UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library

Dream Catcher

david.kirby — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 23:28:13 +0000

Grant Spotted Bull talks in a quiet and reflective tone. From the moment he begins to speak, you get the sense that each of his words is carefully measured. He’s purposeful in what he says, almost as though he’s creating a picture with the use of language – which stands to reason, because Spotted Bull is in fact an artist who draws from himself internally in order to express himself to the world.

Fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts - Native American Art Program, Grant Spotted Bull, draws from within himself in order to express himself to the world.

Spotted Bull is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts – Native American Art program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. The U of L library recently acquired four of Spotted Bull’s paintings. Entitled Medicine Wheel Series, the four oil paintings, now adorning the walls of the library’s tenth floor, are the culmination of an idea that had been germinating in Spotted Bull’s mind for more than 20 years.

“The idea for the series came to me in a dream when I was about 19 or 20 years old,” says Spotted Bull. “It was a very vivid image and it stuck with me. I always wanted to create it in painting, but I didn’t have the skills to do it until now.”

Artistic ability comes naturally to Spotted Bull. Although he didn’t have any formal training before his twenties, as a child Spotted Bull says he was constantly doodling – at home, in school, wherever he may be. Both of his parents were artistically inclined, and his maternal grandmother was somewhat of a prodigy.

“My mother told me stories about my grandmother, Mary Eva, and how the nuns thought she should go to school for art back East. Her parents wanted her to marry instead so she put her dreams aside,” he says. “My grandmother has been an inspiration for me. In a way, I feel I am fulfilling my grandmother’s potential.”

Prior to enrolling at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Spotted Bull had a diverse professional past, working in areas ranging from retail to the automotive industry. He knew he loved art and began feeling compelled to express himself that way in his early twenties, but wasn’t sure about attending university until he discovered the Bachelor of Fine Arts – Native American Art (Art Studio) program at U of L, which was launched last fall.

“The program allows me to express my art in a manner, spirit and meaning that’s deeply understood by other Native American and First Nations artists. It gives me a platform upon which to explore issues that matter to me, and fully invest my time thinking about ways to represent them visually,” says Spotted Bull.

Spotted Bull’s Medicine Wheel Series is an expansion on the medicine wheel he envisioned in his dreams more than two decades ago. He painted four incarnations of the wheel, each measuring approximately six feet square. Titled in order they are: Creation, The Medicine Wheel, Fractured and Post. Each piece is symbolic of a period in First Nations history.

“For me a medicine wheel is about healing, and the series is a way to express the need for that healing,” says Spotted Bull. “Creation is symbolic of the time before the earth was made – a sort of preexistence. The Medicine Wheel represents North America before colonialism, Fractured represents the impact of residential schools and our disconnection from each other and from nature at that time. And the final painting, Post, is reflective of my generation and where things stand today.”

Spotted Bull estimates he spent more than 1,000 hours creating the series. Fractured and Post each took less than two weeks to complete, but The Medicine Wheel took him almost an entire semester to finish. Often he’d be in the studio for up 40 hours at a time with no sleep, working in a kind of trancelike state to get the vision he’d carried for so long out on canvas.

“When I paint it’s very relaxing – it’s almost a meditation,” says Spotted Bull. “When I get in that place, I’m really just a vessel. The work just flows through me.”

As far as the future goes, Spotted Bull’s philosophy is in keeping with his culture and artistic free spirit. He plans to graduate in spring 2015 and isn’t too concerned with where he might go from there.

“In my culture we tend to not look too far into the future. We can prepare for the future, but we don’t know what it will hold. I came to the U of L to gain skills and knowledge. I’ve done that, and I have faith that what I’ve learned will take me where I’m supposed to be.”

Coulee plant publication a collaboration between library, faculty and community

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:31:28 +0000

A locally-produced book detailing the coulee plants of southern Alberta has been given new life and a new medium thanks to collaborative work between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library, U of L faculty and the local community.

The 2nd edition of Common Coulee Plants of Southern Alberta is now available.

Dr. John Bain, in the U of L's Department of Biological Sciences, along with local botanist June Flanagan, recently published a 2nd edition of Common Coulee Plants of Southern Alberta. The book is free to download from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Institutional Repository.

Originally published in 1972 by professor emeritus Job Kuijt, the first edition of the book identified over 120 local plants and included short descriptions and simple line drawings for each plant, organized by flower colour.

The 2nd edition of Common Coulee Plants includes several updates, such as a new electronic format and current scientific plant names to accompany the familiar common names. Colour photographs, taken by author, photographer and botanist Flanagan, appear alongside the existing line drawings and can be enlarged to reveal greater detail, which is extremely useful for plant identification.

