OCULA President 2008 Cynthia Williamson, Mohawk College
Hello Everyone. Welcome to the OCULA 2008 Fall Workshop and Dinner November 2008 issue of Inside was, if you’re afraid that the place is OCULA. I hope everyone is having By Cynthia just a tourist trap, fear not, it’s still a a successful fall semester. At Williamson, Mohawk great little restaurant. We Mohawk we’ve been enjoying College discovered the bakery called Pan seeing students use our newly Chanco for breakfast the next spruced up Fennell campus library. morning, enjoyed another walk & a The headaches of a summer spent I think I’ve hit upon the perfect little more shopping and then, enduring painting, carpeting and approach to professional rested, relaxed and revived, it was flooring installations have turned development. Like many things in life, time to move to the other side of the out to be worth it. The library is it’s all about balance. It started out as scale. brighter and more cheerful than our a simple plan to get to Kingston the formerly drab space. We’re at night before our OCULA Fall event. I The Donald Gordon Centre at semester peak, full tables and wanted to be available on Friday Queen’s University was the setting computers and lots of groups busy morning to help with any last minute for our afternoon workshops. The at their work – I’m sure you’re in set-up etc. Then I decided I didn’t centre is a lovely mix of old original same boat in college and university want to drive through Toronto during building and state of the art libraries all over the province. rush hour and I really don’t like to conference rooms, dining room and Hang on though, before we know it drive too late at night, so I decided to small hotel. We greeted colleagues the semester will be winding down leave in the afternoon and get to shortly before noon and shared and the holiday season will be fast Kingston in time for dinner. Don lunch in the dining room and then upon us! Now for a quick look at Kinder from Ryerson liked the idea moved downstairs for the what’s happening in the world of too, so I picked him on my way and off workshops. Cory Laverty of OCULA. we went. Queen’s University libraries spoke
first. Her inspiring talk covered the I’ve written about the OCULA fall The leaves were probably just past evolution of our definition of event elsewhere in this issue, their peak but we had a lovely fall information literacy and looked at check that article to learn about the drive through eastern Ontario, a how we we’ve approached the task day. I would like to thank OCULA perfect clear sunny day. We checked of teaching it over the years. She Vice President Nathalie Soini into the hotel, had a walk and did examined the changing definitions (Queens) from the bottom of my some shopping in charming downtown of information literacy; the changing heart for organizing a great day of Kingston and headed to that practice of teaching information learning and networking. The venerable Kingston institution, Chez Piggy, for dinner. What a dinner it theme for my article is about continued on page 3 achieving one kind of balance – I stand in awe of Nathalie’s ability to achieve another kind of balance. 2009 OCULA Graduating Students/New Between doing her job, organizing our event, taking pictures, (not to Professionals Award Winner - Debbie Chaves mention other OLA/OCULA duties), moving house and taking care of proposal entitled: “What New her family, she has had one busy By Nathalie Soini, Academic Librarians Need to fall! Thanks to OCULA Past Queens University Know about Mentoring.” President Don Kinder (Ryerson) for attending, helping with registration The award committee received The committee adjudicating the and taking pictures and to OCULA only three submissions this year, OCULA Graduating Students/New Councillor Laurie Morrison (Brock) being a noticeable decrease Professionals Award would like to for attending and helping one of our from previous years. That being congratulate this year’s recipient, speakers. said, all three proposals had continued on page 2 Debbie Chaves, Science Librarian at Wilfrid Laurier University, for her continued on page 4
President’s message • Super Conference information Conference Planner (2010-11). is out, register soon. IMHO, Thanks to Trish and all of the other continued from page 1 this is the best annual library worthy applicants for responding to
our request for applications. Being Now I’d like to remind everyone conference in Canada. Don’t willing to put in the time to be a what’s on the OCULA horizon. You miss out. Planners Caroline Super Conference planner is a big can learn more about all of these Stewart and Kristin Hoffman deal. Planning the conference is a things on our website: (UWO) have put together an lot of work, mixed in with fun and www.accessola.com/ocula/bins/ind exciting OCULA program – getting to know library colleagues ex.asp. thanks ladies! The OCULA spotlight speaker this year is from many different institutions. • We’re currently looking for Mark Leggott, University convenors for OCULA sessions Librarian at the University of In closing, my usual shout out to at Super Conference 2009. As Prince Edward Island. They’re everyone on OCULA Council, OLA you read, we will have already doing great things; I can’t wait staff and to my colleagues at sent out the call, answer if you to hear from Mark. Mohawk College – you rock! can.
• We have openings for two Speaking of Super Conference, I Cynthia Williamson Councillors-at-large on OCULA say congratulations to Trish Green OCULA President council (2009-11). If you’re (Conestoga), who is our new Super willing and able to make the three year commitment, sitting on Council is great way to get involved, learn and serve your The OCULA Fall Dinner and Workshop profession. Email anyone on Council to ask about the job, I’m sure they’d all tell you what a rewarding experience it is. • Perhaps you know someone worthy of the OCULA From left - Academic Librarian of the Year Karen Award? Nominate them now! Bordonaro, • We’ve started a new page on and Laurie our website. As part of our Morrison – efforts to help students and both from librarians in other sectors learn Brock more about what academic University librarians do, we’re making videos. Thanks to OCULA Super Conference Planner, Caroline Stewart (Guelph Humber), who was the first to post a video. Mine is in the works, maybe it will be up by the time you read this. Feel like making a video of your own? To find out more, go to: From left - http://www.accessola.com/ocul Martha a/bins/content_page.asp?cid=2 Whitehead, 649 Queen's • Our survey will run during the University last two weeks of November. Librarian, and You have a chance to win an Cory Laverty, iPod Nano and a $100 iTunes Queen’s library card if you take the time University to complete it. We’d love to know what you think.
