Friday, December 21, 2018

Three new publications join Libraries' publishing program!

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The University of Alberta Libraries is pleased to welcome three new Open Access publications to our journal publishing program:

International Kimberlite Conference Extended Abstracts


The International Kimberlite Conference is dedicated to research on diamonds, diamond deposits, diamond-bearing rocks, and the Earth’s upper mantle. These conferences have been held all over the world since 1973, bridging the gap between academic research in the field of geological science and the diamond industry. The research presented at IKC contributes significantly to our understanding of the Earth and its composition; however, many of the older abstracts have become very difficult to locate over time. Dr. Graham Pearson and his team in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences have been working with the UofA Libraries to digitize and publish the extended abstracts from 1973 to 1998, providing convenient and open access to valuable, oft-cited research in the field. This project will continue into the 2019 to include all of the extended abstracts available, including those for the most recent conference.



The Political Science Undergraduate Review is published by the University of Alberta’s Political Science Undergraduate Association, providing a venue for undergraduates involved in the field of political science to get involved in the peer-review process and the opportunity to have their work published. The journal covers a wide range of topics, looking at political concerns both worldwide and local through a multiplicity of perspectives. The PSUR welcomes those of all experience levels and encourages first-timers to submit their best work for the chance to develop their CVs and prepare themselves for grad school or other research opportunities!









Intonations
Intonations is the graduate student journal of the University of Alberta’s Department of Music, slated to launch in 2019. The journal aims to take an interdisciplinary approach to music study, encompassing diverse areas of research including: ethnomusicology, musicology, music theory, composition, performance, philosophy of music, music technology, music pedagogy, music cognition, and interdisciplinary studies, and more. Authors, performers, and composers are encouraged to be experimental and to embrace the multi-media capabilities of Intonations in their submissions to foster creativity in music research.




Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Keep that New Year's resolution with Fitness on the Go!

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Is one of your goals for the New Year to be more active? It's a valiant resolution, but it can be difficult to find the time, gym space (the gym is packed post-holidays!) and motivation. Your friendly university library has the solution.

University of Alberta Libraries lends out physical activity kits, containing a jump rope, resistance band, a pedometer, sliders and info cards with some sample exercises you can try. To encourage more people to try the physical activity kits, we are partnering with Campus Recreation and the Healthy Campus unit to offer Fitness on the Go: free one-hour sessions, where Campus Rec instructors will show you how to use the equipment included in the kit to get an amazing workout. It's a great opportunity to jump start a year of better health.


Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Movies, music and more! - Streaming resources

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As we prepare for some well needed vacation time and a break from a hectic session, it might be a good time to have a look at our online resources for music, movies, documentaries and much much more! We have a plethora of options for all genres and in many different languages.

 
Criterion-on-Demand: A video streaming service, providing access to a large number of videos for educational purposes. Content in multiple languages.

Curio.ca: Access to streaming video and audio from CBC and Radio-Canada. Includes documentaries from television and radio, news reports, archival material, stock shots, and other content.

NFB campus: National Film Board of Canada streaming video service. It includes all the videos available to the general public at NFB.ca as well as additional films, resources, and functionalities specifically developed for educators. Access to NFB CAMPUS is available for educational use only, and is subject to the notices on their site.


Classical Music in video: Performances of all forms of classical music, including orchestral performances, chamber music, oratorio, and solo performances, along with masterclasses and interviews with master teachers.

Music Online: This Alexander Street database includes reference materials, as well as audio collections covering many musical genres: African American, American, classical, contemporary, jazz, opera and popular.

Naxos Music Library: The main Genres include: Classical, Jazz, Pop & Rock, Folk, Blues, Nostalgia, Gospel, Chinese, Instrumental, and Spoken Word. Using your CCID you can download the Mobile App to your personal device to create personal play lists.

Smithsonian Global Sound: It includes the published recordings owned by the non-profit Smithsonian Folkways Recordings label and the archival audio collections of the legendary Folkways Records, Cook, Dyer-Bennet, Fast Folk, Monitor, Paredon and other labels.

Time to put on the headphones, put up your feet and enjoy some wonderful films and music from across Canada and around the world!

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Light Therapy at the Library!

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Light therapy at the library
Did you know you can borrow a light therapy lamp at the library?  University of Alberta Libraries is proud to have portable lamps available for students, faculty and staff. The loan period is for one hour, but you only need 20 minutes to feel the benefits!  

