Library Association of Alberta — Response to the Digital Economy
Submitted by Library Association of Alberta 2010–07–16 15:42:27 EDT
Theme: Canada's Digital Content
Submission
The Library Association of Alberta promotes the right to know. Under this mantle, here are the areas under which we feel the Digital Economy Consultation needs to reflect our value.
Publically funded libraries are best positioned to bridge the digital divide and make available the ability to consume, create and provide access to digital content to Canadians.
Acting as a repository for past and current digital content is under the mandate of every publically funded library. The responsibility is massive and does require financial support for the infrastructure.
The role must also bridge the digital divide for creators, so that anyone is able to create digital content and participate fully in the digital economy, as a skilled workforce, as a skilled researcher.
We also promote a strong digital media industry which gives balance to both the creator and the consumer — neither one is favoured.
Research, innovation and dissemination (publically funded libraries) need to be dependably funded.
Content created at taxpayer expense must be provided freely to taxpayers.
Publically funded libraries have much to contribute as a training ground for participants in the digital economy.