Photos by Nathalie Soini
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Fall Workshop and Dinner
continued from page 1 students. I’d like to know if they study, a place to do research & find feel that we’re meeting these literacy over the years and ended with materials, and they also use it as a students’ needs. a look at how new technologies and place to practice their language methods might change how and what skills. Karen also provided lots of After this afternoon of learning we teach in our information literacy it was time for more socializing. classes. Cory’s talk guided us on a We had a bit of break before journey towards a “convergence of The right to know. we were due at Fort Henry. literacies”. We looked at and Some of us found a cozy pub questioned ACRL’s 2001 standards, The right to source what downtown to spend the time. there was some agreement that there is known. Then it was off to Fort Henry, a is something missing from this The right to share what crazy busy place that night, all document. Where is the creativity and is known. dressed up for Halloween. collaboration that are part of good Maybe you don’t equate learning environments today? I was The right to fairly use Halloween and an historic fort very happy to be reminded of John what is known. immediately. But think for a Willinsky’s talk at WILU 2008, his 7 The right to assist others minute, Fort Henry is old, and rights of information literacy should be where old buildings exist, what a list we all keep near to our hearts. in knowing. do we often find? Ghosts. It is My first to do from Cory’s talk comes The right to improve tradition to visit the Fort for in the form of reading a book she knowledge. tours and ghost stories at this mentioned called Leonardo’s Laptop The right to transform time of year. After awarding the by C. Schneiderman. Schneiderman’s iPod Nano to winner, Amanda model for using technology as a known world. Ross White from Queens, we learning tool with its four stages: settled down to dinner presided collect, relate, create, and donate is J.Willinsky. over by Queen Martha. Our something I want to look at in more The 7 Rights of Information speaker for the evening, Dr. depth. I also plan to spend more time Literacy. WILU 2008 Keynote Brian Osborne didn’t talk about on the Habits of Mind website ghosts but after a fabulous (www.habits-of-mind.net) Costa and dinner, we listened to an Kallick’s 16 habits of mind seem to me good tips for dealing with ESL engaging talk about the city of to be worthy of more investigation by students at the circ and reference Kingston. It is clear that Dr. anyone in education today. I’m glad desks. No surprise that patience Osborne loves his city and can Cory left us with the question, “How and kindness are our best tools. We see its best and worst points. I will you transform your practice?” A need to practice our active listening know that I for one will be good thing to ponder indeed. skills and give ESL students time to visiting again soon.
formulate their questions and So, back to balance. From now We sometimes struggle to identify and responses to our questions. We on when I see a PD event that meet the needs of our ESL students at should speak slowly and be looks worth attending, I’ll be my place of work. I was very happy to prepared to give multiple scouting for a recreational hear Brock University’s Karen explanations or use synonyms to activity to mix up with it. It’s not Bordonaro talk about ESL students. make own meaning clear. One tip that learning is not an enjoyable We asked Karen about the label that really moved me was not to thing to do, I’m sure none of us “English as a Second Language”. It use the question, “Do you would be where we are if turns out that many English language understand?” As Karen so rightly learning weren’t important to learners know more than one other pointed out, this puts the us. It’s just that something as language so it can be an incorrect responsibility on the ESL student simple as lunch or dinner with label – English as a Subsequent for any miscommunication. friends and colleagues before Language may be a better way to Instead, we should ask, “Am I being or after an event can add so describe it. Or as Karen does, we can clear?” Small change in approach, much to an experience. You simply equate ESL with non-native huge impact, I like that. So I have might add to your learning by speakers of English. Karen talked some ESL to dos: talk to our ESL hearing what others thought about her own research wherein she instructors, to find out more about about the PD event or you found that ESL students use the Mohawk’s ESL students and talk to might just add to your pleasure. library in similar ways to all students: our desk staff to find out more Either way, what have you got as a place to socialize, a place to about their encounters with ESL to lose?
Winter 2008/No.36 3
University of Toronto Scarborough Library Open 24/7
Story by Catherine Devion Photo by Ken Jones University of Toronto Scarborough
On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the U of T Scarborough Library opened its doors to students, faculty and staff as usual. The unusual part was that the Library will not close again until Friday, December 19.
