Shaping the library of the future.
CONTENTS
· Experience
· Engagements
· Publications
· Press and Testimonials
ABOUT ME
As the Head of the Eberhard Zeidler Library at the University of Toronto, Cathryn produces and collaborates on projects that range from experimentation in libraries to the role of libraries in supporting women in architecture.
She has spoken on the topics of artificial intelligence and experimentation at several international conferences including the American Library Association, Association of College & Research Libraries and South by Southwest EDU. Her talk on the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality in libraries at South by Southwest EDU was featured as one of the “biggest and most pressing ideas.”
She is the author of The Experimental Library: A Guide to Taking Risks, Failing Forward, and Creating Change, a book inspired by technology companies and startups, on how libraries can thrive through experimentation.
When she is not in the library or giving presentations, she is busy raising two boys to be the next generation of thinkers and creators.
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CONTACT
1 Spadina Crescent
Toronto, Ontario M5S2J5
Engagements
Elevate Festival, Toronto, Canada, 2023.
Popular Speaking Topics and Workshops
From Startups to Libraries: Experimentation as a Catalyst for Change
As AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape the
information landscape, libraries should embrace experimentation to navigate
uncertainty and drive innovation. Using techniques from startups and rapidly
evolving tech companies, this program explores how experimentation can lead to
evidence-based decisions and transformative initiatives. Through interactive
activities, you’ll learn how to cultivate curiosity and innovation within
traditional library constraints. We’ll uncover the secrets to effective experimentation
using design thinking, IDEEA methodology, and user engagement techniques to
develop and test prototypes. Finally, you’ll walk away with a concrete roadmap
to integrate experimentation into your library work—embracing iteration,
learning from failure, and communicating change effectively to propel libraries
forward in this new era.
Reskilling the Information Professional
Explore strategies for reskilling information professionals to thrive in the evolving digital landscape. This presentation emphasizes cultivating adaptability, fostering a growth mindset, and integrating emerging technologies to meet future demands. Attendees will gain insights into critical competencies for the next decade and walk away equipped with the tools and mindset needed to remain agile, innovative, and impactful in a rapidly changing environment.
The Feedom to Fail
Invites you to reimagine failure as a catalyst for growth and innovation. This session explores how fostering a culture of risk tolerance can empower teams, spark creativity, and support adaptive change. Participants will examine barriers to risk-taking, share real-world examples, and discover strategies to create safe, supportive environments where learning from failure becomes an essential part of progress.
AI X Creativity: Possibilities and Potential Impacts on the Information Professional
This
workshop introduces visual resource professionals to the evolving world of text-to-image
generative AI—technologies that are reshaping art, design, and digital
collections. These tools offer exciting possibilities for inspiration and
representation, but they also raise complex questions about authorship, ethics,
and the role of human creativity.
List of Appearances
2025
- Visual Resources Association Workshop, virtual presentation
- Reaching Across Illinois Library System, virtual presentation
- National
Library of Lithuania, virtual presentation
-
Keynote
at the University of Toronto Federated Colleges Library Workshop, Toronto,
Canada
-
University of Toronto Faculty of Information iSkills Workshop, virtual
presentation
- ALA CORE Webinar, virtual presentation
2024
-
Sharjar International Library Conference, Sharjar,
United Arab Emirates
- International Conference for Art Libraries, Barcelona, Spain
-
Expert Talk at the Multidisciplinary Research Centre for
Innovations in SMEs at the Gisma University of Applied Sciences, virtual
presentation
- American Library Association, San Diego, California
-
Key speaker at the Michigan Library
Association event Think Space, Mackinaw Island, Michigan
- Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, Vancouver, Canada
- Book talk at the Long Island Library Resources Council, virtual presentation
2023
- Art Libraries Society of North America, Mexico City, Mexico
