OCULA President Caroline Stewart University of Guelph-Humber
OCULA Spring Dinner Speaker - David Trick Spring into fall: attend upcom- ing OCULA events by Monica Rettig, shared the key findings of this re- Brock University search which was published in 2009 Fall is a season full of beginnings and in Academic Transformation: the possibilities. In academia, we can all Forces Reshaping Higher Education in get caught up in the excitement of Have you ever looked at Ontario’s Ontario (McGill –Queens UP). change, whether it is new subject higher education system and responsibility, a completed library scratched your head wondering, According to Trick, the higher educa- renovation, a new job or just a new “Where is this all headed?” tion system in Ontario is affected by batch of eager students. Your OCULA two key factors. The first is the shift executive is also looking forward to Dr. David Trick spoke directly to this from an elite system with limited en- the fall as we have both new events concern at the 2010 OCULA Spring rollment to a near-universal one. The and a new OCULA librarian resident Dinner hosted by York University at research suggests that, as a result of in place for the coming months. the lovely and historic Glendon Hall. this shift, Ontario colleges and univer- sities can expect a 2 per cent increase OCULA council has some interesting Trick, a Glendon alumnus, has a long in the number of students by 2021—a activities planned for the next few history of involvement in post sec- change that effectively translates into months. Mark October 21 on your ondary education in Ontario and has the demand for spaces in two new calendar because this is the day of held senior positions such as assistant universities and three new colleges. our fall 2010 event. It will take place deputy minister of postsecondary However, many Ontario universities at the North Campus of Humber Col- education and chief executive officer have already undertaken major ex- lege and includes a complementary and vice-provost for the University of pansion in recent decades and these wine tasting plus a fall harvest meal Guelph-Humber. Several years ago, institutions might not be interested along with entertainment from tal- he was approached by the Higher in growing further in order to accom- ented Humber faculty. We have part- Education Quality Council of Ontario modate this forecasted increase in nered on this event with the Ontario to contribute to a study of the forces demand. Association of Library Technicians/ shaping higher education in Ontario Association des bibliotechniciens de and, in particular, to identify future Trick and his colleagues also high- l’Ontario (OALT/ABO) to strengthen concerns. In his presentation he continued on page 2 ties within the library community. Our spring 2011 event will be pre- Librarians at the G8/G20 protests: a bit of public debriefing sented in collaboration with the by Caroline Stewart, University of Guelph-Humber and Dave Hudson, Univesity of Guelph Western New York/Ontario Chapter of the Association of College and We ran into each other at “People other. As it turned out, we have both Research Libraries and we will also be First. We Deserve Better,” the main wanted to debrief together about co-hosting a one-day conference on rally and march at Queen’s Park in the protests because these events innovation to be held in Niagara. Toronto on July 26 during the week of have given us much to think about— protests against the G8/G20. Though as librarians and as members of the In addition to these events, our new we were both excited to see another larger community. What follows is our OCULA Resident Paula Cardozo is librarian at a protest, we did little thinking about a few basic issues: continued on page 2 more than say so and high five each continued on page 3
Fall2010/No.41 1 President’s Message OCULA Spring Dinner Speaker - David Trick continued from page 1 continued from page 1 joining us this month. Paula will be lighted a significant change in public working at Nipissing University and policy. Governments of the devel- Canadore College Library in North oped world, including Canada, have North Bay as well as attending council recognized that the production of meetings. As we welcome Paula, we new knowledge in higher education must also say thank you and say good- and the successful transfer of this bye to Monica Rettig. Monica was knowledge to the workplace results the first participant in the residency in higher future incomes for citizens. program and did her placement at As such, governments have invested Brock University in St. Catherine’s We heavily in research funding and appreciated Monica’s participation in scholarship bodies, driving a strong council meetings and her submissions competition for funding amongst to InsideOCULA. Hopefully she will researchers. remain involved in OCULA and we are pleased that her contract at Brock has As a consequence of these two forces, been extended. faculty members must take on two that a simple demand for more gov- expanding and simultaneous missions: ernment dollars is not the answer and ...we must continually advocate teach more students and produce offered a number of solutions: for libraries and the academic high level research. “Something’s got community... to give,” Trick argued and he sug- • Create new teaching-focused institu- gested that this “something” is the tions without the focus on research. amount of time and attention given to Ontario is a unique jurisdiction in that Finally, over the past few months we undergraduate instruction. At many we insist all universities must be re- have been reminded that we must con- institutions, undergraduate class sizes search–driven. These new institutions tinually advocate for libraries and the are too large, causing students to would accommodate more students academic community on issues such miss out on interaction with faculty without taking away from existing col- as the recent cuts to some Knowl- members. A significant share of un- leges and universities. edge Ontario programs. The Ontario dergraduate teaching—approximately • Consider more flexible models for Library Association’s current strategic 5 per cent at large institutions—is faculty rather than the existing strict plan highlights the importance of ad- done by part-time faculty, resulting 40% (teaching)/ 40% (research)/20% vocacy and one of the four key goals in a number of problems including a (service) model. of the plan is to collaborate to extend loss of continuity and integration with • Offer shorter degree programs libraries’ strategic voice. Clearly programs as a whole. such as the three-year baccalaureate, OCULA has an important role to play allowing students to move through in achieving this goal. Not only will While Trick suggested faculty, govern- the institutions more quickly without we support you by providing resources ment, and students are not respon- diluting the quality of education. so that you can stay informed but we sible for the current state of post sec- • Have a frank conversation with gov- may also be calling on you to join us ondary education in Ontario, he did ernment around expectations for the in raising awareness of important top- argue that the systemic problems are higher education system and the ac- ics and concerns. due to the fact that since the 1960s, companying costs in order to develop Ontario’s large scale publicly funded a better funding model. Have a great 2010–2011 school year system of postsecondary education and please join us for the fall event on has not been updated. In particular, More information about David Trick is October 21. there has been no attention paid to available at http://davidtrick.com. developing new kinds of institutions.