U of T Scarborough Library has run two 24 hour pilot studies, one during the 2007/08 academic years - and a current study. The first study, run over the 2007/8 year, focused on providing 24/4 (Monday morning to Friday evening) study space only. The first pilot was so well-received by students that the Students enjoying the extended hours at the UofT Scarborough library Library expanded services in the 2008/9 study to include 24/7 overwhelmingly positive. In the through the student union, service, along with circulation words of one student “For someone requesting extended hours, services and a new overnight like myself who works part-time, overnight circulation services, Library Cafe seating area. The goes to school full-time, has designated quiet space, an eating Library will be open continuously for personal commitments, the area, and bookable group study two periods from October 14 to Library’s overnight hours are my rooms. We heard the UTSC December 19, and February 2 to best tool for academic success.” students and designed the space May 1, 2009. and services to meet their needs. The theme of the pilot study is "You Our most recent response is the The service is well-used. Overnight spoke... we listened." Says Victoria 24/7 hours." use generally peaks around 1:30 Owen, Head Librarian at U of T p.m. when there can be over a Scarborough, "The students Usage numbers and feedback from hundred students in the Library on provided the incentive to study this year’s pilot will be used to a busy night. Student response to overnight hours. They spoke to us decide the future of 24/7 Library the new hours has been through email, in-person requests, hours at U of T Scarborough.
OCULA Graduating Students/New the issue, by discussing mentoring librarians from universities and Professionals Award Winner for new librarians who “may not be colleges who have experience young librarians and this can have with mentoring in our profession. continued from page 1 additional stressors.” It would be Each panel member will speak nice for new librarians to attend about their experiences and the wonderful ideas for a conference this session and then have the panel will then be open to session. Debbie’s proposal for a opportunity to network and share questions and discussions about workshop about mentoring was a some of their experiences in their mentoring. real stand-out, and apt in light of new positions as librarians. The one of OCULA’s objectives to find OLA Superconference is such a Congratulations once again new ways to mentor new wonderful opportunity for new Debbie and we look forward to professionals and graduate librarians to see what librarianship your session. students in Library and truly is. Debbie’s presentation will Information Science programmes. surely help recently graduated Debbie’s session is scheduled librarians in these new for Saturday, January 31 at 9:05 Although last year’s award also surroundings. am (Session # 1716) discussed mentoring, Debbie’s proposal shines a different light on The session proposes a panel of 3
4 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Newly Renovated Gerstein fondly. In her remarks, she said she attended the event on behalf of Reading Room Opening was very pleased the renovation her father, Mr. Marvin Gerstein, had restored for today's students remarked on how well used and Story and photo by Gabriela Bravo, the room's special contemplative highly regarded the Gerstein University of Toronto feel, which made it so wonderful for Science Information Centre is by The Gerstein Reading Room at the reading and studying when she was fellow health professionals and Gerstein Science Information a student. students with whom she works. Centre has been recently restored She also underlined the to its original splendour thanks to Ms. Lynne Fingold, a nurse at the importance of the generous contributions made by University Health Network who the renovation for both groups in the Frank Gerstein Charitable their pursuit of teaching, learning Foundation and the Bertrand and research for patient care. Gerstein Family Foundation. This past September, University and In October, friends of the library, Library representatives held a small including those involved in the event with members of the Gerstein renovation, members of our user family to acknowledge the two community, and library staff foundations’ crucial role in the attended an open house in the completion of this project. magnificent Gerstein Reading Room. Visitors were also shown Having studied for her three the adjacent renovated rooms on degrees in Psychology in the From left to right - Reva Gerstein, Ira the main floor and the Graduate reading room during the 1930s, Dr. Gerstein, David Palmer, and Group Study space on the Reva Gerstein remembered it Lynne Fingold second floor of the Heritage Wing.
Robarts Renewal Moves Ahead rooms on the perimeter will government publications stacks incorporate glazed openings to the have been reduced in number and Story and photo by Gabriela Bravo, reading room core in order to better will accommodate the high use University of Toronto transmit natural light between parts of the collection in a logical, spaces. Glazing will also improve easy to use arrangement in the Construction work will begin this fall security to those individuals working south area of the floor. The map and winter on two test projects within the enclosed rooms. cabinets will be adjacent to the core heralding the beginning of the area on the north side. The overall The 5th floor project will reorganize Robarts Renewal and Expansion space is being designed to be the layout of the floor to consolidate Plan. The first project, which got compatible with a future study the Data, Map and GIS Centre in underway in October 2008, is space extension on the west side of focused on the north apex on the the central area to include th the building. The plan is to have the consultation offices, a GIS th 9 floor. This project is being 5 floor open up to this new space. reference area, a teaching lab and considered a prototype for future This extension is part of the longer additional wired study space. Two study space enhancements on all of term Robarts expansion plan. group study rooms will be added the stack floors. The second Planning and collection shifts in and new study carrels will be th preliminary project is the connection with the 5 floor project arranged around the perimeter of reconfiguration and renovation to have been ongoing for several th the floor to take advantage of much of the 5 floor to create a new months. Construction is expected to available natural light. The Data, Map and GIS Centre and commence in late December. rearranged government publications collection.
