UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library

Ian Tyson Reading Area pays homage to legacy of Canadian country music icon

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:57:05 +0000

Authentic just might be the most apt word to describe Canadian country music icon, the late Dr. Ian D. Tyson (LLD ’15). Nicole Eva, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Associate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Libarian, discovered that fact and so much more about the ULethbridge honorary degree recipient when combing through Tyson’s personal library, which he bequeathed to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ upon his death in 2022.

The Ian Tyson Reading Area features a table of memorabilia that includes notes, ticket stubs and awards letters from Tyson's collection.

“It was quite remarkable as we were going through the books and the kinds of themes that we identified, it was very clear that he lived his persona,“ says Eva. “If you were to think of what types of books Ian Tyson might be interested in, it was exactly what you would imagine — southern Alberta, ranching, rodeo, cowboys, horses, western art, cowboy art, folk music. If the kind of books you collect speak to your legacy, he was the real deal.”

Those books, and associated memorabilia, are now celebrated in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library in the form of the Ian Tyson Reading Area. The sun-drenched nook on the southwest corner of Level 10 features a seating area, shelves of books from Tyson’s collection and a glass table display with an assortment of notes, letters, event tickets and assorted treasures.

Located on Level 10 in the library's southwest corner, the reading area is a sun-drenched nook that invites visitors to explore the Ian Tyson collection.

“Many of the books have notes written in them or are inscribed by people who gave books to him, while others had ticket stubs or poems and hand-written notes stuffed in them,” describes Eva. “It’s a very personal collection and we wanted to find a way to display those items, so we had them inset in a glass table. The ticket stubs from Nashville to Denver and the cowboy poetry gathering every year in Elko, there’s a whole story and legacy there that we want people to experience.”

Tyson produced many popular and critically acclaimed folk songs reflecting rural culture in Alberta. He has been inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Western Music Association Hall of Fame, is a member of the Order of Canada, was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, and has received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Visitors to the reading area will quickly notice a theme for the vast collection.

His choosing ULethbridge to safeguard his legacy through the display and use of his personal library speaks to the relationship the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ cultivated with him over the years. In addition to Tyson receiving an honorary degree in 2015, he served as the headline musical act when ULethbridge celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007.

“To be part of Dr. Tyson’s planned giving decision is very gratifying for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ because it highlights the shared values we enjoyed, the personal relationship we developed and the trust he had in us utilizing his library in a way that kept not only his legacy alive, but that of the culture he cherished,” says Erika Scott, Director, Philanthropy & Information Services.

Eva says the library kept just over 300 titles with 260 displayed and another 50 placed in special collections due to their value. Titles that fell out of the scope of what fit at the ULethbridge Library were donated to Better World Books. And while the library does not often encourage or accept donations, Tyson’s library fit within the scope and the mandate of their southern Alberta focus.

“Once we started to go through the collection, we found a number of really niche books you would have a hard time finding anywhere else that explored southern Alberta themes, so this just seemed like a natural home for them,” she says. “There are a number of items that could be used for research purposes but also, I’m really hoping the public finds out about this, because I think they’d find it very interesting.”

Dr. Harold Jansen appointed to new role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:47:33 +0000

One of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s most respected professors and administrators is prepared to take on a new role this spring as Dr. Harold Jansen has been named the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education.

Dr. Harold Jansen, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education.

Jansen, a political scientist who has taught in the Faculty of Arts & Science since 1998 and most recently been serving as ULethbridge’s Interim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian, is enthused about the new role and his opportunity to continue working with the library and to build on the strong foundation of the School of Liberal Education and its standing as a hallmark of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s academic philosophy.

“The principle of liberal education is what gives the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge its identity,” says Jansen. “I am thrilled to have the privilege of working with two academic units that contribute so directly to that vision and that are focused on preparing students to be successful while they are here at our university and after graduation.”

Jansen excelled in his teaching and research duties while in the Faculty of Arts & Science. A natural leader, he gravitated to taking the head of the classroom during his high school years when he put together ad hoc Chemistry 20 tutoring sessions for his classmates. Later, he worked as a teaching assistant for chemistry and history classes as an undergraduate student at the King’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ College in Edmonton. He continued to find his way into teaching roles when completing his BA at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, his master’s at Carleton ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and then his doctoral studies back at the U of A.

“Dr. Jansen is an excellent educator who has always had a unique talent to understand the student perspective and meet students where they are in their learning and to empower them to take on new concepts and new ideas,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president academic. “As a researcher in his field and administrator, he has demonstrated his ability as a leader and innovator in every sense. His recent experience in the library, coupled with his deep commitment to the ideals of liberal education will serve him well in this role.”

Jansen is recognized for his research work on political party and election finance in Canada and he’s consistently been voted one of the most popular teachers on campus. In 2019, he was honoured with the Distinguished Teaching Award, and in 2018 the Teaching Excellence Award from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union. Jansen served as a Board of Governors Teaching Chair from 2013-2015 and was a Teaching Fellow from 2009-2010.

Administratively, Jansen chaired the Department of Political Science from 2015-2018 and was Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science before taking on the role of Interim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian.