The EPUB format of the book offers many advantages to typical print including ease of navigation, an interactive table of contents and hyperlinked lists of plants arranged by flowering time or colour for efficient cross referencing.

“The book can be loaded on your cell phone or tablet and therefore takes up little or no additional space when you head out on the coulees to check out the spring flora,” says Bain.

EPUB files can be read using many common software applications including Google Books, iBooks, Overdrive and web browser plug-ins, however a .pdf file is also available through the Institutional Repository.

A look at the page featuring the great blanketflower.

Managed by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library, the Institutional Repository is a secure space for scholarly output such as articles, books, book chapters, statistics or numerical data, photos and more. Items in the repository are freely accessible to the public and searchable in various locations including the library catalogue and Google, which increases both visibility and discoverability.

"Since the content in institutional repositories is freely available as part of the Open Access movement, depositing scholarly output in a repository contributes to the global free flow of information,” adds librarian Marinus Swanepoel.

Already viewed/downloaded over 200 times, a launch celebration for Common Coulee Plants of Southern Alberta will take place in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library on Tuesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. on level 10.

For information about depositing your scholarly output into the U of L Institutional Repository contact your subject librarian or email library.irepository@uleth.ca

Last Tile ceremony marked library's full recovery

trevor.kenney — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:26:44 +0000

A long journey of restoration finally came to a conclusion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library on December 19, 2013.

The ceremonial 'Last Tile' is placed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library celebrates the completion of recent restoration work on Level 9.

More than six months since the June 5, 2013 flood event that saw the library among the facilities damaged by a broken water main, and after countless hours of restoration work, Level 9 in the library was reopened with a number of significant improvements included in the restoration.

A “Last Tile” ceremony was held to mark the symbolic completion of the restoration work and honour the efforts of all those who assisted with the project.

“With the force and volume (approximately 11,000 litres) of water that infiltrated the building interior, this incident has been nicknamed the U of L Tsunami," says Anne Baxter, director, Risk and Safety Services. “The incident was immediately reported to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's insurer, CURIE, who promptly appointed restoration contractors to respond to the damages and who continue to work closely with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in resolving this matter.”

The misfortune of that June day was seized upon by the library as an opportunity to reconfigure the spaces on Level 9. A modified layout of the stacks now provides room for collections to grow and additional quiet study spaces for patrons.

“This took a tremendous team effort, from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ staff to consultants to suppliers to contractors, in order to be ready for start of the Fall semester," says Brad Robinson, associate executive director, Project Management Office. "The collective expertise of the team solved numerous complex and unique problems associated with damaged building systems caused by the flood waters. In addition, many people adjusted personal and work schedules in order to assist and keep restoration efforts moving forward, allowing us to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

There was no small amount of effort in realizing the completion of this work. Library administration carefully coordinated with Facilities, which directed the activities of the various contractors and staff performing the restoration work.

“That the Library is observably back to its pre-flood state is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many Library, Facilities, Caretaking, IT, Security and Risk and Safety Services staff members, as well as our many contractors, including RGB Construction, Belfor Property Restoration and Onside Restoration," says Dr. Christopher Nicol, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian. "Although we were not at our best cosmetically in the library, we were able to offer all major services throughout the facility on the first day of the Fall 2013 semester. This took a huge amount of physical work, not to mention the logistical challenge of relocating close to 200,000 volumes from the library collection - twice.”

Without coordination, goodwill, and hard work by all parties, the library would not have been restored as quickly as it was.

With the placement of that last carpet tile, the library looks forward to the days ahead and hopes to see its patrons once again utilizing the space to its full capacity.

Access to library building unavailable

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:11:02 +0000

Flood Update – ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library

Patron access to Library Building unavailable until further notice. Temporary study spaces, staffed by Library personnel, to be established.

On Monday, June 10, floors 10 and 11 of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library were reopened to the general public after being flooded the week before. As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continues to make efforts to protect its physical collection from the high humidity in the library building, levels of service to students and the public will vary.

Remediation efforts have reduced the relative humidity in the library, however, this level must be reduced significantly further in order for moisture to be drawn from collection materials. Maintaining low relative humidity levels over the next week is vital in returning most materials to their pre-flood condition. However, materials in the worst affected areas will not be remediated for up to two weeks from today.

Over the next two weeks, a significant portion of the collection located on level 9 of the library will be moved to level 10. This is necessary to protect the collection from damage due to humidity and to remediate parts of the collection that were housed in the highest impacted areas. Moving this portion of the collection is a significant undertaking and will be disruptive for library patrons. For this reason, patron access to the library building will be unavailable until further notice.

