Quebec celebrates four centuries
I went to Quebec City for the World Library and Information Congress, presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. More about that, later, but Quebec! What a delightful dip into a European city right here in North America.
This year, Quebec City is celebrating four fabulous centuries of history. It was on July 3, 1608, that Frenchman Samuel de Champlain founded the city. It is also known as the cradle of French civilization in North America. Quebec is all shined up for a yearlong celebration with flowers and banners everywhere. I was very taken with the public flower plantings which often featured corn!
The Québécois are very proud of their city. All around the Vieux-Quebec, or old city, you see citizens in costumes of days gone by. While watching one bewigged gentleman being photographed with a family of tourists, I asked our tour guide, who was supporting this effort. To my surprise, he said, "No one." Apparently the Quebecois just dress up and wander around in the Vieux-Quebec, amiably being photographed and adding local color. Later I noticed costumed families, including children as well as individuals. What a charming way to spend a summer's afternoon.
The Vieux-Quebec is dominated by the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel which stands high on the bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River. Begun in the late 19th century by the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railroad as a hotel for CP passengers, turrets and towers have been added several times to make this edifice the epitome of a castle, suitable for any aspiring princess.
Meanwhile back at IFLA's opening general session, I heard Claudia Lux, IFLA president, elaborate on her theme of "Libraries on the Agenda." She said she had chosen this theme to foster and enhance the image of libraries world wide.
"As librarians we cannot change the world, but we can be more visible by distinctly demonstrating many of the good values represented by libraries and librarians for all to see and by putting them into action. To work for more public awareness and putting libraries on the agenda of those deciding the future of mankind, is the topic of my presidential theme."
Lux urged librarians to add their success stories to the IFLA Success Stories Database (www.tribalpixel.ch/ifla/index.php)
As part of the opening general session we heard two Inuit Throat Singers. Performers of this unique art form are always women. They hold hands and sing until one of them collapses in giggles. It was fascinating. Sample the singers on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAsCIX4kdpU.
One of the reasons I love attending the IFLA conference is not only the chance to explore library service in another country (conferences always feature visits to the country's best, most interesting libraries) but also the chance to sample local culture. Local organizing committees always relish the opportunity to showcase unique cultural performances from the area.
You might think that American libraries have nothing to learn from librarians in other parts of the world. Not true! For example, I can hardly wait to follow up with Ngian Lek Choh from the National Library of Singapore. She said that it is much easier for the library to get funding for equipment and technology than additional staff. As a result, the Singapore library is largely self-service.
Barbara J. Ford, Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign is my guest this week on my podcast. Ford serves on the IFLA Governing Board and shares her insights on IFLA's current initiatives. Visit www.librarybeat.org/podcast to listen in.