The 9th floor area will be renovated with new carpeting, lighting, painting and ductwork to provide an An artist’s open, comfortable, aesthetically rendering of the pleasing and flexible space. completed Furnishings in the central area will project consist of 28 wired study carrels and 12 wired study tables. The plan includes a new ceiling treatment and improved acoustics to dampen sound in the area. The two study
Winter 2008/No.36 5
Snippets from OCULA’s New Academic Librarian Bloggers… You are Each month our guest bloggers considering every job would be write about their experiences as different). invited to new academic librarians. Here is just a small snippet of their monthly For this reason I am going to try to participate in ponderings. To read their regular calm your nerves by chatting about the OCULA columns visit the OCULA blog - my first few days as a new liaison http://www.accessola2.com/ocula/ librarian in an academic library...” survey! wordpress/ September 4 – Carol Perry October 20 - Carol Perry, Guelph We are coming to the University “I am sure most of us experienced end of a strategic the blur that was our life during the planning cycle; the data “It can sometimes be a humbling time we were enrolled in a library gathered from this experience having to admit that you science degree program. In my aren’t sure how to solve a problem. case the blur lasted 3 full years as I survey will be used to Asking for advice does not worked full-time and attended help us complete our necessarily indicate weakness. It school part-time. I began my first new strategic plan. We can demonstrate strength of year of academic librarianship last would especially like to character to admit you do not have summer, believing I had a handle all the answers or that you are on how to ensure I had a sane hear your comments sometimes wrong. Learning is a workload. I was also confident that I about OCULA's events, life-long process. There is no would soon establish a good publications, awards and reason to believe this does not hold balance between work and life true in our new positions. outside work. I eased myself into elections. my new role slowly, taking on new I encourage you to seek out the responsibilities one at a time At the end of the survey expertise of those around you. Not allowing ample time to discover the don't forget to leave only will it help you settle into your commitment required for each task new jobs more quickly, it will also or responsibility. By mid- your name and email help you establish closer working September, my theory was shot address to be entered relationships with your peers. It is a and life got a little crazy...” into the draw for an iPod mutually beneficial situation. Nano and $100 iTunes July 21 – Laura Howell Hang in there.” gift card. Your personal “Can we talk enough about the job information is separate October 1 - Laura Howell, search? I say no. I think that one of from the survey data. University of Waterloo the things that many people still want to know is where to look for ““What the heck am I going to do on jobs. I think I can officially say that Use this link to access my first day?” I had this question the days of walking around and the survey: swimming around in my head for handing out resumes to anyone several weeks before I began my who may be interested are gone. new position, my first position as a http://tinyurl.com librarian. I was too afraid to ask my BUT before I stick to hard and fast new supervisor; “she might think I to this rule I think that there are a /OCULAsurvey am incompetent!” few exceptions to even this somewhat outdated method. For The survey will be open There is plenty of advice out there example, job fairs are great. The about preparing for your first day, Faculty of Information in Toronto from November 17, 2008 including advice about wardrobe, (recently deemed the first ischool in – November 28, 2008. fresh breath, smiling, being polite Canada) has a student organized yadda yadda. However, there Job Fair. Employers from all over Thank you for your doesn’t seem to be much advice Canada attend asking for about what you will actually be resumes…” participation! doing! (not really a surprise
6 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Super Conference 2009 - OCULA Program MLIS CO-OP STUDENTS: OPPORTUNITIES AND OCULA Spotlight Speaker CONFLICTING CULTURES: SUCCESSES
PLAGIARISM IN POPULAR AND Marcie Jacklin, Science Liaison DISRUPTING THE LIBRARY ACADEMIC CULTURES Librarian, James A. Gibson Library, TRANSPORTER BEAM Brock University; Dalia Smith, Selinda Berg, Research & Librarian, Academic Liaison and Mark Leggott, University Librarian, Instructional Services Librarian, Information Resources, University of University of Prince Edward Island University of Windsor Guelph-Humber; Leslie Taylor, MLIS
student, University of Western Physicists have advanced the The Internet Generation are our Ontario science behind Star Trek’s upcoming scholars; however, the transporter by capturing and culture in which they are immersed At our university libraries, we have recreating an object’s information includes practices which may been fortunate to hire a variety of co- at a quantum level. While libraries jeopardize their understandings of op student-librarians, who have not won’t see the impact of this for academic integrity. Examine formats only provided us with new and some time, the analogy of the and practices well understood in invigorating perspectives and ideas, transporter and the science academic culture and compare those but have also come with high behind it is instructive. As the to popular culture attitudes, practices expectations and a desire to learn. digital landscape changes how and pastimes (fan-fiction, music As their employers, we provide them people access information, mash-up, YouTube). Students often with solid experiences and libraries need to transform the way grapple with, and ultimately opportunities, as well as a great deal they do business. We can’t simply misunderstand, the expectations of of mentoring. Come hear what types move our existing models and academia. With a stronger of projects, initiatives and general processes to another time and understanding of student interests working environment will lead to a context, but instead need to librarians will be able to employ successful experience for both disrupt the transporter beam to strategies to combat academic employer and student. effect meaningful transformation in dishonesty and plagiarism. our organizations. Discuss how libraries can effect this change in INSPIRING INNOVATION a timely manner and not mess up DOES THE REFERENCE DESK THROUGH THE ETEACHING the atoms too much. NEED LIBRARIANS? COLLABORATIVE
Donna Millard, Director, Library Sheila Pinchin, Educational WORKING WITH STUDENTS IN Services, Social Sciences and Developer, Office of Health Sciences THE LEARNING COMMONS Humanities; Michelle Lake, Library Education; Laurie Scott, Head, Public Assistant, Research Help/Learning Services & Education, Bracken Nathalie Soini, Learning Commons, Mills Memorial Library, Library; Amy Alcock, Web Developer, Commons Co-ordinator, Queen's McMaster University School of Medicine, Queen's University University Change is in the air in many
In 2005, the Queen's Learning Canadian academic libraries, and the The eTeaching collaborative (ETC) Commons hired 12 students, McMaster Libraries are re-imagining at Queen’s University is an called the QLC student assistants, their reference services and staff. innovative, interdisciplinary team to answer questions in the The new liaison program at which provides faculty with one-stop Learning Commons (located in McMaster has increasingly taken the access to support in electronic Stauffer Library). It has not always librarians off the desk, and the future learning resources, technological been an easy process, but we will likely see library assistants taking tools, and educational methodology. believe that the services and over all reference duties. Hear A natural partnership has grown programs provided by the QLC perspectives based on first-hand among librarians, a digital services student assistants have become experience, staff surveys, interviews technician, educational developers, an integral part of the Learning and an overview of recent and web and technology specialists. Commons. We will discuss the scholarship. We hope that the Focusing on the ETC’s collaborative evolution of our training and staff McMaster model will ignite a lively processes, its evolution, the unique acceptance of the students in the discussion about the future of technological solutions employed by Learning Commons. reference services in Canadian the team and its group dynamic. academic libraries.