So, what is to be done? Trick argued
2 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Librarians at the G8/G20 protests: a bit of public debriefing continued from page 1 our reasons for being at the protests, selves to, exclusive forums for crucial integrating both a sense of public duty our impressions, and the various decisions on global matters as is the and a sense of social responsibility responses to the events. Though case with the G8/G20—when more into one’s work (mostly in the context these are our preliminary and perhaps inclusive forums exist already. of my friend’s upcoming move into superficial reflections, our conversa- a job in news media). We also spent tion suggests that there is indeed But I also went partly for my own some time walking alongside, and much more to talk about. If you’d like learning—about my continuing sharing stories with, an older couple to continue the conversation, feel free education, if you will. I really value from the northeastern United States to contact us via emails (see below). those who do not keep their opin- who were visiting friends and had de- ions to themselves, who are able to cided to take part in the march while Why we hit the streets move from being quietly reflective to they were here. confidently and articulately sharing Caroline: I went to the G20 for a num- their critical perspectives in public. As When I think of the circulation of in- ber of reasons. Through the course someone who sometimes finds it dif- formation, especially in the context of of my education and professional life, ficult to this, it is important to me to librarianship, I tend to focus on docu- I am continually realizing the impor- hear others articulate their concerns ments and data moving through dedi- tance of social justice and activism. I with different nuances; it is through cated channels. Reflecting back on had never attended a protest before this sort of interactive process that I the protests, however, it seems that and I realized that if I valued these find I am able to best develop my own the rally and march were, in a very forms of expression and believed in perspectives (especially when I can powerful sense, a dynamic informa- social change then I needed to be interact with others in person). tion interchange—not only internally, more involved in my community. I through conversations with others saw the protests as a way to raise Our impressions of the protests with different perspectives, but also awareness of issues in an organized more broadly, as a critical interactive manner. It was an opportunity to send Dave: Upon arriving at Queens Park, I mass of diverse voices literally snaking a message to world leaders but also was struck by the diversity of people. through the streets of a city. Indeed, to the community at large that issues There were people from all walks the diversity of groups represented at such as human rights, education and of life, who were concerned about the rally presented itself like a given employment need to be addressed the G20 for a number of intercon- section of the book stacks in my li- both in Canada and throughout the nected and overlapping reasons, and brary—there was a variety of colours, world. Personally, I was aligned with represented a broad spectrum of voices, and nuances to explore in a a number of organizations that were political perspectives and approaches space that, again, is about expressing communicating their concerns on to articulating these concerns and oneself and about learning. these specific matters. I wasn’t sure engaging their communities (either what to expect but was impressed by globally or locally). I felt good when I Caroline: Like you, I too was im- the organization of the event and the looked around and saw thousands of pressed with the diversity of the ability of large groups of people to bodies—teachers, steelworkers and marchers. There was a group raising mobilize. members of other unions, high school concerns about communism in Viet- students and retired folks, and so nam and its impact on human rights Dave: My reasons for going were many more—marching under differ- and religious freedom next to a group similar. Generally, I question whose ent banners (literally and figuratively) promoting communist politics. I loved interests are met by the policies that but nonetheless interacting in count- the fact that at the march the diver- come out of these meetings, so I went less ways. I spent most of the march sity of opinions and concerns made partly to publicly embody these ques- walking with a friend, alternately it feel safe for everyone to publicly tions alongside others—to “send a chanting, watching the variety of ways express their beliefs and concerns. I message,” to use your terms, Caroline. in which other marchers were ex- was so proud to be living in Canada. As someone committed both profes- pressing their opposition, and musing sionally and personally to inclusive about some of the finer points I also agree that the march was a informational processes, I am dis- continued on page 7 turbed to see a small group of wealthy nations create, and appoint them- Fall2010/No.41 3 2010 OCULA New Librarian Residency
learning management system (LMS). network of college and university Story by Personal highlights for me were my librarians that met quarterly to work Monica Rettig, partnerships with faculty and contact on library marketing and communica- Brock University with students. tions. I enjoyed experimenting with assorted modes of outreach, ranging With the switch to Drupal, a new con- from social media to something as tent management system, our library simple as a flip chart. September marks the end of my year website has had a major overhaul. as the inaugural OCULA New Librarian I was responsible for migrating the One example was the ‘New Year’s Res- Resident. The residency program is content of my own subject areas as olution’ contest which we ran in Janu- designed to enhance recruitment of well as training librarians in designing ary 2010. I created three brief video new librarians and provide entry-level and developing content for the new tutorials concentrating on essential professional opportunities in academ- research guides, whether this meant research skills (see below). We asked ic and research library settings. I did creating hyperlinks or embedding students to watch a video and provide my 12-month residency as the liaison Meebo widgets. feedback so that they could enter a librarian at James A. Gibson Library at draw to win a gym membership. The Brock University and my position had Marketing and communications project was successful: we received three major components: collections, 130 submissions and the videos had marketing, and instruction. Working closely with Justine Cotton, more than 600 views. the communications and liaison librar- Liaison and collections ian, I gained insights into the challeng- es of communicating with our various During my residency, I was respon- stakeholders. I joined an informal continued on page 5 sible for a number of subject areas. Initially, my subjects were history, classics, Canadian studies, and medi- eval and renaissance studies and cur- rently, I am covering dramatic arts and music. As a liaison librarian, I did my best to become familiar with the field, the literature as well as the teaching and research here at Brock. Plus, I worked on the library component for an external review for the undergrad- uate classics program and met with the members of the external review committee. As a result of this work, I was exposed to the complex world of approval plans, acquisitions, and the ongoing pressures facing academic library collections. I had some great experiences working with faculty members to develop customized re- search help for their courses, whether that meant presenting hands-on workshops and video tutorials, or designing help pages in Sakai, our
