The year 1996 marked the 50th anniversary of both the Canadian Library Association (CLA) and the Bibliographical Society of Canada (BSC). To honour the occasion, Library and Archives Canada has chosen to highlight the achievements of 10 women who have made significant contributions to the development of library services and bibliographical research in Canada.

The women selected represent the various regions of Canada and the various aspects of both librarianship and bibliographical research. They have contributed to the Canadian library community at the local, provincial and national levels. Many of these women were instrumental in the establishment of the Canadian Library Association and served terms as CLA President. All of them have played pivotal roles in early Canadian librarianship and bibliography.