UNews - librarian

Nicol appointed ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian

trevor.kenney — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 16:11:57 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has named Dr. Christopher J. Nicol as its new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian, an appointment that took effect on July 1, 2013.

Nicol, the former Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, had been serving as Acting ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian since Sept. 1, 2012. He took that position in the wake of former ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian Alison Nussbaumer's move to the role of Interim Dean, Internationalization.

"Chris Nicol's service to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as Dean of Arts and Science has been both remarkable and exemplary," says Bob Boudreau, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Vice Provost. "His contributions in advancing the Faculty of Arts and Science will be felt for years to come. Building on this legacy, we are absolutely thrilled that Chris will continue to serve and lead the U of L in his new role of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian."

A native of Scotland, Nicol earned his master's and PhD in economics at Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Kingston, Ont., before spending 16 years as a professor of economics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina. He arrived on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus in 2001 and assumed his duties as a professor in economics while also serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. He will continue on as a professor of economics in the Department of Economics while serving as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian.

An esteemed researcher, Nicol's interests are in econometrics, applied econometrics and the theory of consumer behaviour. He is also keenly interested in macroeconomic policy debates, especially those arising in the wake of the financial crisis of 2008.

Nicol is also an accomplished swimmer, having competed internationally and at the post-secondary level for Queen's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. In 1985, Nicol won both the 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke events at the inaugural World Masters Games in Toronto.

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.

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.

Study Centre a pilot for other projects

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:02:07 +0000

Universities and experiments go hand-in-hand. Rats and mazes, however, likely come to mind well before furnishings and interior design.

The experiment in question is part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Recruitment and Retention Integrated Planning (RRIP) project, designed to not only attract new students to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ but also provide existing students every support possible to help them graduate. In the case of a new 24-Hour Study Centre, the goal is to find the proper combination of furnishings and technology to meet the learning and study needs of today's students.

The original concept of the centre called for major renovations or the creation of an entirely new space, says Brenda Mathenia, a member of the Learning Commons Space Subject Matter Team (SMT). Upon further review, however, the group has put forward a smaller, pilot project that uses an existing space. The idea is that it will provide the best means to find out what students want and need in a 24-Hour Study Centre.

Using an evidence-based design, the SMT has moved new, more flexible furnishings into the former study area adjacent to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium, and will now observe how the space is being utilized and what might be missing.

"It's hard to ask students 'what do you want' when they have no concept of what's available," says Mathenia, associate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ librarian. "We all know you can't please everybody all the time, but that's all part of the learning process – looking at what we didn't get quite right."

The atrium study area previously offered only long study tables for group work and a number of old-fashioned carrels for more private studying. The SMT looked at what a number of other universities were offering for study areas and found today's students demand a greater variety of options. She says there's a desire to retain some "alone space" but they also want to provide options where classmates can pull up alongside one another and collaborate.

"Students learn in a totally different way today than from when I was an undergrad," says Mathenia. "It seems students need a combination of quiet, noisy, group, individual, social and casual spaces for their entire educational experience."

While a different location for the 24-Hour Study Centre was contemplated, they decided it was best to revamp the existing area in the atrium.

"There's not really another space readily available and centrally located. It's a known space, there's heavy traffic and to be quite frank, it was in dire need of updating anyways," says Mathenia.

The changes began the last day of exams in December. The carrels were removed and a bar-height counter was installed to better accommodate students popping in and out to use the computers between classes. Also added were tables arranged in pods to accommodate multiple students huddled around one computer.

The space also has flat, sturdy tables that can easily be moved around, and at one end is a SMART Board interactive whiteboard on a cart that allows students the ability to work on a variety of projects. The space also boasts a flat-screen LCD display where students could connect a laptop and share their work with others.

There are soft-seating areas with low, comfortable chairs and coffee tables with whiteboards on top for jotting down notes, as well as large, rolling whiteboards, which can be used to create a buffer or a working wall to gather around.

"As we saw in the library, there's a lot of formal group work happening with students, as well as informal gatherings. There's a real social aspect to learning," says Mathenia.
There are plans to introduce an assistance desk in the 24-Hour Study Centre, with a proctor of sorts offering assistance with technology or referrals to other campus services. Mathenia says the introduction of Peer Assisted Technology and Support Students (PATSS) in the library this past spring has been a great success and they could be utilized to work the assistance desk on a rotational basis. She says the concept of students helping students has been well received.

"They understand the concept of customer service," says Mathenia. "They may not have the answer to every question but they should be able to help them find someone who does."

The newly reworked 24-Hour Study Centre space opened Jan. 10. As studying picks up throughout the term, the SMT will actively observe how students are utilizing the space.

The information they gather from the project will then be used to further modify the atrium space and assist with the development of future study centres in other areas of the campus.

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.

