SLAC Tackles Big Questions for Libraries

Our Student Library Advisory Committee is back for the 2016/2017 year. The committee was created to enhance library services to better meet the evolving needs of students’ experience at the library.

The student members act as our think tank by providing us with feedback and suggestions on a wide variety of topics and upcoming projects within the library.

Over the past two meetings, SLAC has given us great insight into the students’ understanding of what types of help they can get at the library, their suggestions on naming libraries’ service points and thoughts on possible student engagement programs like:

• Blind date with a book,
• Coding Workshops,
• Wikipedia Edit-a-thons,
• Blackout Poetry,
• and Colour our Collection colouring pages.

Students have also offered their perspective on the new Digital Scholarship Centre that is in the beginning stages of development. The new centre will be located on the second level of Cameron and aims to provide physical and digital spaces for scholars across all disciplines. These centres make it easier to participate in digital environments by providing access to shared infrastructure, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and a space to explore common interests and concerns across disciplines and institutions.

SLAC members asked questions and gave suggestions for the new centre regarding training, if there would be possibilities to partner with the Technology Training Centre, and if there would be resources for virtual reality.

If you would like to find out who the current SLAC representatives or read the meeting minutes, please visit the SLAC webpage.

Curriculum Time Turner - Historical AB School Textbooks are Online!

For a trip down memory lane (without jumping in the DeLorean), you can now peruse our online collection of 1,800 historical textbooks that were used in Albertan schools as far back as 1885! The Wiedrick Collection is a gold mine for researchers and teachers interested in the history of education in our province. The digitized items allow for keyword searching, are downloadable in a variety of formats and include information regarding when and what subject it was used for. The print collection is housed in the H.T. Coutts Education & Physical Education library and is in the process of being digitized thanks to a bequest from the estate of Mary Wiedrick, wife of the late Laurence (“Laurie”) Wiedrick.
Laurie Wiedrick [1925-1982], was passionate about preserving the milestones of the education system. He worked as a teacher-librarian in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton as well as a Supervisor of School Libraries for the Edmonton Public School Board. After joining the University of Alberta's Department of Elementary Education, he coordinated the University's Curriculum Laboratory which included the development of the Historical Curriculum Collection in 1964.  Fast forward to 2016 and it is now one of the most comprehensive collections of this nature in the province. In addition to textbooks, it also includes historical curriculum guides. Wiedrick was later awarded a full professorship in Elementary Education and helped to establish the University's School of Library Science.


For more information about this project contact: Kim Frail (kim.frail@ualberta.ca)

Stream Films and Documentaries with Kanopy

Kanopy, an interdisciplinary streaming video service, offers instructors and students an extensive video collection, including:

• documentaries like Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women and Tough Guise: Violence, Media and the Crisis in Masculinity,
• indie and foreign films in many languages including French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, German, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, and Russian,
• silent films starring Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd,
• classics of world cinema from the Criterion Collection/Janus Films (including films from Ingmar Bergman, Fellini, Ozu and Truffaut),
• performance videos from the top names in theatre and dance,
• and a plethora of instructional videos on topics such as business management, computer programming and other career related skills.

Kanopy has over 26,000 films from leading producers such as HBO, PBS, New Day Films, First Run Features, and BBC. Their website is easy to use to watch, share, and discuss films across campus.

Kanopy has been a helpful resources for professors across campus. In their own words:

"[Kanopy] streaming service was excellent - and (this is key) immediate. You sent me the link right away, I watched the film, played part of it in my class the following week, and then posted a link on eClass."
- Siobhan Byrne, PhD.  Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science

"Kanopy has an impressive array of videos in the area of counselling and psychotherapy. The collection covers key approaches in psychotherapy, demonstrated by well-known therapists in the field. I can certainly see myself using some of the videos in my counselling classes."
- Jessica Van Vliet, Ph.D., R.Psych. Associate Professor, Dept. of Educational Psychology

Wooooodland by Leona Clawson at Rutherford Library

Rutherford Library is proud to be hosting Wooooodland, a sculptural and mixed media art display until December 23, 2016. The artist, Leona Clawson, is Stantec's Artist of the Year from The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts.

