Call for Submissions for Images of Research Competition

The University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) and Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) are excited to announce an Images of Research competition for all current graduate students.

The aim of this competition and its accompanying exhibition, are to:

• challenge current University of Alberta graduate students from all disciplines to capture, share, and present the essence of their research in one image, diagram or drawing
• showcase and preserve graduate student research in print and digital form within the Library and beyond it
• foster student engagement and support graduate students’ academic endeavours

Entries will be accepted from February 24th to March 23rd, 2016. All entries must be received by the competition closing date.

Six prizes will be awarded as follows:

• 1st - $800
• 2nd - $600
• 3rd - $500
• Two Honourable mentions - $250 each
• One People’s Choice - $250

Winners will be announced in April.  Winning and semifinalist entries will be printed and exhibited in Cameron Library.

Visit the Images of Research web site for more information and to submit your entry.

Contact ior@ualberta.ca if you have any questions or comments.

Fair Dealing Week 2016: February 22 - 26

Freedom to Read Week

Even in 21st century Canada, access to information and intellectual freedom cannot be taken for granted. Canadian libraries and schools regularly receive demands to remove books from shelves and reading lists. As well, intellectual freedom on the internet faces many adversaries both human and technological. Freedom to Read week, a project of the Canadian Book and Periodical Council , encourages discussion and vigilance against censorship in all its forms. As institutions of knowledge and learning, libraries have always defended the basic human right to access information and freely express ideas.

February 21-27 is Freedom to Read week with many events nation-wide. To learn more, download the Freedom to Read Week 2016 discussion kit which includes a discussion with Alvin M. Schrader, author and Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta. There are also many lists and databases online documenting books that have been challenged in the past.

http://www.freedomtoread.ca

3D Printing Service @ Cameron Library

As part of a pilot project, Cameron Library is providing 3D printing services with the Faculty of Science, in collaboration with the Physics Department's Science Hardware Hackerspace: The Shack. A TRex skull, pyramid, a topographical map of Everest - these are just a few of the 3D models printed at Cameron Library that could be used as education aids, prototype designs, objects for research projects, or other academic activities.

The new Machina mk2 3D printers use a plant-based, recyclable plastic filament to form layers of material of a digital model, one at a time, until the object is fully rendered. In addition to being for a classroom assignment or a research project, the object needs to print in 4 hours or less - so items that sit in the palm of your hand are eligible.

UAlberta faculty, students and staff are eligible to use the 3D printers for academic purposes, and it is free of charge. To learn more about this exciting new service including guidelines, submission forms and frequently asked questions, check out our 3D printing page.

Questions about our new service can be sent to cameron3D@ualberta.ca

Some of the 3D models printed at Cameron Library that could be used as education aids, prototype designs, objects for research projects, or other academic activities.

Celebrate Open Education Week

From March 7 to March 11, 2016 universities, colleges, schools and organizations around the world will be celebrating Open Education Week, including the University of Alberta.

Open educational resources (OERs) are any freely available material or media that facilitates teaching and learning. OERs can include videos, podcasts, presentations, textbooks and more. They provide faculty the flexibility to share, collaborate and draw on course materials from around the world, while reducing the cost of higher education by challenging expensive textbook prices. OERs also provide a practical and effective way to facilitate lifelong learning, an essential skill in our changing and complex world.

Attend the University of Alberta’s Open Education Week events to learn more about OERs and what they mean for you.

Planned sessions include:

• Webinar with Cable Green, Director of Global Learning at Creative Commons
• Keynote lecture and hands-on workshop with Rajiv Jhangiani, Faculty, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and OER Research Fellow, Open Education Group
• Webinar with Dr Janet Welch on the Campus Alberta OER Initiative
• Panel with faculty and students on efforts to open up course textbooks at UAlberta

Review the schedule and register online!  Events are open to all.

• Visit the Libraries' Open Educational Resources Guide guide
• Join the University of Alberta Open Education community listserv
• Apply for funding through the Campus Alberta Open Educational Resources Initiative 
• Follow @uofalibraries to contribute to the Open Education Week conversation with the #uaopened hashtag

ONECard Now Required for Cameron Library After Hours Access

Starting Tuesday, February 16th at 9pm, a valid University of Alberta ONECard will be required for after hours access to Cameron Library, when security guards are on duty.  Visitors without their ONECard will be denied entry.  Swipe card access will be available through the side door adjacent to Starbucks.

This change is just one of a number of security protocols recently put in place in Cameron Library with the specific aim of ensuring it provides the most secure and sustainable after hours study space possible.  The Libraries have worked closely with Protective Services and Facilities & Operations to implement this change, as well as the following range of new safety measures:

• Trained security guard on site daily after hours
• Installation of blue pull stations in all washrooms for use in the event of an emergency 

Trained security guards and blue pull stations have also been put into place at Rutherford Library on North Campus and at the Augustana Campus Library to support after hours study spaces. All of these changes reflect a broader strategy within the Libraries to provide more safe and secure spaces for our UAlberta community members.

To review all library hours and location, go to: https://hours.library.ualberta.ca/