Library debuts series of online tools

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:41:10 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library continues to seek ways by which it can further serve its students. The latest example of this is the development of a number of online modules designed to help students become more familiar with the research process and Library resources.

In January, the library strengthened its existing partnership with Academic Writing by launching a series of online learning modules for students enrolled in Writing 1000 (Introduction to Academic Writing). The modules include videos, worksheets, and quizzes, with content that covers topics such as narrowing down a research question, using library databases, evaluating information sources and formatting citations.

"Good academic writing goes hand in hand with good research, with information literacy," says Academic Writing Program co-ordinator Cliff Lobe. "We've been pleased to work with the library to help students develop both skills simultaneously."

Information literacy, the ability to recognize when information is needed and be able to locate, evaluate, and make effective use of information, is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential skill.

Over the last few years, it has become common practice for a librarian to visit each section of the Writing 1000 class at least once per semester to introduce students to finding and evaluating key library resources to support the successful completion of the course's major research paper. While the partnership has been a positive one, both the writing instructors and librarians felt that students were not getting all they needed to become proficient researchers. There was simply too much material to cover over the time presented by a three-credit course.

The library had discussed putting more instruction resources online, and with the advantage of having a full-time intern with a background in education on staff this past term, the project took shape. Intern Librarian Heather Nicholson, with support from librarian Rumi Graham, has largely been responsible for developing the online modules.

The added advantage of the online component is that students can work through the material at their own pace and return to topics later on for review. These tools also provide additional library support to the growing number of U of L students enrolled in courses in Calgary and Edmonton. Looking ahead, the plan is to work over the summer to modify the modules based on student feedback and work to make them available on Moodle and through the Library's website for the fall semester.

Librarians are always eager to have the opportunity to work with faculty to provide information literacy instruction to students. This latest initiative is in addition to the two credit courses taught in library science each term and the many library instruction sessions taught in faculties across campus.

Instructors are encouraged to contact their subject liaison librarians to arrange instruction sessions for their individual classes.

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

Library debuts series of online tools

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:15:17 +0000

Instructors are encouraged to contact their subject liaison librarians to arrange instruction sessions for their individual classes.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Hastings found a home at U of L

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:17:41 +0000

In the 1960s, Cora Hastings was considering a job at the newly established ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and wrote to her parents about the position. In the midst of the political turmoil in the United States at the time, her father offered some straightforward advice: "Go to Canada and make your home there."

Originally from Mercer, Penn., Hastings made the move north to accept a position in the U of L library, then located on the Lethbridge Junior College campus. Although hired as a librarian, Hastings' devotion to being, and prior experience as, a teacher were soon called upon, and she began delivering the school librarian courses then being offered throughout southern Alberta.

This Oct. 2001 photo shows the directors of the library's curriculum laboratory, including the late Cora Hastings, left, Bill Glaister and Barbara Huston.

Hastings, who recently passed away, worked at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for nearly 20 years and, heeding her father's advice, made the U of L her home. Deeply connected to the institution and always looking to the future, Hastings made a planned gift to the U of L in her will, demonstrating her passion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"Her commitment to and engagement with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge never waned," says colleague and longtime friend Barbara Huston, who worked with Hastings in the Faculty of Education's Curriculum Laboratory.

Hastings was the first co-ordinator of the curriculum lab, a special collection of materials and resources to support teacher education courses, and was instrumental in securing administration through the Faculty of Education.

"Suffice it to say, her insight and conviction that Faculty administration would best serve everyone's interests won the day," says Huston, who took over as co-ordinator when Hastings retired. "The lab exists as a demonstration of her tenacity, persistence and sheer doggedness in getting it just right."

Benefitting from Hastings' foresight and passion, the curriculum lab continues to serve students, faculty and community users and has achieved a reputation as the best curriculum laboratory in Western Canada.

Hastings' commitment has inspired a lasting legacy – one that remembers a librarian who made herself at home at the U of L, and one that will benefit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ well into the future.

As a result of her bequest, Cora Hastings joins the Fiat Lux Legacy Society, a group of donors who have left a legacy gift or are planning a legacy gift that will benefit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in the future. For more information, visit www.ulethbridge/giving or call 403-329-2582.

This article first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Library looks to engage with students

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:15:34 +0000

PechaKucha was introduced to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus recently as the U of L Library's Student Engagement Team (SET) hosted a PechaKucha event as part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's International Week.

Seven presenters, including faculty, staff and one international student, spoke on internationally-themed topics ranging from a winter road trip to Alaska to anthropological field work in Indonesia.

The Student Engagement Team was formed in the fall of 2010 to provide leadership within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library on all services and activities that support the strategic direction of enhancing the student experience. The group is interested in finding new ways to engage students both academically and socially.

"When the International Centre for Students asked us to be a part of International Week we were eager to participate," says event organizer Heather Nicholson.

