Local libraries on the same page
Regional library, CBU sign memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening ties between institutions
Cape Breton’s two largest libraries have once again renewed their vows of co-operation and collaboration.
Twenty years after their first memorandum of understanding, Cape Breton University and the Cape Breton Regional Library signed a new five-year pact aimed at strengthening their relationship and reiterating the recognition that they each possess significant library and cultural collections.
CBRL regional librarian Faye MacDougall said the new MOU reflects a relationship between the two community institutions that dates back long before the first memorandum was signed in 1999.
“It came about because we always a shared a spirit of cooperation and collaboration with the university that, I would suggest, goes back to the days when it was referred to as ‘Little X’,” said MacDougall.
“In some cases, it’s an informal working relationship where we call each other if we feel that one library or the other would have information that might be of value to our clients, in other cases there are actual projects we work on together, along with various other initiatives such as conferences and committees, and that’s always been there.”
CBU president David Dingwall, who was party to the signing that took place Wednesday at the university library, said the two institutions have a shared duty to take care of their valuable collections and to fulfill other community responsibilities.
“This MOU will allow us to build on the mission of providing stewardship, preservation and access to the information and cultural resources to fulfill academic, research, artistic, scholarly and community leadership objectives,” said Dingwall, in a written statement.
The agreement encourages the institutions to deliver innovative projects, to share resources and to improve the exchange of information about services and resources.
“The MOU is now between the Cape Breton Regional Library board and the Cape Breton University library and cultural resources, so this takes the Beaton Institute into consideration,” confirmed MacDougall.