Friday, March 24, 2017
Attend Upcoming Predatory Publishing Workshop
What is predatory publishing?
Predatory publishers take advantage of the OA business model by charging publication fees to authors without any editorial and publishing services that are standard practices with legitimate journals (open access or subscription-based).
Why is this a problem?
Recent reports and media coverage (see below) emphasize the challenges surrounding the growth and long standing issues with predatory publishing.
Since their primary goal is to generate revenue, predatory publishers lack discernable scholarship. They also use aggressive practices that deceive both authors and readers such as emailing researchers and encouraging them to submit manuscripts with quick turnaround times and high acceptance rates. Because of the lack of transparency, it puts researchers’ work at risk. Once a study has been published in a predatory journal, it cannot be published elsewhere.
What are some strategies to avoid publishing in a predatory journal?
In light of the rise of predatory publishers in the scholarly market, this does not mean that all open access publishing should be avoided. There are many reputable open access journals that can be found through the Directory of Open Access Journals. Librarians are an excellent resource if you have questions about the credibility of a specific journal.
Want to learn more?
There are many other strategies to help authors avoid the pitfalls of publishing in predatory journals. Register for our upcoming predatory publishing workshop on Wednesday, April 5, which will help you identify predatory publishers, differentiate them from reputable ones, and locate quality journals for your academic work.
For more information:
- Is Canadian research falling prey to predatory journals?
- A scholarly sting operation shines a light on 'predatory' journals
- Beware! Academics are getting reeled in by scam journals
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Be it Resolved that all Knowledge be Open
You're Invited! University of Alberta’s Open Education Week Event 2017
Thursday March 30, 12:30-1:30pm, Cameron Library Rm 4-02
In support of the global Open Education Week 2017 (March 27-31) a one hour panel discussion will be hosted at the University of Alberta. The discussion is themed on the statement “Be it resolved that all knowledge be open” and will feature several perspectives from across campus critically discussing and reflecting on openness in education at the University of Alberta.Openness in education is focused on eliminating barriers that inhibit the use of knowledge, and includes a variety of open alternatives – open source software, open access scholarly publishing, open research data and open educational resources. Collectively these open alternatives come together under the ideas of open scholarship and open education. All of these opens have their roots in the academy’s values and tradition of the free exchange of knowledge.
The University of Alberta as a public institution has a clear role and commitment to making the work of its faculty available to the public. This sentiment is reflected in the University’s promise made by the University’s first president, Henry Marshall Tory, in 1908:
"The modern state university has sprung from a demand on the part of the people themselves….The people demand that knowledge shall not be the concern of scholars alone. The uplifting of the whole people shall be its final goal. This should never be forgotten."
The new institutional strategic plan, For the Public Good, reaffirms this commitment stating: “When we excel, our work sparks and feeds widespread social, cultural, and economic benefits for others—indeed for the uplifting of the whole people,” and Objective 12 (iii) states, “Encourage and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to ensure that society can realize the benefits of intellectual capital arising from research and creative endeavours.” Finally, the University’s collective agreement with Faculty defines service, in part, as “dissemination of knowledge to the general public by making available the staff members expertise and knowledge of the discipline.”
Given the apparent alignment between open education and the University’s own promise, plan and collective agreement, to what degree and how should faculty be open scholars?
Panelists
Amanda Wakaruk, MLIS, MES, is the Copyright Librarian at the University of Alberta. Prior to this, she worked as a Government Information Librarian and has held secondment positions in data and digital repository services at two major Canadian universities.
Dr. Geoffrey Rockwell is currently the Director of the Kule Institute for Advanced Study and also teaches in the MA in Humanities Computing. He has published on textual visualization and analysis, and computing in the humanities including a book from the MIT Press, Hermeneutica: Computer-Assisted Interpretation in the Humanities (2016) and is a co-developer of Voyant Tools, a suite of text analysis tools, and leads the TAPoR project documenting text tools.
Dr. Samer Adeeb is currently an associate professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He started at the assistant professor level in 2007. Prior to that, Samer finished his Ph.D. at the University of Calgary, worked in the pipeline industry, which was followed by a short post-doc period at the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Calgary. Samer's research expertise is in numerical modelling applied to Biomechanics and pipelines. Samer has always been a proponent of open education. In particular, he is excited about using online web tools for creating interactive web content for engineering education. The contents of the courses he teaches: CivE 398, CivE 295, CivE 664, and CivE 665 are available online at: http://sameradeeb.srv.ualberta.ca/. He also worked with the Centre for Teaching and Learning to create online lectures that are available on the web to augment his classes:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlJvChadvVwSrn6irdxZ_TwTuz5A6DtW
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlJvChadvVz0kK6qf_W6YI3qWBydZtPL
Dr. Sean Gouglas is a Professor in Humanities Computing and Senior Director of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Faculty of Arts. He is also the co-director of UAlberta’s new computer game development certificate program, which brings together students in computing science, art, music and design to build and study computer games. Dr. Gouglas' research focuses on the relationship between universities and the computer game industry in Canada, especially as it relates to curriculum development. He also studies how gender shapes the production and consumption of video games.
