McGill's library studies celebrates 100 years and new acting director

The Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS) is celebrating 100 years of library education at McGill University this spring. The GSLIS is Canada's first formal library education program, which was launched at McGill in 1904 with an initial summer course offering. The program has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since 1927.

During centenary celebrations on May 15, keynote speakers included Joanne Gard Marshall (MLS'68), Peter McNally, director of the History of McGill Project, Lise Bissonnette, CEO of Quebec's Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, and Dr Anthony Masi, Deputy Provost and CIO of McGill. More than 100 alumni and former faculty members attended the anniversary.

The GSLIS is also marking its centenary with a changing of the guard. France Bouthillier has been named acting director of GSLIS. She replaces Jamshid Beheshti, director of GSLIS since 1998, who has been appointed to the position of associate dean (administration) in the Faculty of Education at McGill University as of June 1.