Stop by to visit this playful and immersive display in Rutherford South.

Lindsay Johnston Receives Academic Staff Recognition Award

On November 22, Lindsay Johnston, Public Services Manager for Rutherford Library and Weir Law Library, was recognized for her outstanding performance and exceptional contribution to the University of Alberta. Lindsay was nominated for the Academic Staff Recognition Award by colleagues. This award recognizes employees who contribute to creating a positive culture within their department and a healthy work environment, bring their best selves and an innovative approach to work, serve as an outstanding U of A ambassador, and are a valued team player.

In her nomination, Lindsay’s colleagues described her genuine care, approachability, and the great sense of humour that she brings to work every day. Lindsay is known as a reliable, fair, non-judgemental person who goes above and beyond to advocate for the staff she supervises, her colleagues, and all library users. She is considered a mentor by her librarian colleagues and always keeps staff informed of service changes.

In addition to her role as Public Service Manager and Subject Librarian for Slavic Studies and Philosophy, Lindsay is an active member of a range of University of Alberta Libraries teams. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Student Library Advisory Committee and is a crucial voice in our Public Services Council. Lindsay is also very involved in numerous associations within the provincial, national, and international library community. She is frequently involved as a committee chair, executive member, or event organizer. Lindsay also models work-life balance and community involvement beyond the university for everyone at Rutherford Library through her volunteerism with the Edmonton House of Welcome where she worked to sponsor a Syrian refugee family.

Congratulations Lindsay!

Globe Unlimited Free with Library

Free access to the latest news! 

Interested in what’s going to happen when Trump takes over as President? Or just want your horoscope? Use your phone, tablet, or computer to find out via the renowned Globe & Mail newspaper.

Globe Unlimited brings you even more news than the daily printed paper, with hundreds of additional stories each day and access to exclusive subscriber-only content including business titles Streetwise, Inside The Market, World Insider, and Politics Insider.

Click here to activate your subscription, brought to you by the U of A Libraries. Your account activation will be good for 120 days and it can be renewed when it runs out.

Images of Research Competition and Exhibition Returning in 2017!

The University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) and Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) are pleased to announce that the Images of Research (IOR) Competition and Exhibition is returning for its second year!

Images of Research is an opportunity for current University of Alberta graduate students from all disciplines to capture, share, and present the essence of their research in one image. Last year, we received over 100 stunning entries to the competition and some 2000 votes were cast in the online voting for the People’s Choice award. The winning and semifinalist submissions can be viewed in the Images of Research Competition 2016 collection in the U of A’s institutional repository, ERA. Select exhibited images are also currently on display on the first floor of Cameron Library.

The 2017 competition will open Monday, January 23 so if you are interested in submitting, make sure to take advantage of the extra time and start preparing your entry in advance. Winners and semifinalists will be selected by a multidisciplinary jury according to the following criteria:

• Originality/Creativity
• Aesthetic appeal of image
• Relationship between image and student’s research
• Clarity of written description and title

In addition to approaching your research in a new way, there are also cash prizes! Six prizes will be awarded as follows:

• First Place - $800
• Second Place - $600
• Third Place - $500
• Two Honourable Mentions - $250 each
• One People’s Choice - $250

For more information about the competition, including eligibility, competition rules, requirements, important dates, and contact information, please visit the Images of Research website. The online entry form will also be made available through the IOR website.

Based on last year, we know that U of A grad students are conducting incredible research and are capable of producing phenomenal unique and creative work. We are greatly looking forward to seeing this year’s submissions!

Stay tuned for an interview with past IOR winner, Pony Meyer and their winning portrait, King Me!, based on their PhD research exploring the role of drag king performance in the lives of drag kings.

Borrow an Activity Lending Kit at the Library!