4 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2010 OCULA New Librarian Residency continued from page 4
E-Learning and instruction I collaborated with my colleagues careers was very beneficial for me. I through participation in a number was able to hear about their jobs and I have a strong personal interest in of internal working groups. This the similarities and differences in the instruction and had rich opportunities summer, as a member of the liaison challenges faced at their institutions. to experiment with different modes steering group, I helped to facilitate Coming full circle, I was recently a of delivery. Screencasting, or video and deliver a weekly ‘Summer Camp’ member of the residency program screen capture, became one of my series designed to foster idea-sharing committee which selected the suc- tools of choice as I continued to ex- between librarians and support an cessful 2010–2011 proposal from plore programs such as Camtasia and environment of collaboration. Nipissing University and Canadore Jing, and the possibilities offered by College. I hope to continue to be YouTube and other free online tools. OCULA council membership involved with OCULA in the coming This summer, I focused on developing years, whatever form that may take. a suite of “Research Help on Demand” As an ex-officio member of the OCULA video tutorials, with the goal of of- council, I was involved with various Perhaps the best indicator of a suc- fering generic information literacy projects and activities such as the cessful year is that my contract was instruction in an engaging format. I student award selection committee, extended for a second year at Brock. took advantage of co-teaching oppor- InsideOCULA, and council meetings. As of September 1, I began my role tunities with other librarians at Brock, I got a sense of how a library associa- as the e-learning/liaison librarian al- and learned from their different ap- tion functions at this level, the diverse though, my time here will be short as proaches and methodologies. roles of council, and the impressive my partner and I are excitedly expect- dedication and commitment of those ing our first child in November. I’ve been working behind the scenes involved. to discover ways to better integrate The job market remains tough and library support in the LMS. It’s been Getting to know librarians from col- I have several friends from library interesting to learn about the impor- leges and universities from across school who continue to doggedly tance of developing partnerships with Ontario at different stages in their pursue that first entry-level position. other units on campus. In addition, As such, I am grateful to OCULA and the Ontario Library Association for creating this residency program and to the James A. Gibson Library at Brock University for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. I wish the very best to the next new librarian resident.
Fall2010/No.41 5 Academic librarians and the G20 Story by Nancy Collins, University of Waterloo
Academic librarians were in the to midnight during the summit and While traffic in the “Ask-a-Librarian” middle of the G20 action in June, responded to questions such as, “Can room was not as brisk as the foot albeit remotely. Led by the staff from you tell me what the consensus 2011 traffic in downtown Toronto, it was a the University of Waterloo Library, GDP growth forecast is for Canada worthwhile venture. librarians from universities across the and the EU?”, “We are hearing reports country joined forces to provide an of the Chinese becoming more flexible “All involved librarians and library “Ask-a-Librarian” service to delegates with their yuan. Can someone provide sciences students were incredible,” and the media within the Canadian a layman’s version of what this actu- says Annie Bélanger. “They pulled to- Digital Media Network’s social com- ally means?” and “Which G20 coun- gether quickly and enthusiastically to munity “G20Net” powered by Open tries other than Canada, the UK, the make sure that this information ser- Text software. This was the first ser- US, Germany, France and Italy have vice experiment could be achieved.” vice of its kind to be offered at a G20 had a female head of state or head of summit. government?” G20Net was a research project initi- ated by the Canadian Digital Media Network that brought academia, Librarians at the CIGI and students institutions, media, and other subject currently enrolled in master of library experts into a secure social commu- and information science programs at nity. Members of the G20Net commu- Annie Bélanger, the head of Informa- the Universities of Western Ontario nity were able to share ideas, col- tion Services and Resources at Water- and Alberta also contributed many laborate, network and have access to loo’s Dana Porter Library and Dillon hours to the service. librarians throughout the G20 Summit Moore, the acting manager of Library conference in Toronto. The software Services at the Centre for Interna- In addition to the “Ask-a-Librarian” was powered by Open Text, a member tional Governance Innovation (CIGI) service, Waterloo librarians harvested of CDMN which is the largest indepen- coordinated the program. Librarians a large quantity of open source docu- dent software company in Canada. from the Universities of Waterloo, mentation related to the summit’s Alberta, British Columbia, Toronto, primary topics and made the material and Western Ontario staffed the “Ask- searchable within the network. a-Librarian” service from 5:30 a.m. Lightning Strikes! Following the overwhelming success of OCULA’s student session at Super Conference 2010, we are pleased to present the second inaugural student award session: Lightning Strikes.
Library students will attempt to electrify us with ten minute lightning talks and the winner will take home $200 and a free membership in OCULA/OLA for a year.
Lightning talks are very short presentations, and they are becoming an increasingly common feature at conferences. Lightning talks are a great way for novice conference speakers to get a taste for presenting, and the audience benefits from getting to hear several ideas in one session—which makes them the perfect choice for the OCULA Student Award.
Both LIS and library technician students should submit a lightning talk proposal on a topic relevant to academic librarian- ship. A panel of OCULA members will select the best proposals to compete in the Lightning Strikes @ OCULA session. The award winner will be determined by a vote of all audience members attending the session.
