Freedom to Read Week runs February 26 to March 4, 2017. The annual event encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Attend one of the FTRW events hosted by UBC Library.
Freedom of Expression in the Post Truth Era: Open Mic Event
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 at 12:30PM – 1:45PM
Location: Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, level 2 foyer.
Freedom of Expression is a charter right in Canada and is a fundamental value of professional groups such as librarians, archivists and journalists, who promote transparency, public accountability and the broadest possible access to information. However, we are seeing an erosion of these values in public life, through steps to censor scientists and public servants, to retract, hide or ignore information that does not conform to partisan views, and to treat the free press as a public enemy. This is a symptom of “post-truth” politics, in which sentiment and personal belief have more influence than facts, and facts are openly manipulated. As fake news, Orwellian newspeak and “alternative facts” flood our media streams, how do we continue to make sense of our world? How do we hold public figures accountable for their actions?
This open mic session invites the UBC community to speak up on what freedom of expression means in this post-truth era.
Bring your thoughts, arguments, poems, and stories.
Freedom of Information Request Workshop
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 at 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Location: Woodward Library Computer Lab – Room B25
Learn about the process of filing Freedom of Information (FOI) or Access to Information (ATIP) requests in BC and Canada. Topics include finding out if the information you need is already publicly available, structuring your request so it can be answered efficiently, and knowing your information rights under FOI laws. Session led by Greg Kozak, UBC iSchool adjunct faculty.