campaign that for all its modesty has had impressive results. Most of the work has occurred in small neighbourhood branches such as Runnymede, Malvern and the Beach. A total of 12 buildings have been renovated so far; next year another six will be completed.

Now, the biggest city library of all, the Toronto Reference Library on Yonge St. just north of Bloor, is undergoing renovation. The fact that the building opened 30 years ago this week brings extra meaning to the project, which couldn't have come at a better time.

... But does our attitude toward libraries allow us to view them as cultural facilities?

In Toronto it seems we understand them as being somewhere between a public work and an educational institution.

They are both, of course, but more. In its essence, the library is a repository of knowledge, as well as an archive and place of learning. Nothing could be nobler, but we prefer they remain in the public sector, paid for with tax dollars." continue reading

• See also in same shelf and aisle: Toronto Reference Library renovation update And a comment on the above article : "That is exciting news... Hume downplays the success of the Toronto Library system, but it is an extremely successful organization, with few equals on the continent. I would be very happy to see the Reference Library updated. The interior skeleton has potential, but it cries out for help."