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.