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News October 4, 2022

Kay Cahill Joins CFE Working Group on Intellectual Freedom

Kay Cahill, Director, IT & Collections at Vancouver Public Library, is joining the Centre for Free Expression’s Working Group on Intellectual Freedom. Kay has oversight of service and strategy for the library’s information technology infrastructure, websites, and online services; and is responsible for ensuring that all Vancouverites have access to diverse physical and digital collections.

“We are excited that Kay Cahill is joining the working group that advises the CFE on all its work related to supporting and promoting intellectual freedom,” said James L. Turk, CFE director.

In her current position, Kay sponsored the establishment of dedicated intellectual freedom training for public service staff. She serves on the editorial board of The Reference Librarian and is a member of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council Task Force on digital content and licensing. She has written and presented broadly on topics including digital collection development and licensing, and the role of technology in libraries.

Kay graduated from the information and library studies program at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 2004 and also holds a Certificate in Public Library Leadership from the University of Toronto as part of the CULC Public Library Leaders program. Prior to joining VPL in 2005, Kay worked for ten years for public library systems in the UK.

The other members of the CFE Working Group on Intellectual Freedom are: Richard Beaudry , Chair, CFLA Intellectual Freedom Committee;  Carla Graebner, Librarian for Data Services and Government Information, Simon Fraser University Library; Babs Kelly, Director of Learning and Development, British Columbia Library Trustees Association; Todd Kyle, CEO, Brampton Public Library;  Danielle MacKinlay, Manager, Library Services, Canadian Coast Guard; Pilar Martinez, CEO, Edmonton Public Library;   Lisa Radha Vohra, Director, Collections and Membership Services, Toronto Public Library; Erin Patterson, Head, Research Services, Acadia University Library;  Toni Samek, Professor and past Chair, School of Library and Information Studies University of Alberta;  Alvin Schrader, Professor Emeritus, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta; Sabrina Saunders, CEO Blue Mountain Public Library and President of the Ontario Library Association; Marcellus Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian Charlotte Mecklenburg Library; Mark Williams, Chief Librarian and CEO, Milton Public Library.

The Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) is a hub for public education, research and advocacy on free expression and the public’s right to know. Its work is undertaken in collaboration with academic and community-based organizations across Canada and internationally.