Light therapy is an effective way to combat S.A.D. or Seasonal Affective Disorder, helping you get through the dark winter months. Even if you are lucky enough not to suffer from S.A.D., using a  light therapy lamp can boost your mood and help you sleep better. Unlike tanning beds, whose ultraviolet rays have cancer-causing agents, therapy lamps are a safe technology with minimal risks. To reap the greatest benefits, it is recommended to use these lamps in the morning.

Where can you borrow one?  Rutherford, Cameron, Coutts, Winspear and Weir Libraries all have lamps, as do Bibliothèque Saint-Jean and Augustana Library.  All you need to do is go to the service desk, ask to borrow a light therapy lamp, and check it out with your OneCard! Then, plug it in.  That's it!

Come and sign out one today.  The more often you use it, the more it can help relieve stress and up your happiness quotient.  Who wouldn’t enjoy that?!

Mayo Clinic. (2018, December 3). Light Therapy. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/light-therapy/about/pac-20384604


Monday, November 26, 2018

Stuff a stocking for YESS

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It’s the giving season, and University of Alberta Libraries is encouraging everyone to support young people in need. Between December 3 and 18, you have the opportunity to fill the socks adorning the holiday trees at the H.T. Coutts Library and Bibliothèque Saint-Jean with items for Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS).

What can you trim the trees with? Here is a list of some of the most sought after items:
  • New wool socks 
  • New underwear, men’s &; women’s, all sizes 
  • Winter jackets 
  • Waterproof, quality winter gloves/mitts 
  • Toques 
  • Hand/foot warmers 
  • Winter boots and warm shoes, all sizes (but especially larger sizes, women’s 7-10, men’s 9-12) 
  • Belts 
  • Men’s & women’s deodorant 
  • Shampoo and conditioner for black youth (Cantu or Revlon recommended) 
  • Hand/body lotion 

Visit YESS’ website for a complete list of items in need and for more information on how you can support them this holiday season.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Art Installations at Coutts Library

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art show graphic
We are pleased to present an art installation prepared by the secondary education art students (EDSE 312/313) under the guidance of their instructor: Ron Wigglesworth. The students' ingenuity and creativity were challenged in these projects and the mixed media results are thought provoking.

Project 1 - Transformed or Reimagined Books

They were tasked to take a physical object making it represent an abstract idea infused with personal meaning. The students re-imagine, re-purpose and transform books to create multi-media art which addresses the students’ own experiences and represent social, political or ecological comment or shifts of ideas. Some students resisted changing or damaging the book and left it readable. This creative telling of the artists’ personal stories resulted in highly varied interpretations and iterations of work.

Project 2 - Big Data Visuality - Making sense of the numbers

We collect data on everything. Data is the new oil – a valuable resource of information used everywhere, from improving our quality of life to selling us things we don’t need. Can we bring those vast numbers to a human level?


"The first tree"Artist: Craig Emsley 
"Headdress" Artist: Tarryn Cardinal
1,000 paper feathers cut from a year book and a beaded feather.  


"The hat" Artist: Reanna Savard




 Intrigued? Visit Coutts Library over the next month to see more examples of amazing and thought provoking art by students in Education and Native Studies.




















Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Sleep aid tools - Now available at the Scott Library

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A good night’s sleep is an important contributor to academic success, as well as our overall well-being. Yet, we’re often the architects of our own destruction: staying up an extra hour or four to get work done, texting or using other devices before bed or not maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Breaking those habits is easier said than done, but thanks to a generous donation from the folks behind the Dream Big, Sleep Tight initiative, the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library has some new equipment available to help you get a good night’s sleep and give yourself a boost during energy lulls.

The Scott Library is lending out Blue Light Blocking Glasses and BLU Light Energy Lamps. Blue light, which is emitted by the sun and our digital devices, suppresses the sleep-promoting neurons in the brain and the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that initiates drowsiness. When we use our digital devices within a couple hours of going to bed, these physiological processes are hindered and it becomes more difficult to fall asleep. By wearing blue light blocking glasses, you can use your devices within two to three hours of bed without sabotaging your sleep.

The energy lights work the opposite way. If you have difficulty staying conscious in the morning or get groggy at midday, just 20-30 minutes with one of these lamps can help shake off the cobwebs and put you in an alert mindset. These lamps can also be used as a quick pick-me up if you’re feeling some of the effects of seasonal affective disorder (if this aspect appeals to you, we also lend out Light Therapy Lamps from a number of our campus libraries).