Winter 2008/No.36 7
SAM I WAS: RYERSON'S Information Services, University of THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER PLAN AND THE NEW Virginia Library; Linda Day, TENURE STUDENT LEARNING CENTRE Electronic Resources Librarian, University of Guelph Library Sarah Coysh, Librarian, York Madeleine Lefebvre, Chief University; Doug Suarez, Reference Librarian; Bob Jackson; Ryerson Focusing on faculty satisfaction with Librarian and Subject Specialist for University journal holdings for university Sociology and Applied Health teaching and research, we will cover Sciences, Brock University; Anne With the purchase of prime real use of the Journal Citation Reports Kelly, Wilfrid Laurier University; estate, formerly occupied by Sam database as a tool for assessing the Maura Matesic, Reference Librarian, the Record Man and Future Shop, quality of a journal collection with York University Ryerson is now anchored on Yonge examples from analyses done at the Street in the heart of downtown University of Guelph Library. The The process of achieving tenure, Toronto. Hear the campus master findings will be contrasted with continuing appointment or permanent plan and approaches taken in the faculty satisfaction with journal positions in academic institutions can development of the new student collections at a variety of North be mysterious to librarians new to the learning centre, a major and much American universities in light of environment. Librarians who have needed expansion of the university LibQUAL+ library assessment survey achieved tenure will describe their library. results obtained in recent years. In activities and how they created a particular, work done to raise faculty successful portfolio, based on satisfaction at the University of vaguely-worded paragraphs in a PEER REVIEW 2.0: Virginia will be reviewed. collective agreement. On the other TOMORROW'S SCHOLARSHIP side, librarians experienced in FOR TODAY'S STUDENTS evaluating promotion and tenure ENCOUNTERING VALUES: THE packages will elaborate on the Kate Gronemyer, Instruction REINVENTION OF INFORMATION elements that committees consider in Librarian, Oregon State University LITERACY? their deliberations and new criteria Cascades Campus; Anne-Marie being developed at some institutions Deitering, Undergraduate Services Benjamin R. Harris, Assistant to promote clarity in the process. Librarian, Oregon State University Professor/Instruction Librarian, Libraries Trinity University, Texas PROFILE OF AN INTERNATIONAL Whether you celebrate the wisdom Ask a classroom of students to COLLABORATION of crowds or bemoan the cult of the research sources based on their amateur, it’s clear the emerging personal value system. Then, take a James Dietrich, Instructional web has serious implications for the picture. This is what confusion looks Assistant, Computer Services Unit; way we share ideas. The emerging like. Still, the ability to factor personal Carolyn Ingram, Professor, School of web’s potential to foster new forms values into the evaluation and Nursing; Laura Banfield, Nursing of knowledge creation strikes at the selection process is a component in Librarian, Health Sciences Library, heart of the scholarly enterprise. the ACRL Competency Standards for McMaster University When scholars can create their own Information Literacy. Presenting journals, encyclopedias, and comparative analysis of the ways Opportunities occasionally arise to (un)conferences, the processes of that various iterations of information initiate new programs through traditional scholarly communication literacy objectives manage the international collaboration between begin to seem unnecessarily connection between values and IL libraries and faculties. The Health opaque. Consider how we can development. The LIS literature is Sciences Library at McMaster teach our students to evaluate and reviewed to determine if/how this University recently participated in a use scholarly information on the discussion is taking place in theory or collaborative oncology nursing emerging web, and how to practice. Explore strategies for education project with McMaster’s communicate the value of peer dealing with the issue of values and School of Nursing and the University review to students. information literacy and receive of the West Indies. Through this suggestions for further research to experience, the Health Sciences encourage and guide continuing Library and School of Nursing gained BEYOND USING STATISTICS: discussion. many valuable insights into the JOURNAL COLLECTIONS THAT importance of interdisciplinary MEET FACULTY NEEDS partnership in working with MAKING THE GRADE: MEETING international projects. Jim Self, Director, Management
8 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
WORKING TOGETHER: BROCK Debbie Chaves, Wilfrid Laurier and information literacy skills of UNIVERSITY LIBRARY'S NEW University; Brian Cameron, Digital Chinese-international students LEARNING COMMONS Initiatives Librarian, Ryerson studying at the graduate level. University Researchers gathered data using Kevin Manuel, Liaison Librarian, individual interviews, and the data Brock University What began as a metric for was used to analyze how well the determining journal quality, the Leddy Library is meeting the needs The James A. Gibson Library at impact factor, has moved into a of this specific group of international Brock University opened its new new realm of meaning and students. The findings will have Matheson Learning Commons in application. There are now new implications for how Canadian September 2008. In addition to the algorithms to determine how libraries can improve their services library’s resources, the Learning powerful an article in a given journal to Chinese students. Commons will include a number of can be, and thus to infer something on-campus services