Finals are approaching and we know it can be difficult to make time for the gym or to commit to an exercise class when you have a busy student schedule that is always changing. Physical activity is an effective and healthy tool to manage stress and UAlberta’s Healthy Campus Unit and LiveWell have partnered with University of Alberta Libraries to bring you Physical Activity Lending Kits! These kits contain various at home workout equipment that can serve as a free and accessible alternative to heading out the gym.

Each kit contains:

• Skipping rope - Did you know that jumping rope at 120 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes is equivalent to jogging for 30 minutes?!
• Resistance bands - These are a great tool for static and dynamic stretching as well as bone and muscle development.
• Pedometer - Did you know that walking is Canada’s most popular form of physical activity? Research has found a link between walking and lower prevalence of depression and a lower BMI.
• Gliding discs - These are a great way to engage your core muscles so that your pelvis, hips, lower back, and abdomen all work in harmony.
• Exercise cards - These cards will provide you with information on how to use the items in the kit.

According to the National College Health Assessment (2013), stress, anxiety, and sleep are the top three factors affecting academic performance for U of A students. Research shows that physical activity has been able to lessen the effects of these factors and improve mental health.

These kits contain various at home workout equipment to help you take a study break and manage your stress throughout the school year. Drop by one of the U of A libraries to borrow one today, and Unwind Your Mind!

Celebrate Graduate Student Research! Fall 2016 Convocation ETDs now available in ERA: Education and Research Archive

Reconciling Edmonton Exhibit at the Coutts Library

The project features seven historic photographs from the City of Edmonton Archives, the Provincial Archives of Alberta, the City of Edmonton and the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. The photos have been incorporated with artwork and poetry demonstrating reconciliation building in the region from the time of the signing of Treaty 6, which was 140 years ago.

RISE - Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton co-founder Miranda Jimmy collaborated with Danielle Metcalf-Chenail, former historian Laureate for the City of Edmonton, Jennie Vegt, former Artist in Residence of the City of Edmonton and  Anna Marie Sewell, former Poet Laureate in Residence for the City of Edmonton. Reconciliation Edmonton is a project funded by Edmonton Heritage Council.

Currently on display at the H.T. Coutts Education and Physical Education Library, Reconciling Edmonton encourages viewers to share their own reflections on reconciliation in the guestbook or on social media by using the hashtag #ReconcilingYEG.

Support Staff Shine in Showcase

On November 9, 2016 the University of Alberta Libraries staff enjoyed a learning and development showcase featuring some of our talented support staff. The showcase was well attended and the presentations were very engaging.

We heard from:

• Elisabet Ingibergsson (Bibliothèque Saint Jean): Semaine de lecture - Read IN Week Community Collaboration
• Hanne Pearce (Humanities and Social Sciences Library): Design, Promotions, Photography
• Alicia Odeen (Special Collections & Archives) : Archives Transition: Advocacy and a New System
• Zachary Schoenberger (Bibliographic Services): Practical Applications of Metadata
• Chris Bateman (Science and Technology Library): 3D Printing & Equipment Lending

Research and Collections Resource Facility Update

There have been several exciting developments in the planning and building of the Research and Collections Resource Facility (RCRF) that is currently under construction. First and foremost, the Libraries’ RCRF Planning Team has added two new members; Kyle Ouellette is the new Project Coordinator and Meredith Bratland is our new Strategic Communications Manager.  And, check out some of the recent photos from the site.


Staff at our Book and Record Depository (BARD) have been working with a LEAN process consultant over the past year to review and improve workflows and processes in preparation for the move into the RCRF.  CJ de Jong, our Access Services Coordinator, reports that this has resulted in changes to our book returns process, a reorganized bin system for deliveries to our NEOS partner libraries, tackling maps storage, the elimination of unnecessary supplies and shelving, and updated workflows.  Moving forward, we’re fortunate to have Kyle Ouellette, our new Project Coordinator, as a resource trained in LEAN Six Sigma processes. One of his first tasks will be to assist with workflows related to digitization in the RCRF.