To serve students and the public, temporary, quiet study spaces will be established that will be supported by library staff. These spaces will be available as quickly as possible. Details outlining the location, hours and services of these spaces will be posted at www.uleth.ca/library

Further, library staff will maintain services to our patrons remotely, and will utilize increased Inter-Library Loan (ILL) services to meet patrons' needs. This will undoubtedly delay the availability of loan items, so please endeavour to plan ahead, with respect to your borrowing needs. Electronic resources are not affected by this problem, and will be available online, in the usual manner. The physical collection will be unavailable for use or borrowing during this remediation process.

It is estimated that full borrowing privileges for patrons will resume in two weeks.

We apologize for this inconvenience. As always, our Library staff will continue to do its very best to serve the needs of our patrons.

Christopher J. Nicol, Ph.D.,
Acting ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian

U of L Library helps Cardston tell its temple stories

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:58:12 +0000

It stands today as an iconic symbol and regional landmark, and early last month, a group of citizens gathered at the Cardston library to recognize its significance in shaping the history of this southern Alberta community.

It has been 100 years since ground was broken in Cardston, Alta. for the first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple built in Canada. Now, with the help of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library, The Cardston Temple: An Historical Record, a digitized collection of photographs and documents about the temple, has been created.

The digital collection represents the work and resources of many individuals and institutions, not the least of which was the U of L library and its specified software and digitization team.

The project began in 2004, when Beth Rosenvall, then Matron of the Cardston Alberta Temple, found a number of photographs under a couch at the temple. Her husband, Lynn Rosenvall, president of the temple from 2003-2006, described the pictures as "temple story photos" and a project was born.

The Cardston Alberta Temple is the oldest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple located outside the United States.

Beth Rosenvall was inspired to tap the community for more photographs, newspaper clippings, obituaries, biographies and other documents related to the temple. Perhaps most importantly, the community supplemented these documents with their knowledge and memories, connecting names to faces, dating photographs and documents, and allowing a story of the temple to emerge.

The narrative is one of a community coming together, facing obstacles brought on by war and a vast Canadian landscape, to construct an iconic building. Its exterior was made of hand-hewn white granite, quarried near the Kootenay Lakes in BC. The construction and furnishing of the building took 10 years and involved the volunteer labour of many.

Since its construction, the building has played an important role in spiritual lives and family histories of many Cardston residents of southern Alberta and beyond.

The relationship between the Cardston Public Library and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library developed after Rosenvall and her team of volunteers identified and recorded the names of the people in the many photographs that were collected. With painstaking effort, 1,300 pages of pictures and documents were compiled into 11 archival quality volumes by category and with captions. Of the photos gathered, a remarkable 98 per cent of the people pictured were identified.

In an effort to widely share these now developed temple stories, the Cardston Public Library used the Alberta Youth Initiative Program to send Nicole Walton to the U of L Library where she had access to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's infrastructure and library team to help with the digitization of the collection. Born and raised in Cardston, Walton's expertise and local knowledge proved invaluable as she entered the documents with their metadata, allowing for users to search the collection. She was also able to give insight into how the collection would be used moving forward.

"It is important that younger generations understand the hard work and sweat that went into the construction of the temple," says Cardston Public Library board chairman Vern Quinton.

"It's valuable that we are able to honour the past and prepare for the future," adds library manager Donna Beazer.

A lot has changed over the past 100 years and, certainly, technology is part of our lives in ways that those who toiled over the temple's construction could never imagine. But one thing remains true: it takes the passion and dedication of community members to build something worthwhile.

Explore this fascinating digital collection from the library's website. Go to digitallibrary.uleth.ca/cdm/collist/ and click on Cardston Alberta Temple: An Historical Record.

This story first appeared in the April 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Interns a boon to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ library

trevor.kenney — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:14:33 +0000

You can call it a mutually beneficial relationship.

For the past six years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library has had an ongoing association with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Ontario's (UWO) co-op intern program.

Currently, there are three librarian interns working in the library, each pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science degree at UWO. Carla Reimer and Laura Riggs are originally from Ontario and Emma Thompson was born and raised in Nova Scotia.

The interns work at the Information and Research Assistance Desk, where they assist faculty, students, staff and community members with their research and information needs.

Library interns Carla Reimer, Laura Riggs and Emma Thompson.

"Hiring co-op students is an excellent way to enhance the level of service the library can provide to our varied clientele," says Brenda Mathenia, associate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ librarian-Client Services & Facilities. "I believe in supporting library-specific co-op and placement programs because of my own experience with similar initiatives when I completed my Master of Science in Information."

