Markham Public Library CEO Honoured at Ontario Library Association Gala Awards

Markham Public Library CEO Honoured at Ontario Library Association Gala Awards

MARKHAM, ON - February 2, 2018 - Last night, Markham Public Library CEO Catherine Biss was named the 2018 recipient of the W.J. Robertson Medallion at the Ontario Library Association’s Gala Awards. The medallion is awarded to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario.

“Catherine has helped revolutionize and digitize literacy in Markham,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with her and learning from her. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement in excellence. I cannot wait to see where she takes the Markham Public Library next.”

Catherine began her career at Markham Public Library (MPL) in 1996 and has been CEO since 2002. During this time, she has worked to position the Library as an essential player in community success for the City of Markham. Her vision for innovative and collaborative library service has resulted in a number of advancements at MPL, all of which are focused on customer experience and community engagement.

The Customer-Centred Classification System (C3) enhances the customer’s browsing experience while increasing efficiency in collection maintenance processes. The Customer Service Revolution (CSR) reimagined the Library’s approach to customer service by rethinking procedures, policies, services and staff roles. Both of these projects – C3 and the CSR – earned the Library the Ministry of Culture’s Innovation Awards in 2009 and 2015 respectively. The CSR project also won the Institute for Public Administration of Canada Gold Award for Innovation in 2016 the first municipality to win the IPAC gold level award. Catherine led the early adoption of Radio-frequency identification based self-service technology which has enabled the Library to achieve high levels of efficiency and successful operations. MPL was one of the first library systems in Canada to implement dedicated professional Community Development roles to transform the Library’s relationship with the community and refocus library services outwards. These initiatives reflect Catherine’s vision of library services and ensure that MPL is one of the most highly used and respected library systems in Ontario.

"Under Catherine's leadership, the Library has been innovative in its operations and contribution to the great reputation Markham has in service delivery to our residents," says Brenda Librecz, Commissioner, Community & Fire Services.

Catherine has been part of the national library landscape for many years contributing her leadership through roles that include Chair of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (2012 and 2013) and currently, as Chair for the Centre of Equitable Library Service where she advocates on behalf of those with print disabilities. She actively supports leadership development in her mentorship of aspiring library leaders. Catherine has demonstrated lifelong commitment and passion to libraries and community building that has influenced and contributed to the growth of vibrant and innovative libraries in Markham and throughout Canada.

Photos:

Catherine Biss, CEO, Markham Public Library

Catherine Biss accepts the W.J. Robertson Medallion at the Ontario Library Association’s Gala Awards on Thursday, February 1, 2018.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.