A Request for Proposal is open for the RCRF’s new cherry pickers and wire guidance systems.  These pickers are used to shelve and retrieve books from the storage facility, which will have 30 foot high shelving.  The deadline for proposals is November 22, 2016.

Our Materials Preservation Working Group is making progress on meeting the operational requirements to maintain our Movable Cultural Property (MCP) Program Category A designation.  They are diligently working to develop new work processes, procedures, and policies that fully satisfy MCP standards for housing, handling, and securing Canadian cultural property, archives, and library materials in the RCRF.  The team is currently exploring sensor options to collect data on the temperature and humidity of the facility for materials preservation. An Emergency Response Plan is also in the works, and the group will identify and set standards for relevant training for RCRF staff who will need to learn new work processes for improved collections preservation and security.

Teaching Spotlight: Grant Kayler

How did you get involved with the class?
Prior to being an actual department within Arts, CSL was associated with the Department of Sociology. As the Sociology liaison, I occasionally provided library support that aimed to include content relevant to their placements in community organizations off campus. HUM101 is a new involvement for me. Lisa Prins, Humanities 101 Coordinator, and Jay Friesen, PhD student in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, invited me to participate in several sessions over the past year.

What was the topic of the session?
The library session came about as part of the course moving from an off-campus to an on-campus location. This move was intended to give students a stronger sense of connection with the campus learning experience, and it was felt that a library session would broaden the experience and help build their sense of belonging. I focussed the session on essential services they needed to know about - borrowing materials, using databases with temporary id's, searching for books and articles by topic, asking for help at the Service Desk, etc.  We also went on a tour of key areas of Rutherford Library. We called the session "The Library as a Learning Community."

How was this instruction session unique from your regular teaching activities?
Because HUM 101 students generally haven't had access to post-secondary education, they may think of the university as a big, overwhelming place where they don't really belong.  However, they are keen to be part of a larger community of learners.  Given their unique backgrounds, I tried to present details about our library services in a straightforward and practical way.  My emphasis was on helping the students master search basics and letting them know that the library was there to help them in whatever way they needed to achieve their learning goals and pursue their personal interests.  Above all, I wanted them to leave the class feeling that they are welcome in the library, and that they are part of the UAlberta community.

What was your favourite moment or takeaway from teaching this group?
First, it was seeing the looks of astonishment - then joy - on learning about the library services that were available to them, including the ability to sign out as many books as they wanted.  It was also great to witness their interest in articles we found.  Students would sometimes comment on an article - relating it to their own experience - and then start a broader discussion.  It was also interesting to learn about other the students' other interests, such as river valley photography and painting.

Using Licensed Electronic Resources

Search the Library and you will find more than just electronic articles and books. You will also learn how you can use and re-use these resources, which are made available to you via licensing agreements negotiated by staff at the University of Alberta Libraries.

As a course instructor you have likely uploaded an article to your learning management system (LMS), such as eClass or uLearn, for your students.

Information about whether or not our license allows this use, as well as others such as inclusion in course packs, downloading, or printing, is available in the “Our Usage Rights” column in catalogue entries (see the screenshot below) or by following the "Get It! ualberta" link.

Get Light @ the Library!

Daylight saving time is upon us.  As it gets dark outside, come on in the Libraries and get some light!

University of Alberta Libraries, with support from the University of Alberta Healthy Campus Unit, is pleased to provide our campus community with access to light therapy lamps, which can help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Light therapy lamps can be borrowed for 1 hour at a time for in library use at the following locations: Augustana Library, Bibliotheque Saint-Jean, Cameron Library, Coutts Library, Rutherford Library, Weir Law Library, and Winspear Business Library.  Check here for current availability of lamps. You can also visit Scott Library and use their light therapy lamp, located in the Scott Student Lounge.

Exposure to light that mimics sunlight is believed to alter brain chemicals that moderate mood, helping to relieve feelings of fatigue, anxiety, low mood, and loss of motivation that can commonly occur during the winter months. In as little as 15-20 minutes a day, symptoms can be relieved by using light therapy.