used by about the quality of scholarship of students for their academic needs. that journal. Which metrics should CENSUS? STATISTICS? E-STAT In the fall of 2008, a series of focus librarians employ and why? The CAN GIVE YOU ANSWERS! groups were conducted to explore ethics of using these measures how the new Learning Commons needs to be addressed, especially Suzette Giles, Data Librarian; Dan impacts students’ learning and when the ramifications of these Jakubek, Map and GIS Librarian, research needs. The research quantitative metrics can be Ryerson University results from this qualitative study profound. A practical assessment of provide rich detail about how a how citation analysis metrics are Colleges, universities, schools Learning Commons space in an created and where librarians should (primary and secondary) and many academic library is interpreted from be wary. public libraries can, and do, have the students’ perspective. access to Statistics Canada’s E- Stat website. E-Stat gives access to STILL IN SCHOOL: LEARNING much more census data than the DESIGNING EFFECTIVE ABOUT LIBRARIANSHIP FROM publicly accessible Census website. LIBRARY SPACES: HOW YOUR FIRST CONTRACT It also features free access to over RESEARCH CAN INFORM 36 million series of data (CANSIM) PRACTICE Robin Sakowski, Academic Liaison and has a module with Librarian, University of Guelph environmental data. Come and take Lisa M. Given, Associate Professor, a look at what E-Stat can do from School of Library & Information Library school education is not the finding CANSIM data to mapping Studies, University of Alberta; Mary end of learning how to be a 2006 census data. This is a Ann Mavrinac, Chief Librarian, librarian. How can you be strategic resource for reference staff at all University of Toronto Mississauga and use the experience of your first levels of research. contract(s) to enhance your practice It is important to take an holistic of librarianship? Learn practical approach to the design and strategies for career and skill SUPPORTING THE RESEARCH examination of library spaces; here, development. Presented by a new ENDEAVOR OF ACADEMIC library practice is informed by the professional in her first tenure-track LIBRARIANS results of research, and research position using a balance of practical results are enriched by using the and anecdotal advice and theories Gwen Ebbett, University Librarian, University of Toronto Mississauga’s of learning and career progression. University of Windsor; Selinda Hazel McCallion Academic Berg, Research & Instructional Learning Centre as a practical Services Librarian, University of context. By working collaboratively, INFORMATION SEEKING Windsor; Ken N. Meadows, the LIS researcher reviewed issues BEHAVIOURS OF CHINESE Educational Researcher, University such as student behaviour, noise, STUDENTS of Western Ontario furniture, security, etc. Explore this collaborative researcher-practitioner Danielle Winn, Information Literacy In Canada, there has been an partnership and learn tips on Librarian; Guoying (Grace) Liu, increased focus on academic creating spaces for student success Systems Librarian, Leddy Library, librarians participating as University of Windsor researchers in the research mandate of their academic IMPACT FACTOR AND CITATION A groundbreaking research study institutions. Although this focus METRICS: WHAT DO THEY was conducted at the University of provides exciting opportunities for REALLY MEAN? Windsor investigating library use academic librarians, proper support
Winter 2008/No.36 9
and clarity of expectations are through promotions that are “hidden” library resources. Driven critical. Many academic institutions student-driven and often student- by the desire to improve the quality are creating supports aimed at generated. Drawing on practical of students’ research, a series of in- reducing the anxiety experienced examples, we will discuss UW’s class seminars was created by the by librarians embarking on successful “Why Do You Love the instructors and the liaison librarian. research, all the while improving the Library?” video contest, online polls, A guiding principle was that quality of the ever growing corpus digital displays, and more. Learn students arrive at university with of library literature. Potential areas about the benefits and logistics of varying research abilities, so the of support for librarians will be creating dynamic and interactive sessions were developed to build discussed from multiple promotions. Take away fresh and on existing competencies and perspectives. practical strategies for engaging enable students to construct more students in your library’s outreach sophisticated research strategies. activities. (EN)GAUGING THE NETWORK: THE GRAD STUDENT ACCESS TO RESOURCES: INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT LIBRARY TECHNICIANS: THE WHAT DO THOSE LICENSES SWISS ARMY KNIVES OF SAY? Morag Coyne, Queen’s University; ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Mary Claire Vandenburg, Research Joan Dalton, Associate University & Instruction Librarian, Queen’s Carol Campbell, Senior Library Librarian; Victoria Owen, Head University Technician, Humber College ITAL; Librarian, University of Toronto Denise Rooney, Library Technician, Scarborough Library Graduate students form and rely on University of Guelph-Humber; sophisticated networks to help them Adam Weissengruber, Humber Review the licenses and access, gauge and know the College ITAL agreements which determine the information they need quickly. terms of use of Scholars Portal These networks enable them to Library technicians contribute to resources. Raise awareness of participate more fully in the world of academic libraries in multifaceted Scholars Portal resources on scholarly communication. In order ways. From providing information campus