For award details, see http://tinyurl.com/oculastudentaward. Students, you have until November 12, 2010 to submit proposals, so put on your lightning-bolt thinking caps! OCULA members, stay tuned for a call for volunteers to serve on the selection panel for our lightning talk speakers.
6 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Librarians at the G8/G20 protests: a bit of public debriefing continued from page 3 place for information exchange. I an advocate of freedom of speech and remains: will these events change the would not necessarily have connected expression. Censorship does not just nature and level of our response as a all those groups but just being there take place in the realm of print and I profession? expanded my ideas about the role of think that librarians need to be con- various community groups and the cerned when the expression of beliefs On the community responses to ways in which these groups can work and ideas is restricted. police actions towards common goals despite having The authorities’ response is having a Dave: I was really interested by the different agendas. I also thought that I lasting impact on me. I have noticed use of social media within the com- was participating in public education. that whenever I encounter the police munity to respond to this police vio- I cannot speak for other observers of at other community events in Toronto lence. People used Twitter, Facebook, the march but I hope that they were such as festivals, I am suspicious and and blogs to communicate in the also able to see connections and links wonder if they would decide sud- periods leading up to and during the in ways that they hadn’t previously. denly to stop whatever is happening. protest. These social media were also I hope that they thought their ideas Perhaps my reaction is an irrational used for critical media interventions and opinions were expanding just reaction but the impact of the G20 through co-operative indie media from observing. In a way the protests has been so strong for me that I can- projects like the Toronto Media Co-op seemed like public instillation educa- not help thinking this way. or the more specificG20 Alt-Media tion, like Nuit Blanche but instead of Centre. What was most compelling sharing art we were sharing ideas. Dave: I am not surprised that the to me, however, was the seemingly authorities’ response to the protests widespread use of mobile devices Concerns about authorities’ has had a lasting impact on you, to publicly document authorities’ responses Caroline. I certainly left Toronto responses, particularly where these with heightened anxiety about the documents were then disseminated Caroline: I have had really strong feel- intensification of state violence in through sites like YouTube and Flickr. ings regarding the response of the au- the name of “security” (after having thorities to the protests. Initially, I had been randomly searched myself at Part of me does not want to contrib- been really pleased with the march the various checkpoints they had in ute any further to what seems like an and it seemed like the police had even the city on Sunday, June 27). Like you endless, obsessive, uncritical celebra- been helpful by controlling traffic and many others, I also left with an tion of social media in the library and creating space on the streets so eerie feeling that our rights to express world. Likewise, I think there are criti- that the event could take place. Then ourselves, to protest peacefully and cal questions to be asked of particular everything changed. freely, are increasingly being eroded invocations of “citizen journalism” under similar pretenses. I find it hard (specifically where mainstream media I do not really understand why the au- not to feel that way when, as you companies offer viewer-submitted thorities “allowed” vandalism to hap- mentioned Caroline, large numbers content as a means of marketing pen one day and then the next day of peaceful protesters are attacked by themselves as populist, and reduce detained peaceful protesters, those police, removed from the protest site journalism to the act of simple docu- who were there to document the and detained, only to have any hint of mentation). There is also a certain events and even bystanders. Person- a charge dropped when they showed irony in the romanticization of mobile ally, I felt betrayed and disappointed up to court weeks later; when journal- devices as tools of civic opposition by the police. I do not deny some per- ists are attacked and arrested while to Western corporate rule, especially sonal ignorance on the management covering the protest and then the when people start to ask questions of crowds and protests but if people police confiscate their equipment; or about the environmental and social cannot get together to communicate when authorities knowingly obfuscate impact of mobile devices and the cul- their beliefs in a peaceful manner public protesters’ legal rights. As you ture of fervent consumerism and con- what good is the Canadian Charter of suggest, Caroline, the library world stant upgrade that surrounds them. Rights and Freedoms? in particular has ample reason to be deeply concerned about this criminal- Nevertheless, some of the authorities’ continued on page 8 As a librarian, I consider myself to be ization of dissent. The question
Fall2010/No.41 7 Librarians at the G8/G20 protests: a bit of public debriefing Paula Cardozza: 2010 OCULA continued from page 7 new librarian resident violence was documented and on-going developments. Like it or not, In 2009 (August) OCULA put out a call disseminated so easily and widely I realized that I have become reliant to Ontario colleges and universities through these methods which provid- on “real-time” information. When I for nominations for the second New ed important points of media inter- tried to corroborate the information Librarian Residency Award and Paula vention from perspectives that are provided via tweets with mainstream Cardozo will be the 2010 new librarian often ignored or grossly mischaracter- news sources, I was disappointed in resident at Nipissing University/Cana- ized in mainstream media channels. the slow response of those sources. dore College. On one hand I am frustrated by my I was also happy to see librarians personal need for immediate informa- As the new resident, Paula will attend respond swiftly to the attacks on civil tion and yet, during the protests, I OCULA council meetings as an ex- liberties, as the British Columbia Li- felt more engaged than normal with officio member. She will also have the brary Association did through its open current events. opportunity to learn and be mentored letter to the Ontario premier and by her colleagues at Nipissing/Cana- Canada’s prime minister. In my mind, In fact, I am still following tweets dore and the OCULA council mem- librarians have an important role to relating to the G20. Normally when bers. In addition, she will report on play both as advocates for accessible big news events happen, I am hooked her work at Nipissing in a future issue information and empowered public for a while and then I push the events of InsideOCULA. education, and as defenders of the to the side. With social media I think right to dissent publicly without being that I am still engaged and care about The new librarian resident award is criminalized or demonized. Often what happens. valued at $20,000 and was created in other professions play roles at these 2009 to enhance recruitment of new sorts of protests, such as lawyers act- Dave Hudson is a learning and curricu- librarians and provide entry-level pro- ing as legal observers or health care lum support librarian at the Univer- fessional opportunities in academic workers acting as street medics. I sity of Guelph and can be reached at and research library settings. This would love to see a more librarians [email protected] year, five college and university library playing this kind of role (as is done administrators applied for funding through some of the work of Radical Caroline Stewart is a liaison librarian under the program. The residency Reference, for instance). at the University of Guelph-Humber is for a minimum of 10 months to a and can be reached at caroline.stew- maximum of 12 months and length Caroline: Dave, I agree that there is [email protected] is dependent on the institution and a need for critical analysis of social funding. Last year, Monica Rettig was media. As academic librarians we are the inaugural resident and worked at constantly trying to engage our stu- Brock University (see Monica’s report dents in the process of critical evalua- on page 1). tion of information. Given that social media were such a major provider of Our congratulations to Paula. More information during the G20, both the information about the award is avail- messages and the medium necessi- able at www.accessola.com (click on tate careful evaluation. ocula and then awards).