Light therapy is safe, but please keep the following in mind before and during use:

• Refrain from using lamp if you are taking medications that causes photosensitivity, including certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and St. John’s Wort
• Before using lamp consult with a physician if you suffer from, or have a history of, any of the following conditions: photosensitivity due to lupus, porphyria, actinic dermatitis or solar urtincaria; macular degeneration; skin cancer; bipolar disorder; or light sensitivity.
• When using lamp
• position it so it does not shine directly into your eyes or anyone else's
• position it so it is angled above or beside you, approximately 16-20 inches from your head
• limit use to 15-20 minutes at a time
• consider sessions earlier in the day for most effect

Light therapy is not a cure for depression and other mood disorders. If you are experiencing a prolonged period of extreme sadness, low motivation or feelings of hopelessness we encourage you to contact your physician or the University of Alberta’s Counselling & Clinical Services.

Additional Resources:

• Centre for Environmental Therapeutics. (2014). Bright light exposure risks. Retrieved from http://www.cet.org/therapy/bright-light-exposure-risks/
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (March 20, 2013). Light therapy, risks. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/light-therapy/basics/risks/prc-20009617
• Phelps, J. L. (2014). Light therapies for depression. Retrieved from http://psycheducation.org/treatment/bipolar-disorder-light-and-darkness/light-therapies-for-depression/

Raiding the Rawlinson - Halloween Edition

Join staff at the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library this Halloween as they raise the lid on some ghastly tomes from the Rawlinson Rare Book Collection.

Inspired by the spookiest of seasons, visitors will have the opportunity to view some of our most frightening rare medical books. Learn the ingredients for a Romany baldness cure and how to properly administer leeches. Discover the morbid ways artists have depicted the human body throughout history.  View one of the most unique items in our special collection - a book purported to be bound in human skin.

Drop by the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library on Monday, October 31 between 11:30am - 1:30pm and join in the fun.

Award Winning Staff @ UAlberta Libraries

Over the past several months, a number of University of Alberta Libraries staff members, as well as some of their UAlberta colleagues, have been recognized for their work via a range of local and national awards.  Our hearty congratulations to them all!

Angie Mandeville, Public Services Manager, Cameron Library
Scott Davies, Cataloguing and Metadata Assistant, Bibliographic Services
University of Alberta Libraries Service Excellence Award

This newly established award recognizes a University of Alberta Libraries staff member, or team of staff members, who has demonstrated excellent service to internal and/or external UAL users in the current academic year.




James Franks, Associate University Archivist, Special Collections & Archives
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Program Award for Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to the Field of Access and Privacy in Alberta and Canada

It recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the field of information rights in Canada through various means such as teaching, research, career work in the field, professional development, etc. in the field



Weiwei Shi, Digital Initiatives Applications Librarian, Digital Initiatives, UAL
Chuck Humphrey, Research Data Management Services Coordinator, Digital Initiatives, UAL
Umar Qasim, Digital Preservation Officer, Digital Initiatives, UAL
Tai-chun Lee, Unix System Administrator, Information Technology Services, UAL
James Doiron, Research Data Management Services Coordinator, Digital Initiatives, UAL
Tyler Antonio, Systems Analyst, Information Services & Technology, IST
James Woodward, Team Lead/Infrastructure Apps, Information Services & Technology, IST
Information Technology Excellence Award

This UAlberta award recognizes teams which have shown innovative use of hardware and/or software technology to successfully deploy a major IT project with significant impact to research, teaching, administration, and/or the campus experience.  The team won this award for their work on the DMP Assistant tool for preparing Data Management Plans.


Angie Mandeville, Public Services Manager, Cameron Library
Excellence in Leadership Award

This UAlberta award recognizes outstanding leaders for their awareness of and attention to issues and concerns that impact the quality of the work and learning environment.  Angie won this award for her leadership in supporting learners.

