About the Event
In this panel in recognition of Freedom to Read Week, members of Waterloo Public Library, University of Waterloo Library, and Wilfred Laurier University Library will discuss the role that libraries play in fostering community wellbeing, and as safeguards of democracy through upholding a right to access information. How can libraries continue to cultivate this and other civic literacies? Join us to find out more, and ask our panelists questions of your own.
Freedom to Read Week takes place from February 23 to March 1 and is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.
As of 2024, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council. For more information, visit the Freedom to Read website.
About the Speakers
Anneliese Eber is the research data management librarian at the University of Waterloo and has extensive experience in supporting researchers throughout the data lifecycle. With a background in anthropology and archaeology, Anneliese understands the challenges and nuances of data handling, storage and sharing. She specializes in guiding scholars on best practices for data organization, ethical management, and compliance with funder mandates. Passionate about empowering researchers and equitable access to data, Anneliese provides tailored resources, workshops, and consultations to foster a culture of responsible data stewardship and research data management.
Antonio Muñoz Gómez is the Cataloguing and metadata librarian at the University of Waterloo Libraries, and has also worked as the Digital scholarship librarian at the University. Antonio's work is strongly aligned with the principles of intellectual freedom and the right to access information. By organizing and describing resources, he ensures that diverse voices and perspectives are available to all library users, supporting the fundamental freedom to read. His interest in the ethical impacts of library work in areas ranging from resource description to the ethics of AI, underscores his commitment to maintaining ethical standards in information access and dissemination.
Meredith Fischer is the Laurier Library's Temporary Head of User and Access Services. She is also a librarian who is passionate about literacy and who works closely with students, faculty, and community members on a regular basis.
Alison Schroeder is the Manager, Lifelong Learning at Waterloo Public Library. In this role she oversees information services, staff training as well the libraries online resources. She has worked at libraries in Guelph, Milton, Kitchener and Barrie.
Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and video may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos.
For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video.
Programmer: Charlie