With that in mind, I know that I heav- ily relied on social media for infor- mation throughout the weekend. I was hooked to my Twitter client as it allowed me to follow tweets for cur- rent information. I was able to track what was happening with people that I knew who were involved and with 8 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION A census–less decision! A GIS/data librarian reflects on the cancellation of the mandatory long form for the 2011 census by Andrew Nicholson Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre University of Toronto Mississauga
For example, during the Depres- applied in useful ways in classroom sion, new questions were included and research environments. By to address social housing and urban providing a greater understanding of conditions. Canada and its diverse regions, Ca- Earlier this summer, two students nadian census data has been able to visited my library needing household The census methodology remained both answer questions, and highlight income data for a pair of Mississauga largely unique for each census year new avenues of inquiry. neighbourhoods. As a GIS/data librar- through to 1966. Then, for the 1971 ian, my first instinct was to direct census, Statistics Canada introduced The federal government had three key these students to the 2006 Census of a tighter and more rigorous approach reasons for abolishing the long form. Canada, which has the most current and included the introduction of the One, some of the questions were data for these communities. While short form and long form question- intrusive; two, citizens should not be this was a typical reference interac- naires. These changes were intended threatened with jail time for refusing tion for me, what made it different on to improve statistical accuracy and al- to answer such questions; and three, this occasion was my sad and distress- low for comparisons from one census citizens complained after the 2006 ing realization that I may not be able to another. census data collection. However, the privacy commissioner noted only to provide this same reliable and three complaints about the manda- accurate information to students and The mandatory long form question- tory aspects of the long form for researchers in a couple of years. naire became a key component of the the 2006 census and only 50 official census for the next 35 years. Going complaints over the last two decades, These feelings were the result of out to 20 percent of households, the most of which had nothing to do with the federal Conservative govern- form included 50 questions pertaining the long form. Moreover the number ment’s recent and surprising decision to many areas of Canadian life such as of people who refused to complete that Statistics Canada would not be income, religion, housing expenses, the 2006 census questionnaire was distributing a mandatory long form employment, and commuting modes also miniscule and no one was pun- questionnaire for the 2011 census. to work. Once Statistics Canada -re ished with jail time—those refusing Many Canadians, including those in ceived the completed questionnaires, paid a small fine instead. the library community, were shocked statisticians first anonymized the data by this decision. and then applied a set of complicated I find it difficult to fathom, based algorithms to weight the 20 per cent upon these rationales, why the federal The first questionnaire was distrib- sample data to cover the remaining government would claim that the cen- uted in 1871 and, according to the population. The data was then ag- sus represented a “crisis” that needed fixing. Over the years, many people Statistics Canada website, since that gregated for public dissemination, and regarded the census as part of their time the census has provided “a used by millions of students, profes- duty as a citizen, an obligation similar statistical portrait of Canada and its sionals, charitable agencies, business- to the responsibility to pay income people”. While the census has been es, and all levels of government for a tax, report for jury duty, or even stop changed periodically, it has always wide variety of purposes. for a red traffic light. Several people been regarded as a valuable tool for I know looked forward to the census learning about the changing nature Having worked with census data in every five years, even hoped they of Canadian society and for helping both Canadian and U.S. academic would receive a long form question- governments as well as other groups libraries for over ten years, I have con- naire, because they recognized the to shape public policies and planning. tinually seen this information being continued on page 10
Fall2010/No.41 9 A census–less decision! continued from page 9 social importance of the census. his position in protest to the deci- quietly and without warning and this sion to cancel the mandatory long has been vexing to say the least. In The implications of the cancellation form questionnaire. Statisticians are the past, Statistics Canada represen- of the long form census questionnaire concerned that few people will even tatives would go across the country are difficult to estimate, but I believe bother to fill in the NHS and this vol- for a series of consultations with the that they will be profound. For ex- untary decision not to participate will public, librarians, policy makers, and ample, since the 1971 census, Statis- compromise the data. Will someone other stakeholders. Often changes to tics Canada has employed the same already maxed out from paying bills the upcoming census would be pro- methodologies and standard baseline and juggling family responsibilities posed for feedback and stakeholders measure to study population change bother to fill in a 50+ voluntary ques- had an opportunity to ask questions and identify demographic patterns— tionnaire? Will people in a low income and put forth ideas of their own as the capacity to study these changes bracket or those who feel disenfran- to the information they would like to will be lost. In addition, I think that chised voluntarily fill in a survey? As get out of the census. In the lead-up social science and historical research a result of this poor data, the very for the 2011 census, consultations will be affected significantly. For people that could directly benefit began in 2007 and until the recent an- example, studies pertaining to how from the application of census data nouncement there had not been any religious affiliation or ethnicity change to social services could be neglected mention of scrapping the long form. over time will be compromised. because policy makers would not Rather, the decision was announced have enough information to respond just before a holiday long weekend, The government has asked Statistics appropriately. in the Canada Gazette, a parliamen- Canada to replace the mandatory long tary journal not widely read outside form questionnaire with a voluntary On the Statistics Canada website the of political circles. Even the staff at national household survey (NHS). agency states that they will “conduct Statistics Canada seemed to be caught This survey will be sent to approxi- and release the results of this sur- off guard by the decision. mately 4.5 million households and will vey applying the same methods and contain most of