and ensure that the total for librarians to best serve literacy classes to managing allowable usage of licensed graduates it is practical to ask: interlibrary loans, library technicians materials is being utilized in the What do these networks look like? are responsible for a variety of delivery of course content and in How do students build their integral activities within an support of research. network? Ultimately we ask: What academic library. Come and hear role ought the librarian play in the the unique challenges and life of such networks? Supported by opportunities that library technicians WORKING WITH WIKIPEDIA: A the research in cognitive and encounter in an academic library FACULTY/ LIBRARIAN information sciences, we will that serves both university and PARNERSHIP discuss these questions and college students. demonstrate the concrete Diane Granfield, Librarian; Ken application we found in greater Moffatt, Graduate Program Director, service levels to graduates. BUILDING UPON RESEARCH School of Social Work, Ryerson COMPETENCIES IN FIRST-YEAR University COURSES INTERACTIVE OUTREACH: An innovative assignment for a ENGAGING STUDENTS IN Laurie Morrison, Liaison Librarian; graduate course in a social work LIBRARY PROMOTIONS Keri Cronin, Assistant Professor, program, designed collaboratively Visual Arts, Brock University by the subject librarian and the Nancy Collins, Communications course professor, sought to explore and Liaison Librarian; Marian One of the curriculum goals of the paradigms and practices in the Davies, Library Associate; Department of Visual Arts at Brock production of knowledge through University of Western Ontario University is to foster student the confounding world of Wikipedia. research competencies through two Students were required to examine Looking for new ways to engage introductory-level courses. One role scholarly and non-scholarly students with your library? Recent of these courses is to expose discourse by critiquing entries and initiatives at the University of students to critical ideas about writing their own interventions. In Waterloo Library have put students visual culture and art history, and a addition, the assignment at the centre of outreach efforts second is to help them navigate encouraged students to think
10 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION critically about the academic world Nick Ruest, Digital Strategies instructional sessions: the content they inhabit and to consider how Librarian; Carl Spadoni, Director of may be interesting and useful, but marginalized communities might or Archives and Research Collections, students often view the session as might not be able to contribute to McMaster University Libraries supplemental to the course. The scholarly conversations. challenge is to embed the tenets of First on the list of the ACRL information literacy in a manner that Research Committee’s top 10 encourages students to develop "DON'T WORRY MOM, I'M AT assumptions for the future of habits of critical thinking. Learn the THE LIBRARY" – CONNECTING academic libraries and librarians is strategies used in an information WITH UNDERGRADS that there will be an increased management course to emphasis on digitizing collections, demonstrate how an embedded Jennifer Robinson; Marisa Mitchell, preserving digital archives and approach can encourage students Research and Instructional improving methods of data storage to access, evaluate and use Services Librarian; Melanie Mills, and retrieval. McMaster University information effectively. Data English & Outreach Services has initiated a major digitization retrieval and visualization, Librarian, University of Western project, “Peace and War in the 20th geographic information systems Ontario Century”. Join us as we share our (GIS) and group role-playing will be experiences in the first year of our highlighted. For the past three years Western life in the digital trenches! If you are Libraries has introduced our planning a digital project be sure to services, collections and facilities to bring your questions. FALLING THROUGH THE students via a welcome tent erected CRACKS: PODCASTING AND during orientation week. A great INFORMATION LITERACY deal of planning goes into creating COPYRIGHT COMMUNICATION interactive and meaningful IN CANADIAN ACADEMIC Marcella Knibbe, MLIS Graduate, orientation displays that will capture LIBRARIES University of Western Ontario attention and educate students about the role of the academic Tony Horava, Collection Co- Creating communication library as a physical and a virtual ordinator, University of Ottawa opportunities with students is an space! ongoing priority for many academic Ah, the complex and frustrating libraries. Is podcasting an effective world of copyright. How are libraries means of accomplishing this? NEW ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS: responding? What methods are Discover the reasons behind NETWORKING TO SUCCESS libraries using to communicate and implementing podcasting programs teach copyright issues? What and their merits and downfalls Debbie Chaves, Wilfrid Laurier information is conveyed, and who is exemplified through commentary University; Jim Brett, responsible? What is the interplay from academic institutions. A Manager/Librarian Ontario between the library and the discussion of the relationship Veterinary College Learning institution in developing copyright between podcasting and Commons, University of Guelph; policy? How is the web being used? information literacy, focusing on the Peggy Pritchard, Academic Liasion Find out the results of a national “useful vs usable debate” will Librarian, University of Guelph survey of Canadian academic provide some insight as to whether libraries undertaken in the summer podcasting is a truly effective 2.0 Explore issues of mentoring and of 