Beyond working at the information desk, the interns participate in a wide variety of activities at the library. This includes working with professional librarians and library staff to develop the library's collection, update catalog records, deliver introductory information, literacy instruction and create library research guides. Interns also participate in ongoing projects at the library on an as needed basis. These activities provide interns with opportunities to build practical skills and professional knowledge.

"The hands-on experience at the library provides real-world insight that complements the academic theory I studied at school," says Riggs.

Reimer agrees, adding that this experience will give her a better understanding of where she wishes to take her career.

"I look forward to gaining an understanding of the trends within the profession and learning about opportunities within academic librarianship."

The library has an established history of hiring librarian interns from UWO. Since 2007, the library has had interns on staff for four-to-eight month positions. It has proven to be a win-win for both parties and brings a great new perspective into the library.

"Carla, Emma and Laura are a great addition to our staff," says Mathenia. "They bring a level of enthusiasm and energy that is simply refreshing and contagious. Another added benefit is, as students themselves, they provide the library with valuable insight into how students use information, which is helping us in our ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience."

Thompson, who has been at the U of L since September, has gained a real appreciation for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as she works with its faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

"The U of L is a top-notch institution with an excellent reputation," she says. "I've found that there's a real engaged student body and I've felt a strong sense of community since I've been here."

This story first appeared in the February 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Pomahac made indelible impression

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:35:23 +0000

On Monday, October 1, 2012, Dr. Anthony "Tony" Pomahac passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

A memorial was held at Martin Bros Funeral home on Oct. 9 with his wife Hazel and family and friends in attendance.

Pomahac was the father of Andrea Glover in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library and also had another close connection to the U of L, as he was one of the founding physicians at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre.

"I have very fond memories of Dr. Pomahac," says Lori Weber, manager of the Health Centre. "He loved being a physician and worked here from 1969 until his retirement a few years ago. Like many of the physicians at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre who take time from their other clinics to see students and assist with their medical concerns, Dr. Pomahac believed in the education and medical care of young adults as they become our future workforce."

Pomahac was part of the growth of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre from a small facility that saw just a few clients a day to its current state, where thousands of students can be seen in a month for not only physician clinics, but also psychiatric care, massage therapy, chiropractor, health education, first aid and communicable disease issues.

Chris Moroz, clinic administrator, says that Pomahac left a lasting impression on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"Anyone who ever met Dr. Pomahac never forgot him, he was a larger than life character."

Indeed, those who knew Pomahac will miss his big booming voice, his sense of humour and his skilled medical care to several generations of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students. For a full obituary and to send condolences, please contact Martin Bros Funeral Chapel.

Library takes Goya's words to heart

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:45:20 +0000

I Am Still Learning is the title of a sketch by Francisco de Goya (1746–1828). These words adorn a plaque near the west entrance to the Library Information Network Centre (LINC).

Goya's words serve as both inspiration and a reminder that after more than 45 years, the library still has lessons to learn – striving to be a dynamic environment that adapts to meet the needs of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

Library staff members are continually looking for ideas and inspiration that can be purposed to suit our own user's needs. Recently, the staff ventured to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary to tour the new Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL).

The TFDL was formally opened in October 2011 to much fanfare in the library community and stands as a model for libraries to come.

Design aesthetics aside, the TFDL is committed to improvement as they continue to modify and redesign space to serve users. The library is already adding study carrels and changing group workroom furniture in response to the needs and demands of its clientele.

The U of L staff was treated to three distinct tours geared at highlighting the various aspects of the TFDL's environment and services. These included general, services and technologies tours, all of which were tailored to meet the interests of our staff.

"The tour really gave our staff a glimpse of what a true 21st century learning space can be," says Brenda Mathenia, associate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ librarian. "The entire concept revolves around flexibility (demountable walls and multi-use spaces) and ubiquitous access to technologies.

The focus is on students and the technologies and tools they need, and expect to use, as they learn, share and ultimately create new knowledge and expertise. It's an exciting place to be!"

The new library concept offers a veritable playground of advanced and accessible technologies. Media equipped workrooms and interactive touch panels offer just a glimpse of the technological advances. A unique "visualization room" features a floor-to-ceiling/wall-to-wall high definition screen that can be utilized by astronomers, geologists and statisticians to visualize and analyze data in new ways.

"It's a great example of technology being incorporated into a building right from the design phase to meet the changing needs of users," says Allan Gergel, the library's information systems supervisor. "We were also provided a behind-the-scenes look at the building's infrastructure, which is key to delivering relevant technologies and future expansion."