the same questions standards used for all of its surveys.” Fortunately, the library community that were part of the mandatory long If this is true the NHS data that will and many other groups were paying be collected will be largely useless, as form. The NHS will be distributed to attention to the announcement of most other Statistics Canada survey 30 percent of Canadian households these census changes. Many librarians data is only available by province or (i.e., one in three rather than 20 per- census metropolitan area level, mak- and information professionals cent for the long form) and officials ing deeper analysis or census map- have responded with petitions, letters argue that this larger sample size will ping impossible. To help students and to their local politicians, the indus- help to maintain statistical accuracy researchers in an academic library, we try minister, and the prime minister. despite the fact that participation will need data at a much more granular Parliament’s industry, science and be voluntary. level such as census tract (neighbour- technology committee recently held hood) or dissemination area (block hearings into the decision and passed However, critics argue that there are or set of blocks). Data from the long a motion calling on the government serious problems with the NHS. It form has been provided at these to reinstate the mandatory long form has been pointed out that the survey levels for many years and has been of census. One group, the National Sta- will cost more money to print out tremendous value as a learning and tistics Council of Canada, has even put and process compared with the long research resource. Some academics forth a compromise solution which form census questionnaire. More have actually recommended canceling seems to address the government’s importantly, however, Munir Sheikh the NHS altogether, rather than dis- stated concerns, including reducing seminating inaccurate data. (the former chief statistician Statistics the penalties for non-compliance and Canada) and many other prominent studying the questions one by one, The decision to scrap the mandatory statisticians have come forth to say removing or revising those that seem long form census has been done that statistical accuracy will be com- intrusive. promised. Mr. Sheikh resigned from continued on page 11 10 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION A census–less decision! OCULA Lifetime continued from page 10 Achievement Award by Nathalie Soini Despite significant lobbying efforts, the government has not budged from Toni Olshen is this year’s recipient its decision, and seems unlikely to do of the OCULA Lifetime Achievement so now since the short form census Award. Toni is the business librarian at and the NHS have already been sent the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library to the printers for distribution in at York University’s Schulich School of May 2011. As it is too late to reverse Business. course for the 2011 census, where Toni has worked as a librarian and infor- does this leave the library commu- mation specialist for nearly 40 years in nity? Well, there is still hope and op- many organizations including academic, timism that the government may go special, public and government librar- back to some sort of mandatory long ies. form for the 2016 census. According to public opinion polls conducted in She joined York University Libraries in mid-August, more than 50 percent of 1989 where she served as the associate respondents are opposed to the cen- university librarian of public services sus changes. Moreover, when looking until 2003 when she moved to her cur- at a list of those groups in favour of rent position. the census changes and those op- posed, it is quite apparent that many Prior to her appointment at York, Toni people and agencies feel strongly that worked for the Financial Post Library the mandatory long form census is a and established the Financial Post fundamental tool for their activities. Online. She has also worked for Mi- What is especially illustrative is that cromedia and the Ontario Ministry of the groups opposed to the change Education. come from all areas of Canadian so- ciety and political spectrums. You can view this list at: http://datalibre.ca/census-watch/
Nevertheless, we still need to keep the pressure on our political leaders and continue to stress how important “the complete census” is for educa- tional and planning purposes. We are only sure to capture an accurate statistical portrait of our country that can be utilized for the benefit of all Canadians by making the long form census questionnaire compulsory.
To see a mandatory long form ques- tionnaire reinstated, contact your local member of Parliament. You can also sign a petition at http://www. gopetition.com/petitions/keep-the- canadian-census-long-form.html. photo by Brian Cameron
Fall2010/No.41 11 “We liked everything”: Carleton University Library mini course a success By Martha Attridge Bufton Carleton University
For the first time Carleton University library’s archives and rare book coor- from the experience including how Library instructors have taught one of dinator and Monica Ferguson, Susan to do research in an academic library the courses in the annual Enrichment Jackson, Frances Montgomery, Susan and, in particular, how to find the Mini Course Program (EMCP). Coor- Pinard, Beth Ray, Joel Rivard, Sherri right books. dinated by Subject Specialist Susan Sunstrum and Denize Tan who are Tudin, a nine-person teaching team all specialists in the Maps Data and According to Elizabeth Knight, the delivered “Research can be fun”, one Government Information (MADGIC) head of reference services, the course of the 50 mini courses that local high Centre in the library. was both an opportunity for library school students completed from May staff to showcase their teaching and 3 to May 7, 2010. Laura Barton was one of the 14 par- research skills and a chance for staff ticipants. A Grade 10 student from from different departments to col- Since 1981, Grade 8 – 11 students Vankleek Hill, Laura chose the library laborate. “This was an initiative that from the Ottawa region have come course because at the time she was involved staff from every part of the on campus in May to learn in a post considering becoming a librarian and library ... truly teambuilding at its secondary setting. Traditionally faculty thought that it “would be the perfect best!” and graduate students have taught in opportunity to see if I was right. I love the EMCP but this year Susan thought libraries and books and I thought it Susan Jackson, the head of MADGIC, that it was time for the library staff to would be awesome to spend a week agrees. “MADGIC staff was pleased to “show their stuff” and teach one of in a huge university library.” explore new ways of introducing our the courses. special materials to the students; it Laura thinks that she learned a lot was a great experience for all of us.” “This was a chance to encourage the spirit of inquiry in young minds, using a myriad of resources, and it was a refreshing experience to communi- cate with them on their terms for a week,” she says. “They tend to be very uninhibited once you make them feel comfortable and I daresay that exposure to such youthful enthusiasm was good for us all!”
