Paul Takala
Paul Takala is the Chief Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the Hamilton Public Library. He joined HPL in 1999 and served in several technology leadership capacities before becoming Chief Librarian in 2012. His past work experience includes working for the New York Public Library, teaching in West Africa and serving as a legislative assistance at Queens Park. He has a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Toronto.
Paul has been involved in many community activities and has been active in the in the library profession. He is currently the Vice President of the Canadian Urban Library Council (CULC). He has served as Treasurer of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and President of Ontario Library and Information Technology Association (OLITA). Mr. Takala has received several awards over the years in recognition of his commitment to the Public Library field. In 2006, Mr. Takala was the recipient of the Ontario Public Librarian of the Year, W.J. Robertson Medallion. In 2003 he received the University of Toronto Alumni Association Arbour Award for the Faculty of Information Studies.
Paul has dedicated his career to helping transform library operations and services while remaining focused on the core mission of the public library and impact it can have when people work together.
Paul has been involved in many community activities and has been active in the in the library profession. He is currently the Vice President of the Canadian Urban Library Council (CULC). He has served as Treasurer of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and President of Ontario Library and Information Technology Association (OLITA). Mr. Takala has received several awards over the years in recognition of his commitment to the Public Library field. In 2006, Mr. Takala was the recipient of the Ontario Public Librarian of the Year, W.J. Robertson Medallion. In 2003 he received the University of Toronto Alumni Association Arbour Award for the Faculty of Information Studies.
Paul has dedicated his career to helping transform library operations and services while remaining focused on the core mission of the public library and impact it can have when people work together.