One of the highlights on the services tour included an overview of the Learning Commons Service Desk, where patrons can borrow resources and get research assistance in one location, meaning no more wandering between desks looking for help.

Taking advantage of an opportunity to view a technology-rich educational facility such as the TFDL can only help U of L library staffers as they continue to search for ways to improve the client experience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library. Taking a lead from Goya, the library continues to evolve because regardless of how old we get, we are still learning.

This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in flipbook format, follow this link.

Hughes gift supports library

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:54:30 +0000

It is said that "no man is an island" and neither is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library. Many initiatives undertaken in the library are collaborations with individuals and groups that allow the library to expand the services provided to meet the needs of its patrons. One such collaboration is the recent addition of multimedia computers.

The specialized computers, installed in October 2011, provide students with equipment that can produce professional-quality multimedia projects. In addition to the computers and software, Peer Assisted Technology Support Students (PATSS) provide a human component to assist users of the stations.

The official launch of the multimedia service, honoured Dr. David and Shirley Hughes, whose generous donation helped to make the service possible. Hughes has long been active in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, serving as Chair to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Finance Committee from 1976 to 1982 and as a member of the Board of Governors from 1989 to 1995. He was also part of the Library Information Network Centre campaign that was instrumental in establishing the structure that currently hosts the library.

"He got excited about the fact that we were talking about responding to student needs for new services in a new era," said ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian Alison Nussbaumer at the opening ceremony. "We weren't talking about building with bricks and mortar, and weren't talking about adding layers to existing services. We were talking about some transformational services."

In times when budgets are leaner, the library continues to work in a collaborative manner to further augment and expand the services available to U of L students. It is through the valued and visionary contributions made by patrons of the library, such as the Hughes, that the library is able to respond quickly to the changing needs of students.

This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Malinsky returns to familiar setting

trevor.kenney — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:21:52 +0000

Supervisor, Access Service is a new position in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library, but the person occupying it is not new to the U of L at all. Jesse Malinsky (BA '98) assumed the role in August and is proud to return to his alma mater.

"To say I was pleased to be able to come back and work here is an understatement," says Malinsky. "The position offers me the opportunity to create and try something new in the library field."

Prior to returning to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Malinsky worked seven years with Medicine Hat College (MHC) Library Services. During his time there he functioned as the library services specialist. That position's responsibilities included delivering academic writing and library instruction, providing information services, developing and supporting library systems and web services, and more.

Jesse Malinsky is most at home walking the library floor, making sure its patrons are being served well.

"MHC and the U of L are partners in the libraries' integrated library system. While there, I often liaised with the staff at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Malinsky. "Before arriving here, I knew they were a dedicated and talented group. They are always asking, "How can we be better?" The needs of the students are always the first priority."

Returning to Lethbridge represents a return to his roots in the library. Before working in Medicine Hat, Malinsky was employed at Lethbridge College as the evening circulation supervisor before later migrating to information services.

"My role in Medicine Hat was arguably more analytical and technical in nature. My new position here requires those skills as well, but there is also a greater human dynamic when working in public service," he says.

As the supervisor of Access Service, Malinsky's responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the General Services Desk, Document Delivery Services/Interlibrary Loans, stacks maintenance and participation in a variety of library committees.

"I am very fortunate to work with a great group of people, who are dedicated to delivering the best service possible to the patrons of the library," he says. "I was worried that I would lose touch with students because I wouldn't be in a classroom or in information services, but I'm pleasantly surprised that this isn't the case."

As the supervisor, he also has the opportunity to oversee 15 to 20 student assistants.

"They definitely keep me busy, and pleasantly so. It is good to have a keen group of students with a broad variety of studies – it helps keep me sharp and hopefully more in tune with students' needs," he says.

Malinsky is usually easy to spot in the library. You can find him zipping among the levels, and is almost always wearing a necktie.

"Yes, the tie is my signature," he says. "I've been wearing them almost daily for the past 10 years. At Medicine Hat, a co-worker said, "I started here five years ago and about 6 to 8 guys wore ties. You are the last." I took a little pride in that."

He has in excess of 50 ties in his collection, none of which have books or cartoon characters on them, and uses a variety of knots to tie them – though the Pratt/Shelby is his knot of choice.

While some may question the continuing value of libraries in today's easy to access information age, Malinsky does not hesitate to tout its virtues.

"I still see the library as an ivory tower," he says. "Academic libraries contribute to and facilitate academic/intellectual discourse. We provide human services to access, evaluate and organize information to enhance the academic achievement of our patrons. Though it is more complex than that, it is a sad day if we cannot find value in those simple concepts."

This story first appeared in the January edition of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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