READ IN Week 2016: One World, Many Voices

New Publication by Denise Koufogiannakis

University of Alberta Libraries is pleased to celebrate the publication of a new book by our Associate University Librarian Dr. Denise Koufogiannakis together with co-editor Dr. Alison Brettle (University of Salford, UK).


Being Evidence Based in Library and Information Practice, "takes an open and encompassing approach to exploring evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP) and illustrates how librarians can incorporate the principles to make more informed decisions in the workplace." (Facet Publishing)


Dr. Denise Koufogiannakis is a leader in evidence based library practice, she co-founded the open access journal Evidence Based Library and Information Practice and has held several editorial positions since the journal’s inception in 2006, including Editor-in-Chief from 2009-2011.


In her role as Associate University Librarian, Denise contributes to the Libraries' overall strategic direction and is responsible for collection strategies, bibliographic services, and access services. This new publication is available for borrowing from the UAlberta Library collection.

Collection Spotlight: Alberta Survey

Celebrate Science Literacy Week

I have no special talents.  I am only passionately curious. - Albert Einstein, 11 March 1952

Science Literacy Week is a national week-long celebration of science in Canada.  From September 19 to 23, 2016, University of Alberta Libraries will host a number of presentations, demos, and displays showcasing the diverse scientific research conducted by staff and students all across the University of Alberta.  From paleontology and particle physics, to citizen scientists and satellites, the breadth of knowledge and research is amazing!  Science Literacy Week gives students and staff the opportunity to get up close and personal with scientific research and learn what goes on behind lab room doors from those who are passionately curiously about their research and work.

So put on your lab coat, find your best beaker, and check out the schedule for a complete list of events!

Research and Collections Resource Facility Update

There has been a lot of progress at the RCRF building site on South Campus since our last update in July.  Slab has been poured and the framing of the building has begun.

In addition, RCRF Planning Team members and other library staff have been engaged in a range of other activities to ensure that the right collections are moved to the RCRF, that they are findable throughout the move process, and that archival materials in particular are adequately preserved in their new location.

Microform collections, currently in various locations, are being evaluated for consolidation at the RCRF in a cold room, specifically designed for holding microfilm, microfiche, and photographs.

With the first module of our new inventory software complete, staff at the Book and Records Depository [BARD] will be undertaking a project to barcode all shelves so that items can be easily located throughout the move process. This project will require the hiring of a few additional staff and the leasing of an additional cherry picker.  Staff use the cherry picker to reach our highest shelves at the BARD.

A Preservation Development Advisor from the Canadian Conservation Institute, Department of Canadian Heritage visited the library this summer to conduct a facility assessment of the RCRF and make recommendations regarding what is needed for it to meet requirements for Category A designation with the Movable Cultural Property (MCP) Program.  This designation, which University of Alberta Archives has had since 1978, gives access to tax incentives and grants for the donation or purchase of cultural property considered to have outstanding significance and national importance. To maintain this designation, the Archives - which will be moving into the RCRF - is expected to demonstrate an ability to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural property and to make it available to the public.  A working group, which will be chaired by Robert Desmarais, Head, Special Collections & Archives, is being formed to ensure that all operational requirements are met to maintain this designation.

Visit the RCRF web page for more information and updates.

Post any questions or feedback below and and we’ll get back to you!

Borrow Course Textbooks from the Library

The aim of the Libraries' Course Textbook Initiative is to increase student access to textbooks and offset student costs. The U of A Libraries allocates $100,000 annually to purchase selected course textbooks. $100,000 doesn’t cover all course textbooks, so, we follow these priorities:

Dogs in the Library

Take advantage of some four-legged TLC this fall! Throughout the term, UofA Libraries, in association with Unwind Your Mind, will be welcoming therapy dogs from the Chimo Animal Assisted Wellness and Learning Society (CAAWLS) to four of our north campus libraries (Rutherford, Cameron, John W. Scott Library and the Education Library).

