2008:04EI THE CANADIAN BOOK EXCHANGE CENTRE
Whereas 1 Library and Archives Canada has announced its intention to close the Canadian Book Exchange Centre as of June 30, 2008; and
Whereas 2 for 35 years federal libraries, university libraries, public libraries and specialized libraries have been donating books and periodicals they no longer need to the Exchange Centre for distribution to libraries that request them; and
Whereas 3 books are also distributed through this program to developing countries; and
Whereas 4 while there has been some decline in use in recent years as library collections have shifted to digital, and staffing of the Exchange has become less stable, there were still 143,000 items distributed through the Centre in 2006-07; and
Whereas 5 the biggest users of the Exchange are academic libraries, which for research purposes, require past as well as current issues of periodicals and reports; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for the activities of the Canadian Book Exchange Centre; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to
a. reverse the decision to close the Canadian Book Exchange Centre in 2008
b. continue to provide the service as long as there is a significant need for it, and
c. consult with participating libraries about the future of the Exchange.