2008, as well as offering ideas technology. networking for new librarians in an and strategies for best practices. interactive, hands-on workshop. Entering into a new job can be a MERGING LIBRARIES, MERGING very daunting period in a librarian’s HABITS OF INFORMATION REFERENCE: THE NOHIN life. Examine case studies and LITERACY: AN EMBEDDED EXPERIENCE examples that address the specific APPROACH TO INSTRUCTION questions that new librarians and Jennifer Dumond, Instruction & students have. Discuss avenues M.J. D.Elia, Academic Liaison Public Services Librarian; Melissa that new librarians can look to when Librarian; Carol Perry, Academic Helwig, Information Services they are starting a new position, Liaison Librarian; Jennifer Marvin, Librarian, Northern Ontario School and learn the benefits of mentorship Librarian, University of Guelph of Medicine and networking. Librarians commonly encounter The Northern Ontario School of “guest speaker syndrome” when Medicine merged two libraries that LIFE IN THE DIGITAL TRENCHES they’re invited to deliver fell under its authority to establish
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the Northern Ontario Health years has led to an increased Information Network (NOHIN). Prior interest in developing eBook Call for Convenors for the 2009 to the merger, staff provided collections in academic libraries. It OLA Super Conference! reference services to similar but is generally assumed that eBooks provide the same level of separate user groups. After the Super Conference is getting closer merge, librarians had to blend two convenience and usability to and we are looking for volunteers to reference styles to deliver cohesive patrons as eJournals have. This convene OCULA sessions. and relevant reference services. qualitative research study examined One objective of the merger was to the usability of eBooks by observing make it as seamless as possible so the strategies of undergraduate The duties of a convenor include the users would experience minimal science students while they following: disruption. Discover the process performed information retrieval used to merge two reference tasks in print books and eBooks. * Contact the speaker(s) and ensure service styles into one, and their AV requirements are sent to the evaluate the successes and OLA office. challenges of providing multi-user Don’t miss these reference services. OCULA events! * Elicit a short biography of the speaker(s) and use this to introduce the speaker(s) at the session. DETERMINING THE USABILITY Annual General Meeting Presiding: President, 2008, OF EBOOKS USING THE THINK- * Meet the speaker(s) at the Cynthia Williamson ALOUD METHOD Speakers’ Lounge 15 minutes before Thurs, Jan. 29, 2009 5:15pm the session Selinda Berg, Research &
Instructional Services Librarian, Academic Library Awards * Get help in the event of technical University of Windsor; Diane Reception for the Librarian of (DeDe) Dawson, MLIS Student, problems. the Year, and the Graduating University of Western Ontario Students/New Professional * Make sure that, in the case of a The widespread acceptance and Award panel, all panelists get equal air time enthusiasm for eJournals in recent Thurs., Jan. 29, 2009 6:00pm * Monitor the length of the session for the speaker(s).
A big thank you to our OCULA program coordinators: * Pick up evaluation forms at the end (l) Kristen Hoffman, University of Western Ontario & of the session. (r) Caroline Stewart, University of Guelph-Humber
* Write a short summary of the session for the Conference Blog and/or future OCULA publications.
Convenors’ names and institutions appear in the online OLA Super Conference program.
If you are willing to be a convenor please contact Caroline Stewart:
caroline.stewart@ guelphhumber.ca
Please note that program convenors DO NOT receive a registration discount.
Thank you!
12 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Ryerson Library adds new study space
Story and photo by Cecile Farnum, Ryerson University 2008 OCULA Council The Ryerson Library recently renovated its 4th floor to create two large additional areas for group and individual study. To enable the use of PRESIDENT laptops, numerous electrical connections are available in these areas, as Cynthia Williamson well as several LCD panels equipped with retractable VGA cables that Mohawk College (Fennell) can be connected to laptops to facilitate group work. Most of the furniture (905) 575‐1212 Ext. 3129 is mobile, which will provide students with the flexibility to arrange the
Wireless connectivity is available throughout the floor. VICE‐PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT‐ELECT Nathalie Soini A reading room to allow for individual quiet study has also opened on the Stauffer Library @ Queen’s University floor. Two bookable group study rooms have been equipped with (613) 533‐6000 Ext. 75566 computers and LCD panels, one of which has a Smartboard overlay.
The open study area on the north side of the floor can be reconfigured to PAST PRESIDENT accommodate special events seating an audience of up to eighty. The Don Kinder area is equipped with a sound system and 2 large LCD panels that can be Ryerson University Library used to display presentations. The Library's Special Collections have also (416) 979‐5000 Ext. 6899 been relocated to the 4th floor with a generous open space that includes
SECRETARY Robin Bergart McLaughlin Library University of Guelph (519) 824‐4120 Ext. 54094
COUNCILLOR Laurie Morrison James A Gibson Library Brock University (905) 688‐5550 Ext. 5281
COUNCILLOR InsideOCULA Mark Bryant Humber College Library, North Campus Ontario College and University Library Association (416) 675‐6622 Ext. 4170 50 Wellington St East, Suite 201, Toronto M5C 1C8
© Copyright, OLA 2008. All rights reserved.
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