Pet therapy has been shown to be a fun, enjoyable way to decrease feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Therapy dogs are wonderful listeners, love meeting new people, and are happy to indulge in a cuddle. We invite everyone to take break from their work and studies to spend some time with these canine therapists.

Upcoming dates, times, and locations are noted below.

* September 14th: John W. Scott Library, 12:30pm
* September 28th: Coutts Library, 12:00pm
* October 12th: Cameron Library, 12:00pm
* October 19th: Rutherford Library, 2:00pm
* October 27th: Coutts Library, 12:30pm
* November 2nd: Scott Library 12:30pm
* November 3rd: Cameron Library, 11:30am
* November 16th: Rutherford Library, 2:00pm
* December 1st: Coutts Library, 12:00pm
* December 7th: Rutherford Library, 2:00pm
* December 13th: Rutherford Library, 2:00pm
* December 14th: Scott Library, 12:30pm
* December 15th: Cameron Library, 11:30am

Augustana students, did you know that the Augustana library is home to Hutch the Library Dog? Next time you’re in the library, be sure to stop by and see Hutch.

And remember, nothing brightens everyone’s day like dog photos. Share selfies of you and your favourite therapy dog on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: #CAAWLS, #dogsinthelibrary, and #uofalibraries. We’d also love to see them in our Twitter feed, @uofalibraries.

Seeking members for 2016/2017 Student Library Advisory Committee

Do you want to make a difference on campus? Interested in having a voice in the Libraries at the University of Alberta?  Apply to become a member of the University of Alberta's Student Library Advisory Committee (SLAC).

If selected, you will work collaboratively with your peers and library staff to enhance and improve library services to better meet the evolving needs of undergraduate and graduate students, now and in the future.

Previous committee members have played an active role in helping the Libraries make key decisions related to its technology lending pilot program, Course Textbook Initiative, new furniture purchases, and web site usability.

For more information about SLAC's mandate, membership, and expectations, and to submit your application, go to http://library.ualberta.ca/slac/

Deadline for applications:
September 18, 2016

Questions? Contact one of the Co-Chairs: Angie Mandeville at afm1@ualberta.ca or Lindsay Johnston at lindsay.johnston@ualberta.ca

University of Alberta Libraries Announces Availability of Subscription Expenditures Data

Five Things to Know about University of Alberta Libraries

We have a library for that!

We have ten libraries covering all fields of study:

* Augustana Campus Library (Camrose)
* Bibliothèque Saint-Jean (Campus Saint-Jean)
* Bruce Peel Special Collections & Archives
* Cameron (Science and Technology)
* H.T. Coutts (Education and Physical Education)
* John W. Scott (Health Sciences)
* John A. Weir Law Library (Law)
* Rutherford (Humanities and Social Sciences)
* Winspear (Business)
* Book and Record Depository (BARD)

Feel free to visit and use any of these libraries, no matter your field of study.

Your OneCard is your library card 


How long can you borrow books? What are your borrowing privileges? Find out here.

To avoid fines:
* Read your email notification of due dates
* Renew books online with My Account
* Return recalled books by their due date

Your OneCard can also be used to borrow materials from Edmonton Public Library by registering for the free L-PASS program. You can also use your OneCard to get a TAL Card to borrow from libraries across the province, including Camrose!


Search our collections online 


The University of Alberta Libraries is Canada's second largest research library, with a print and electronic collection exceeding 4.7 million titles and over 8.7 million volumes. In addition to using your OneCard to borrow books, as a member of the U of A community you can use your CCID and Password to access more than 110,000 scholarly ejournals, over 1.3 million ebooks, and over 1,700 online databases to help you succeed with academic research projects. And if we don’t have what you need, request it via interlibrary loan.

Browse our guides for information by subject, or start your search at www.library.ualberta.ca.




We have space for you 

We have great spaces and technology for you to get your work done, including:

* designated common, quiet and silent areas, which have everything from individual carrels and comfortable soft seating to silent, technology free zones and large quiet reading rooms
* late night study hours in Cameron, Rutherford, and Augustana Libraries
* over 50 study and practice presentation rooms, varied in size and setup, that are bookable online
* over 700 Windows and over 100 Mac workstations, equipped with a wide range of browsers and office productivity software

Our spaces are open to everyone!