Gerald Beasley was appointed Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian on July 1, 2013. His previous library experience includes leadership positions at the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montreal; the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York; and Concordia University, Montreal. He has also worked at the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine in London, England. Gerald is a graduate of Oxford University (M.A., English Lang. & Lit.) and University College, London (M.A., Library Studies). He is currently the chair of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries Policy Committee.
We welcome you to join us for a lively discussion and, if interested to join our list serv on Open Educational Resources
More information on Open Educational Resources is linked here.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Images of Research People’s Choice Voting Now Open!
All members of the UofA campus community are invited to cast a vote to determine the 2017 Images of Research (IOR) People’s Choice award!
Online voting is open from March 20 - 27, so head over to the IOR website NOW to vote for your favourite image.
Or vote HERE. One vote per person, CCID login required.
Online voting is open from March 20 - 27, so head over to the IOR website NOW to vote for your favourite image.
Or vote HERE. One vote per person, CCID login required.
The winner of this category will receive $250 and be included in the IOR exhibition happening from April 6 - 30 on the main floor of Cameron Library. Make sure to visit the exhibit to view all the winning and semifinalist images in person.
Images of Research (IOR) is an opportunity for current UofA graduate students from all disciplines to capture, share, and present the essence of their research in a single image. The competition, which closed February 13, is organized by University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), and with the support of Campus Design & Print Solutions.
If you have questions or comments, please contact ior@ualberta.ca.
Mounties on the Cover Exhibit Opens March 20, 2017
Mounties on the Cover is an exhibition containing highlights of a large and extraordinary collection of books that depict the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The Mountie appeared in hundreds of Hollywood movies but was more often seen in the works of hundreds of artists and illustrators, on the covers of thousands of dust jackets, magazines, and comic books.
 |
| Robert Leighton.Sergeant Silk, the Prairie Scout. 1929. Robert Leighton (1859-1933) was born in Scotland. He wrote seven books about Mounties. This dust jacket appeared on many other children’s books not authored by Leighton and with no Mountie content, suggesting that it was used as a marketing tool. |
The collection represents 50 years of book collecting by distinguished Staff Sergeant (retired) Al Lund of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who generously donated his entire collection to the University of Alberta Libraries in recent years.
The exhibition opens to the public on Monday, March 20th in Bruce Peel Special Collections (Rutherford South, lower level). For more details: bpsc.library.ualberta.ca
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Colour our Collections at Scott Library
The J.W. Scott Health Sciences Library has created adult colouring sheets of images from historic books in the Rawlinson Rare Book Collection. Ranging from early botanical drawings, a public human dissection, to a humorous skeleton, there are different options to suit your various moods. The J.W. Scott Library has set up a colouring station on the main floor of the library. The colouring station has free paper copies of each of the colouring sheets. We are also supplying colouring pencils, felt pens, and crayons for in-library use.
Come, relax and colour!
We invite you to display your colouring virtuosity on our display board for all to admire.
The colouring pages can also be downloaded and printed off from Colour our Collections.
Want to see the original books these images are taken from? For more information on the Rawlinson Rare Book Collection and the visitation procedures, please see the libguide or stop by the service desk.
Monday, March 13, 2017
University of Alberta Libraries Increases Support for University of Alberta Press
Edmonton, AB – The University of Alberta Press (UAP), currently an academic unit of Learning Services, will report to the University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) as of April 1, 2017.
“University librarians and publishers are natural collaborators, although we participate in the academic mission in different ways” said UAP Director Linda Cameron. “I welcome this initiative, which will allow the Press to be more involved in innovative projects with our library colleagues. At the same time, UAP remains an independent entity: the Press’s imprint, mandate, academic independence, structure, and staffing will be unchanged.”
The University of Alberta Press is an award-winning contemporary university press, working at the academic core of the U of A’s mission. As Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian Gerald Beasley explained, “University libraries throughout North America are increasingly offering their support to researchers at every stage of the research life cycle. An outstanding press like UAP is an essential part of this support. Under the new arrangement library and press staff will also be able to share and benefit from each other’s resources and expertise more easily.”
“The change is all about seeing the research mission from different angles, and being involved in strategic planning at an institutional level,” added Dr. Michael Lipsett, UAP Press Committee Chair.
About the Press
The University of Alberta Press publishes in the areas of biography, history, language, literature, natural history, regional interest, travel narratives and reference books. With hundreds of scholarly and trade books, UAP contributes to the intellectual and cultural life of Alberta and Canada. www.uap.ualberta.ca
About the University of Alberta Libraries
University of Alberta Libraries is committed to supporting the university’s academic mission by continuing to develop and maintain a world class library system that is open, sustainable and responsive to the many communities it serves. It has a recognized expertise in large scale digital initiatives and many outstanding collections of print, archival and electronic resources. www.library.ualberta.ca
Contacts
Gerald Beasley, Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian, University of Alberta
gerald.beasley@ualberta.ca
Linda Cameron, Director, University of Alberta Press
linda.cameron@ualberta.ca, 780-318-0717
Food for Fines at U of A Libraries Extended to April 30, 2017
In partnership with the Campus Food Bank, all donated food items will be distributed to members of the University of Alberta community.
