Ingrid Parent

The 2009 winner of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) award for Distinguished Service to Research Librarianship, Ms Parent is recognized nationally and internationally for her outstanding contributions to libraries and to the library profession. She has played an active role in developing policies and best practices, particularly in the area of resource access (bibliographic control).

Digitization, including the collection of electronic publications and archival records, the provision of new and efficient digital services, and converting information to digital formats, is an enduring interest for Ms Parent. While with LAC, she co-led the development of national standards and policies for managing digital material, and has made UBC Library’s digital plan a top priority.

She has been actively involved in the governance of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) for the past 14 years. Ms Parent is currently serving as the organization’s president elect and will serve as president from 2011 through 2013. Within IFLA, Ms Parent has been a strong proponent of freedom of information and the diversity of voices in the world of information.

Her appointment to UBC as University Librarian marks a return to her alma mater, where Ms Parent earned a BA in Honours History in 1970, and a library science degree the following year. After her graduation, she moved to eastern Canada, and held increasingly senior positions, culminating in her role as Assistant Deputy Minister, Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Ms Parent is on the Board of Directors with the Canadian Research Knowledge Network as the incoming Treasurer.