Ask us for help !



Feel free to come to any of our libraries to get research assistance at our service desks. Our staff can help you find what you need and teach you to use our resources. Can’t make it in person?  Chat, text, email, or call us.

We have librarian experts for every field of study. If you need in-depth assistance for a major project make an appointment with a librarian.

Questions? Ask us!

Over 336,000 People Have Accessed UAlberta's Hosted Open Access Journals! Have You?

Open Access journals hosted by the University of Alberta Libraries have been viewed for free by almost every country in the last year. More than 336,000 users have visited our journals nearly half a million times.

Have you accessed any lately?

We host nearly 40 online journals using a popular open source software, Open Journal Systems. Each of our journals are edited and managed independently by diverse groups, such as scholarly societies, research groups, and student associations. They publish articles across a wide range of disciplines, from English to Pharmacy, but all share a common element: their articles are available entirely free of charge, to anyone who wants to read them.

Our journals have attracted readers from countries around the world. Not surprisingly, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are our most frequent visitors. However, India, Germany, China, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia also make the top ten list. Visitors from the Turks and Caicos Islands spend the most time per visit on our site, while visitors from Iran have some of the highest rates of return visits. The only countries not represented are North Korea, and the Central African Republic.

Open access journals can be critical sources of high quality research information for scholars, students, practitioners, and the public, especially those who may lack access to well-resourced libraries or research centres. and we’re pleased to provide our hosting service free of charge to any Canadian journals who commit to making their content open access.

For more information about the UAlberta Libraries free journal hosting service, please contact ojshelp@ualberta.ca.

Research and Collections Resource Facility Update

We are keeping apace with our planning for the new Research and Collections Resource Facility (RCRF).  In fact, one of our key updates is that we’re considering a new name for the facility which better captures its function and sense of place…Bookmark.  What do you think?  Please comment with your feedback below.

At the building site on South Campus, you’ll see that the RCRF is literally taking shape!  The images below capture highlights from construction in June.

In addition to the advances made on the physical site, over the past eight weeks our RCRF Planning Team has been engaged in a range of activities:

• We hosted a stakeholder focus group to solicit input regarding the RCRF’s public spaces - the reading room and multi-purpose room.  Feedback from this group crystallized recent decisions regarding carpets, paint colours and furniture.
• CJ de Jong, our Access Services Coordinator and a key member of our planning team, recently visited the University of British Columbia’s Library Preservation and Archives (PARC), a similar storage facility, to learn more about their workflows, shelving and software.  Gleanings from this trip, and others to date, will continue to inform our planning process going forward.
• Larry Laliberte, our Geographic Information Systems Librarian, has been reviewing our map collection at BARD to identify potential candidates for digitization and ready the collection for its relocation to the RCRF.  
• We are working with Spacesaver to finalize our shelving needs.  We’ve also been talking quite a bit about how and when best to manage the process of cleaning collections as they are moved from BARD to the RCRF.  This is much more complex than you think.  Stay tuned! 

Visit the RCRF web page for more information and updates.

Post any questions or feedback below and and we’ll get back to you!

Share the Air

The University of Alberta Libraries are committed to being a welcoming space for all our users. As part of our ongoing courtesy campaign, we want to draw your attention to the potential effects of scented products on others in our community.  Scents are added to many personal hygiene products and detergents and those with a sensitivity to scents can often suffer a range of impacts due to even short-term exposure.  Please be considerate of those who are sensitive to scents and reduce your use of scented products while in library spaces.

Our efforts to heighten awareness of this issue dovetail with those of our broader University of Alberta community, which is striving to create a scent-reduced environment by promoting the use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products and building materials.  Your cooperation in limiting the negative impact of scents on students, staff and visitors is greatly appreciated.
Click here for more information.