“The Library and the School of Liberal Education are central to the teaching and research mission of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. From my experience with both units, what makes them special is the exceptional dedication of their staff. Their commitment to students and to the mission of the university makes me optimistic about the future. I could not be more excited to work with these amazing people.”

Jansen will begin his role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean on May 1, 2023. His appointment is one of four new dean appointments this spring, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and alumnus Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Proactive approach to student mental health at the heart of R.E.C. Room initiative

trevor.kenney — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:55:32 +0000

A student with a healthy and positive state of mind is more likely to be engaged, successful and flourishing. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s newest strategy to enhance student mental health is the introduction of the R.E.C. Room — multi-site campus hubs designed to invite students to step away from the stress of study and research to relax their minds and connect with one another.

Introduced today in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium, the R.E.C. Room (an acronym for refresh, energize, connect) is a joint initiative funded by ULethbridge and created in consultation with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU), Student Affairs and in collaboration with Agility, Horns Recreation and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library. Like the giant Jenga game students can now play in the R.E.C. Room, multiple blocks of support must come together to promote flourishing.

“It’s imperative we proactively address students’ mental health needs and promote wellness at every opportunity,” says Dr. Mark Slomp, executive director of Student Services. “With mental health issues so prevalent amongst students, and the benefits of proactively addressing those issues so pronounced, it is in every school’s best interest to promote mental wellness on campus. Our investment in the mental health of our students carries the obvious short-term benefit of enhancing their student experience, and also supports student retention and in the end, leads to successful students who go on to positively impact their communities and society as a whole.”

So, where are the R.E.C. Rooms, what’s in them and who can use them?

The Rec Room locations include the UHall Atrium, Science Commons (outside the Innovation Zone), Markin Hall Atrium, Galileo’s in the Students’ Union, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library (just past the circulation desk), and the Chill Zone in Agility’s Innovation Zone.

The rooms will be equipped with a variety of activities, including quiet pursuits like puzzles, a giant chess board, virtual reality games, digital games and art hives/murals, Indigenous games, as well as some active games such as ping pong, foosball, air hockey and giant Jenga. If you feel like just relaxing, there will be bean bag chairs for reading, chatting or just zoning out. Horns Recreation will also be offering events as part of this initiative, such as the recent Yoga Rave, a dodge ball tournament and outdoor games (spring).

Open to all students, staff and faculty, the concept is to improve mental wellness throughout ULethbridge.

“Research tells us that people who have strong connections and relationships with others, engage in regular play and creative activity, build frequent exercise and physical activity into their lives, laugh, serve others and participate in spiritual activity report higher levels of life satisfaction,” says Slomp. “The spaces we are setting up across campus are designed to encourage these kinds of activities and habits and serve as a catalyst for students to consider how they are deliberately cultivating a flourishing life.”

The Students’ Union played a major role in identifying what activities would resonate with students.

“Students need more support, and the R.E.C. Rooms are a fun and innovative way for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the Students’ Union to support students holistically rather than just purely academically,” says Gage Desteur, Students’ Union vice-president academic. “I’m looking forward to the positive impact these spaces will have on our campus and on students’ overall well-being, especially as we continue to rebuild our campus community, now that we are fully back in person.”

The R.E.C. Rooms are open for activity on Feb. 1.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge international culture celebrated through students at Living Library

trevor.kenney — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:24:36 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library, in conjunction with International Student Services, is celebrating International Education Week by presenting the Living Library — giving everyone the opportunity to learn about international culture through the eyes of ULethbridge international students.

Students from India have been represented at past Living Library events.

“This event celebrates diversity on our campus and creates an internationalization-at-home atmosphere,” says Nanda Stannard, a library operations specialist and one of the lead organizers of the event. “The essence of our Living Library event is, instead of borrowing a book you can talk to a person to learn about different countries and different cultures. When we are exposed to different cultures and languages our perspective on things broadens and helps us in understanding the world around us.”

More than 30 students representing eight different countries have volunteered to take part in the event, eager to share the culture and traditions from their home countries of Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Ukraine and Vietnam.

“Our university is privileged to have students from more than 70 countries on our campuses. The diversity and perspectives the international students bring to our campus of their global experiences, along with their eagerness to become a part of ULethbridge and the broader community are extremely enriching to all our students and southern Alberta as a whole,” says Paul Pan, director of International. “The Living library event always features an amazing collection of students from all the over world. It really gives everyone a great opportunity to learn from each other, share experiences and gain global perspectives.”

This is the eighth year the library has presented the event and as ULethbridge continues to prioritize increasing international student enrolment, it only promises to grow with the influx of new students and new cultures.

Living Library takes place Wednesday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the entrance to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library.

UNews - ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ Library

Ian Tyson Reading Area pays homage to legacy of Canadian country music icon

Related Topics

Dr. Harold Jansen appointed to new role as ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education

Related Topics

Proactive approach to student mental health at the heart of R.E.C. Room initiative

Related Topics

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge international culture celebrated through students at Living Library

Related Topics

UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library

Dr. Harold Jansen appointed to new role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge international culture celebrated through students at Living Library