In June 2016 Chris Landry, Scholarly Communications Librarian here at the OCAD University Library was invited to give a lightning talk at the inaugural New Librarians Symposium. Held at Ryerson University’s Heaslip House, the event brought together new librarians (defined as anyone who has been working in the field for three years or less post-graduation) for a day from presentations and a chance to develop networks, explore potential collaborations, and learn. The programming included newbie librarians from across the profession coming from institutions that included Humber College, Toronto Public Library, The Gordon Foundation, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, RGA International, Ryerson University, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Rangle.io, the University of Guelph, and the Ontario College Library Services. In addition to lightning talks the day included a leadership panel, representatives from library organizations, and birds of a feather sessions on the broad topics of skills development, leadership, and challenges in the profession.
The general tone of the event fostered an atmosphere that led to a frank and lively discussion of the issues facing the profession. Various themes emerged from the sessions and discussions and the librarians present tweeted up a storm quoting their favourite takeaways from the day’s program. A selection from the Twitterverse include:
For more check out the Storify: https://twitter.com/aliversluis/status/747210511398252545
In his talk Chris described his part in the work taking place to advance OCAD University’s nascent Scholarly Communications program including OCAD University’s Open Research Repository, Open Monograph Press, open access support, and research data management. He also shared his experience of being the 2015 recipient of the New Librarian Residency Program, an initiative of the Ontario Council of University and College Libraries that provides seed funding for Ontario colleges and university libraries to hire recent graduates.
The circulation desk at the Dorothy H. Hoover Library will be implementing a recall fine system this fall. Consistent with other academic libraries in Ontario, we will be charging fines of $1.00 per day (twice the usual fine) on overdue books that are recalled. Although the library reserves the right to recall items for any reason, recalls are most commonly used when a circulating book is needed for course reserves. Patrons whose material is recalled will be notified by email.
Starting on Monday September 12th, Ask Chat with a Librarian will continue with its new interface, although you will hardly even notice any difference!
The virtual reference portal will still offer the same seamless access to expert research assistance from qualified librarians and library staff, but will now be faster and more efficient for you to access the reference help you need from wherever you are.
Look for even more upgrades in the Winter of 2017 to maximize our reference services to the OCAD U community!