How does it work?
- Visit a service desk in any U of A library location.
- Donate non-perishable food item[s]. Preferred items include canned veggies & fruit, rolled oats, rice, and canned beans. However all non-perishable contributions are welcome.
- For every item donated, you will be waived $5 in overdue fines, to a maximum of $100 [20 items].
- Only current fines on books from most NEOS Libraries will be waived. Some libraries choose not to participate. Charges for lost or damaged books are not eligible.
No fines? Bring a food item in and contribute to the food drive!
Follow @uofalibraries or @campusfoodbank with #foodforfines for campaign updates.
Join Us in Celebrating Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities!
Organized by the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI), the Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (FURCA) is a week long event dedicated to showcasing the research and creative achievements of UAlberta undergraduate students.
University of Alberta Libraries is proud and excited to host FURCA oral presentations and visual exhibits in Cameron and Rutherford libraries!
University of Alberta Libraries is proud and excited to host FURCA oral presentations and visual exhibits in Cameron and Rutherford libraries!
Oral presentations take place Monday, March 13 to Wednesday March 15 in Cameron Library’s Fireside Lounge (first floor) from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Topics range from East coast music to cancer-killing viruses. There is even a chemistry interpretative dance. See the full schedule and presentation abstracts for more details.
Attending the presentations is completely free and open to all, so come and show your support, even if you cannot stay for the full two hours. Lunch is provided, but please register in advance to make sure there is enough food for everyone.
Visual exhibits will be on display in both Cameron Library and Rutherford Galleria throughout the week, with the Galleria exhibit being available until March 31. On Monday, March 13 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, come meet the artists and talk to them about their work!
Visual exhibits will be on display in both Cameron Library and Rutherford Galleria throughout the week, with the Galleria exhibit being available until March 31. On Monday, March 13 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, come meet the artists and talk to them about their work!
Also, check out the creative performances happening Tuesday, March 14 at noon on the SUB Stage, as well as the poster session on the main floor of CCIS on Thursday, March 16 (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM).
Thursday, March 9, 2017
EDI Week: Human Library at Rutherford
What is a Human Library?
It is a space where you sit down, one on one or in small groups, and have a conversation with someone whose experience is different from your own. Participants can expect to hear personal stories and new perspectives that may challenge stereotypes they’ve heard. These conversations reaffirm human dignity through respectful discussion. Human “books” are individuals from various demographics who have experienced stereotyping or prejudice or who have undergone a life experience that is often mischaracterized or misunderstood.
Some of the fascinating experiences you can hear about include:
- Broken Candy: One woman’s story of disability
- How Can You Be Gay and Muslim?
- Depression Greets Me Like An Old Friend
- Transitioning Triggers: Surviving When You are Soft-Hearted, Sharp-Tongued and Trans
- Adventures in the Forest: A Story of a War Child
Check out the online list with all the human books and which days they are available and then sign up for free through eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Explore the History of Feminism for International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women’s Day and for Canada 150 the nation is amplifying their message that equality matters!
The University of Alberta Libraries have a rich collection of resources to research gender discourse including our subject guide on Women’s and Gender Studies that help support the faculty and scholars of the university.
We suggest taking five or ten minutes today to explore Routledge Historical Resources: History of Feminism and then discussing what equality means to you with someone you know.
This is an in depth research tool for studying Feminism during the 19th Century (1776–1928). It contains an extensive range of primary and secondary resources, including full books, selected chapters, journal articles, thematic essays, and subject introductions on structural themes:
- Politics and Law
- Religion and Belief
- Education
- Literature and Writings
- Women at Home
- Society and Culture
- Empire
- Movements and Ideologies
History of Feminism also offers an image gallery featuring photos, postcards, posters, and political cartoons.
 |
| Cover of program for the National American Women's Suffrage Association procession, 3 September, 1913, accessed via Routledge Historical Resources: History of Feminism. |
"Feminist politics aims to end domination to free us to be who are — to live lives where we love justice, where we can live in peace. Feminism is for everybody." - Feminist activist, bell hooks.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
UAL's Indigenous Interns Keynote DERAIL Forum
Our Indigenous Interns are off to Boston as keynote speakers for the DERAIL Forum at Simmons College on March 4, 2017!The DERAIL, Diversity, Equity, Race, Accessibility, and Identity in LIS, forum upholds the role of combating white supremacy and oppressive power structures in LIS institutions and pedagogy.
Tanya Ball, Kayla Lar-Son, and Lorisia MacLeod are presenting Raising Indigenous Librarians: Diversity and Professional Development in Academic Libraries on Saturday, March 4, 3:45-4:30 PM Eastern time (that will be 1:45-2:30 PM in Alberta).
The forum will be livestreamed so we can cheer them on as virtual attendees.
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