Fourteen students signed up for the session and the results were posi- tive: most students rated the course as excellent and enjoyed searching for information through a variety of activities such as writing an obituary, using language translation software and playing video or board games.
The teaching team included subject Subject Specialist Robert Smith (centre) with students who attended specialists Martha Attridge Bufton, the enriched mini course “Research can be fun” at the Carleton Uni- Heather Cross, Margaret McLeod, versity Library in early May. Robert taught the session on games that Trish O’Flaherty, Judy Senecal, Robert included a presentation from a sociology graduate student as well as Smith and Susan Tudin from Refer- the chance to play video and board games from the library’s collection. ence Services, Lloyd Keane, who is the
12 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Creative Corner
Photography by Robin Bergart
Are you creative?
InsideOCULA is seeking submis- sions for Creative Corner. Artwork, photography, poetry, recipes, and short pieces of prose are welcome. Send submissions to: bcameron@ ryerson.ca
Fall2010/No.41 13 Ryerson University Submitted by Cecile Farnum The Ryerson University Library and Archives (RULA) is the newest member of the Canadian As- sociation of Research Libraries (CARL). The association’s 31 members unanimously approved the university’s application in May, 2010. The association’s members consist of 29 major academic research libraries across Canada together with Library and Archives Canada, the Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI) and the Library of Parliament. CARL strives to enhance the capacity of member libraries to partner in research and higher education, and to seek effective and sustainable scholarly communication and public policy encouraging of research and broad access to scholarly information. Queen’s University Submitted by Nathalie Soini The fifth annual Canadian Learning Commons Conference at Queen’s University
Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) hosted the fifth annual Canadian Learning Commons Conference June 16 – 18, 2010. The theme for the conference was: A Journey in Progress: Been There! Done That! What’s Next! To discuss “what’s next,” Mr. Roger Billings led the pre-con- ference sessions about strategic planning. We also had a vibrant session called the “Learning Commons Café,” where we explored new ideas for the Learning Commons/Information Com- mons/Learning Centres at our institutions. In addition to numerous concurrent and consecu- tive sessions, we also had a lovely dinner with music by the Syntax All-Stars! The conference ended with a thought-provoking session about the Web 3.0 by Jesse Hirsh.
For more information about the conference, go to:http://www.queensu.ca/qlc/clcc5.htm l University of Western Ontario Submitted by Kristin Hoffmann Western Libraries’ update on Maps, Data and Government Information Services
As follow-up to a post from earlier this year, the final report and recommendations of the Map, Data and Government Information Working Group have been released. The recommendations include: • That Western Libraries adopt an integrated service model for the delivery of map, data and government information resources; • That Western Libraries implement a tiered service model; • That Western Libraries develop and recruit staff expertise that supports the proposed model; • That an appropriate physical space be allocated and technical infrastructure be developed within Western Libraries to support the integrated service; and, • That Western Libraries explore internal and external partnerships to support the ongoing operations of the Map, Data and Government Information centre.
The working group focused on specific issues during the consultation, including better under- standing of the map, data, and government information needs of Western faculty, students and researchers across disciplines; identifying existing and emerging service needs with regard to technology, research, and collections support; and identifying key access issues with regard to map, data, and government information resources and services. The libraries will now start planning the implementation of the new service, which will include the planning and creation of a service area in a suitable location in the D.B. Weldon Library. The new service centre is expected to be implemented in late 2011 or early 2012. Bruce Fyfe, Elizabeth Hill, Vince Gray, Eeva Munoz (chair), Courtney Waugh, and Cheryl Woods were members of the working group and faculty, students, researchers and staff also participated during the consultation. Around the Province 14 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION People News
Queen’s University Canadian Research Knowledge Net- With Professor Barbara Reul (University (Submitted by Ellen Symons) work, including Chair of the Negotia- of Regina), Lisa Rae Philpott repre- tions Resource Team and member of sented the nay side for “The Great Paul Wiens completed his term as the network’s board. In Ontario, she Debate,” a joint session presented at university librarian on August 31, 2010, has been actively involved with the the recent meetings of the Canadian a position he has held since 1991. He Scholars Portal. In 2007, Martha was Association of Music Libraries and the also served as the director of librar- accepted into the Research Library Canadian University Music Society in ies at the University of Saskatchewan Leadership Fellows Program with the Regina, Saskatchewan on June 5, 2010. and as the university librarian at the Association of Research Libraries, a Debators spoke to the question “Be it University of Lethbridge. Prior to these two-year executive program designed resolved … music librarians don’t need appointments, he held administrative to explore critical issues and current music degrees.” Intended to be a light- positions in the libraries of the Uni- trends with senior administrators of hearted and fun version of the popular versity of Manitoba and the University major research institutions. Martha CLA/CACUL “Great Debate” (where the of Waterloo. His academic history has published many articles in the audience votes before and after the includes a degree from the University professional literature and is an invited debate proper), the Aye side won by of British Columbia School of Librarian- speaker and facilitator at professional seven votes; the opposing music librar- ship. Paul has contributed to a number events. ian (Brian McMillan, McGill) declared