She adds that SET was particularly interested in finding an activity that would engage international students. Nicholson and SET co-chair Nicole Eva had read about PechaKucha and were looking for an opportunity to put it into practice.

PechaKucha, a term derived from the Japanese word for chit-chat, is a simple presentation format where 20 images are shown for 20 seconds each. The images forward automatically while a presenter speaks to them. The presentation style was developed by two architects in Tokyo in 2003 who wanted to provide a space and an opportunity for designers to share new ideas, but in a fast-paced and entertaining format. Since 2004, PechaKucha events have been spreading to other cities around the world. Currently there are regular PechaKucha nights running in more than 260 cities worldwide on an unlimited number of topics.

While PechaKucha is not well known around Lethbridge, all participants and attendees expressed enthusiasm about the event. One particularly moving presentation was given by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian Glenna Westwood, who spoke about her emotional voyage to Ghana in May 2010. Westwood and her father (retired U of L professor Bill Cook) made their first return journey to the West African country after spending five years there in the 1970s.

PechaKucha Night is trademarked and run by a global foundation. For more information about PechaKucha visit www.pecha-kucha.org

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Campus Kudos - November

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:20:57 +0000

Congratulations to the group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni who was successful in earning Lethbridge City Council seats in the recent municipal election. The group includes Lethbridge mayor Rajko Dodic (BASc '78), and aldermanic members Jeff Carlson (BFA '92), Liz Iwaskiw (BASc '77), Joe Mauro (BASc '83) and Bridget (Pastoor) Mearns (BA '95).

Dr. Josephine Mills (U of L Art Gallery director/curator) presented, Deaccessioning: The Root of All Scandal, as part of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery's Art Appreciation series Articulations III: Scandals, Scoundrels, Capers, and Cons.

Dr. David Renter's (Music) quartet performed in Southminster United Church's Jazz Vespers series.

Annie Martin's (Art) sound installation, Listening Space, opened Nov. 5 at Contrary Projects Gallery in Regina. The installation is a version of the Listening Room Series Martin has developed since 2006 and uses lo-fi audio technology deployed to "open" the architecture of the space, creating an unfiltered audio environment.

Emily Luce's (New Media) exhibition Parallel Park (Lab Space) is in the Helen Christou Gallery until January 14.

A distinguished group of alumni from the Faculty of Education recently received nomination for the Edwin Parr Award in Zone 6. Awarded by the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA), the Edwin Parr Awards single out professionals in their first year of teaching for their talent, commitment to students and contribution to education. Shelley Kirkvold (BA/BEd '09, Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge), Qian Zhang (BSc '04, BEd '09, DA Ferguson Middle School, Taber), Grant Bertamini (BEd '09, Fleetwood Bawden Elementary, Lethbridge), Alli Martin (BA/BEd '09, Stavely Elementary), Travis Curliss (BA/BEd '09, Crescent Heights High School, Medicine Hat) and Donna Jean Wilde (BA/BEd '09, Magrath High School) all earned nominations.

Rumi Graham (librarian) defended her PhD thesis, A Multiple Case Study Exploration of Undergraduate Subject Searching, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto. Her thesis looks into subject searching and information literacy in the undergraduate context.

Taras Polataiko (Art) had new work displayed in the exhibition, Video Lounge, at the Toronto International Art Fair, Oct. 28 – Nov. 1.

Janet Youngdahl (Music) directed and sang in a staged production of the Ordo Virtutum, a 12th Century Music Drama by Hildegard von Bingen, at the Cleveland Institute/Case Western Collegium. She also presented a paper entitled, Identifying Musical Gestures in Bach Choruses: An approach for Singers and Conductors, at the Alberta Choral Federation Symposium in Red Deer.

Lisa Doolittle (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) presented, Negotiating First Nations rights in Canada – What does dancing have to do with it?, at a Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs special session.

Gail Hanrahan (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) directed the world premiere of, In Flanders Fields, at Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary.

Dr. Arlan Schultz (Music) just returned from Drepung Gomang Institute in Louisville, Ky., where he met with eight Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in southwest India. Schultz has been conducting research into the spectral content of Tibetan ritual music and was able to record 12 different ritual chants in a special recording session set up by the monastery. The chants will be used in a new electro-acoustic work for 8-channel computer processed audio.

Dr. Ken Allan (Art) presented his paper, Marshall McLuhan, N.E. Thing Co. Ltd., and the Counter-Environment, at a Nov. 25-27 conference at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto. His talk was associated with the exhibition, Traffic: Conceptual Art in Canada, 1965-1980, currently on view in Toronto. He also spoke at the regular session of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs.

Katie Klingvall (BFA '04) is off to Macau, China to work in the Wardrobe Department for Dragone Theater Company.

For a look at the full issue of the November Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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