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
Press and Testimonials
Community for Belonging, John H. Daniels Faculty for Architeture Landscape and Design, Toronto, Canada, 2024.Testimonials
Cathryn was invited to present on her research into startup culture and how it can inform library strategic planning as part of a staff retreat for my medium-sized academic library. She opened the day and shared many inspiring insights into how our work within libraries—often mired by conservative thinking and a fear of change—can be informed and reimagined by alignment with start-up culture and a willingness to experiment. Following Cathryn’s talk my team spent the afternoon planning for the year ahead and I can genuinely say echoes of Cathryn’s words were heard throughout their work.
-James Roussain, University of St. Michael’s College Chief Librarian
Cathryn challenged the group to think about incorporating experimentation in our libraries, to not be constrained by fear of failure, and to maximize the unique opportunities we have as smaller libraries within a large system. We finished the day by discussing opportunities among the three federated library teams to collaborate on some joint initiatives. Our library and archives staff were energized by this session and are looking forward to incorporating some new experiments and collaborations in our work this coming academic year.
-Kate MacDonald, Librarian and Director of the John W. Graham Library & Trinity College Archives
Other Press and Interviews
Herrick, Juarez, A. (Host) (October 15, 2024). Discussing the Experimental Library with Cathryn Copper. [Audio podcast episode]. Library Leadership Podcast. Retrieved from https://libraryleadershippodcast.com/162-discussing-the-experimental-library-with-cathryn-copper/
Hakala-Ausperk, C. (May/June 2024). The Experimental Library: A Guide to Taking Risks, Failing Forward, and Creating Change. Public Libraries Magazine, 63(3), 53-55.
Hoyer, J. (Host) (March 30, 2024). The Experimental Library: A Guide to Taking Risks, Failing Forward, and Creating Change. [Audio podcast episode]. InNew Books in Library Science. New Books Network. Retrieved from https://newbooksnetwork.com/the-experimental-library
American Libraries Association. (January/February 2024). Purpose and Productivity: How Leaders Can Empower their Team through Reskilling. American Libraries Magazine. Retrieved from https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AL-0124v2.pdf
Hays, L. (2023). Interview with Author: Cathryn Copper on the Experimental Library. Lucidea Station. Retrieved from https://lucidea.com/blog/interview-with-the-author-cathryn-copper-on-the-experimental-library/
Lotts, M. (2021). Experimentation Station. Advancing a Culture of Creativity in Libraries: Programming and Engagement. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
SXSW EDU. (2020, January). SXSW EDU 2020 Programming Trends. Retrieved from https://www.sxswedu.com/news/2020/the-future-of-libraries-at-sxsw-edu-schedule-highlights/
SXSW EDU. (2019, November). SXSW EDU 2020 Programming Trends. Retrieved from https://www.sxswedu.com/news/2019/sxsw-edu-2020-programming-trends/