it of professional association collabora- to be a “hollow victory!” tions and projects, including the Cana- University of Western Ontario dian Association for Research Libraries (Submitted by Kristin Hoffmann) Wilfrid Laurier University (CARL) Committee on Scholarly Com- (Submitted by Gina Matesic) munication and the CARL Institutional On June 21st Marni Harrington was ap- Repositories Task Force. Most recently, pointed as the manager of the Gradu- Two new associate university he was on the advisory board of the ate Resource Centre in the Faculty of librarians National Research Council’s Institute Information and Media Studies. Marni for Scientific and Technical Information is well known to the FIMS community, Carol Stephenson and Greg Sennema (NRC-CISTI) from 2008 – 2010 , and on having served as the research and in- will work together as associate universi- the board of the Association of Re- structional services librarian on behalf ty librarians. They will assist with library search Libraries (ARL) from 2007–2010. of Western Libraries since January of administrative duties, and work collab- 2008. She is a 2007 graduate of the oratively to encourage and plan in- Martha Whitehead has been appointed University of Western Ontario’s MLIS novative library services and activities. as interim university librarian, effec- program. Greg and Carol will co-lead the external tive July 1, 2010. She has 25 years of review and the further implementation experience in academic research librar- On July 1 Kristin Hoffmann began a of the library’s strategic plan, will assist ies and over the past six months has five-year term as the head of research with various aspects of assessment, been the associate university librarian and instructional services, the D.B. and will provide direction and sponsor- at Queen’s. Prior to coming to Queen’s, Weldon Library. Kristin joined Western ship for new projects. Martha held positions at the University Libraries in 2006 as a research and of British Columbia Library in the areas instructional services librarian in the In addition to these responsibili- of information services and informa- Allyn & Betty Taylor Library, and prior ties, Greg will assume leadership and tion technologies, and was actively to that she was with the University of oversight of two areas: information involved in several university academic Victoria Libraries. OCULA members will technologies and public relations activi- planning initiatives. In 2003 Martha recognize her as a recent OCULA Super ties. While retaining her position as was a visiting scholar at the University Conference program planner, and she head of collection development and of Melbourne, where she worked with is now one of the coordinators for the acquisitions half-time, and co-leading the director of teaching, learning and Conference. Kristin is also a graduate the external review, Carol will also be research support on an assessment of of the Northern Exposure to Leader- responsible for providing direction to the Information Division’s organization- ship Institute. She received her master the development of scholarly com- al model for teaching information skills. of library and information science the munications within the library and the She currently has key roles with the University of Western Ontario in 2003. university.
Fall2010/No.41 15 People News
Wilfrid Laurier University of August. Sue began her career as a nology (IASSIST), and the Canadian As- (Submitted by Gina Matesic) reference, faculty liaison and collection sociation of Public Data Users (CAPDU), librarian when Ryerson was still Ryer- and has been an active member in the New Laurier/Nipissing librarian son Polytechnical Institute. Sue served Association of Canadian Map Librar- as the co-ordinator of library services ies and Archives (ACMLA). Sue’s many The Laurier Library is pleased to wel- until 1993 along with a brief stint as the contributions to the profession were come Pauline Dewan as the new acting director of the Learning Re- honored in 2006 with her receipt of the Laurier/Nipissing liaison librarian at sources Centre (January 1989 to August OCUFA Academic Librarian of the Year the Brantford Campus. No stranger to 1990). In 1995, she took over as the Award. academic libraries, Pauline has a PhD liaison with the geography department, in English literature from York Univer- and assumed responsibility for the map sity as well as a master’s of library and collection and social science statistical information science from the University data. In addition to providing access to of Western Ontario. Her most recent statistical resources to support faculty book, The Art of Place in Literature for and student research, this position also Children and Young Adults: How Locale involved liaising with data colleagues Shapes a Story, was published this year both nationally via the Data Liberation by Edwin Mellin Press. Pauline will pro- Initiative (DLI) and internationally as vide reference service and instruction the university’s representative to the sessions for both Laurier and Nipissing International Consortium for Political students and will have an office at both and Social Research (ICPSR). Sue was locations. instrumental in the development of the Geospatial, Map and Data Centre Ryerson University in 2004, located in the Ronald D. Besse (Submitted by Cecile Farnum) Information and Learning Commons. She has held leadership positions in the After many years as a librarian at Ry- International Association for Social Sci- erson University Library and Archives, ence Information Services and Tech- Suzette (Sue) Giles is retiring at the end
...Save the date... OCULA/ACRL WNYO Spring Conference: Innovation in Libraries
Friday, April 29, 2011 Inn on the Twenty 3845 Main Street Jordan, Ontario
http://www.innonthetwenty.com/
A one-day event co-hosted by OCULA and Western New York/Ontario chapter of the ACRL
16 ONTARIO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2010 OCULA Council
OCULA Fall Dinner PRESIDENT Caroline Stewart Thursday, October 21, 2010 University of Guelph-Humber Mix and Mingle: 6:00 pm 416 675 6622 ext. 6075 Dinner: 6:30 pm
TREASURER Kathryn Klages Where: Seneca College (King Campus) Humber College North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto 416 491 5050 ext. 5106 www.humber.ca/content/maps
Ontario College and University Library Association COUNCILLOR 50 Wellington St East, Suite 201, Toronto M5C 1C8 Jennifer Peters-Lise (416) 363-3388 / 1-866-873-9867 / FAX: (416) 941-9581 / 1-800-387-1181
Fall2010/No.41 17