Visit the service desk at the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library to borrow one of these phenomenal sleep tools. Both the lights and glasses can be borrowed for up-to three weeks at a time.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Learning from First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples

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As Canadians work towards Truth and Reconciliation, it is important that we listen to the voices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. University of Alberta Libraries provides useful tools to foster understanding and build knowledge about Indigenous life with learning resources like the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Playlist.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Videos in the playlist focus on the history and effects of colonization of Canada by the Europeans, including how land treaties impacted the relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers, the legacy of the residential schools established by settlers to educate Indigenous children, and violence against women leading to many missing and murdered Indigenous women.

New additions to the playlist include the eight part Canadian docu-drama series 1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus, based on Charles C. Mann's best-selling book.

You may have heard about the new reality show, First Contact which shares stories of Canadians learning about contemporary life of Indigenous peoples. The show takes six people on a 28-day journey intended to challenge their racist, unsympathetic, and prejudicial attitudes and teach them about the modern day Indigenous experience. If you want to check it out, it’s available in this collection.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover Returns!

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UAlberta Libraries' 3rd Annual Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover starts October 29! 

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover is an annual event that aims to shed light on underrepresented groups. As a twist on regular book displays, books are wrapped in brown paper and teaser keywords are written on the front. This wrapping both symbolizes the marginalization of the featured group and adds a mystery element when selecting a book to read. 

You may remember last winter's event celebrating LGBTQ2S+. This year we have chosen Indigenous Authors as our theme and we will be featuring 400 books on display at 8 libraries!


Stop in at one of our participating libraries: Rutherford, Coutts, Winspear, Cameron, Scott, Weir, Bibliothèque Saint-Jean and Augustana; October 29 - November 9 and pick up something new to read.


We value your feedback! Fill in our Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover survey and be entered to win 1 of 3 books featured in this year’s displays. Official rules below.



_________________________________________________________________________


“DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER”
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

1.       CONTEST: The “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” Contest (the “Contest”) is conducted by The Governors of the University of Alberta (“UAlberta”) and administered on behalf of UAlberta by the University of Alberta Libraries (“UAL”).  The Contest is for participants to complete a survey about their experience in the “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” event (“Event”).  In Fall 2018, the Event will be featuring Indigenous authors and stories.  Participants will be invited via email to complete the survey.  At the end of the survey, they have the opportunity to enter the Contest, in accordance with the eligibility criteria as set out in these Official Rules.

2.       ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for the Contest (an “Eligible Entrant”) you must be:

a.        Eighteen (18) years of age or older;
b.       A participant of the Event and who has completed the survey.

You are not eligible for the Contest if you are a resident of Quebec or if you are an employee of UAL, including a member of the immediate family (defined as mother, father, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and husband or wife, regardless of where they reside) or household of any of the above persons, their respective affiliates, agents, licensors, associates or representatives.  You are also not eligible for the Contest if you have not participated in the Event.  All decisions regarding eligibility to enter this Contest and the Entry Forms will be determined by UAlberta its sole discretion.  This Contest is void where prohibited by law.

3.       NUMBER, APPROXIMATE VALUE OF PRIZE AND CHANCES OF WINNING: There are three (3) prizes available to be won in this Contest (a “Prize”; collectively “Prizes”).  The Prizes are described in paragraph 9 below.  The chances of winning a Prize will depend on the number of Eligible Entrants received in accordance with these Official Rules during the Entry Period as defined herein.

4.       CONTEST SCHEDULE: This Contest commences on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Edmonton Time) and closes on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time) (the “Entry Period”). Entry Forms must be received by UAL before the contest closing time, which is Friday, November 30, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time) (the “Contest Closing Time”) to be eligible to win the Prize.

5.       HOW TO ENTER: No purchase is necessary to enter this Contest. To enter, the following rules apply:

a.        Participants will be asked to complete the “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” Survey, upon completion of the Survey, and will be directed to the following online google Entry Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCpUBW0fFMBrnKpB60HZ_XkNSVmtRSztpS1m5FB9yT0xjKuQ/viewform?usp=sf_link (the “Entry Form”).  Each Eligible Entrant may only enter the Contest once.

Once submitted, all Entry Forms become the property of UAlberta and will not be returned. All Entry Forms will be reviewed, and any Entry Forms which are deemed to be late, illegible, incomplete, inaccurate, inappropriate, offensive, plagiarized, subject to copyright or other intellectual property considerations, do not meet the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FOIPP”) or privacy considerations, as set out in paragraph 18 herein, and otherwise, or which are deemed to not enhance the reputation of UAlberta, will be disqualified.  The determination of whether an Entry Form is illegible, incomplete, offensive, late, or deemed not to enhance the reputation of UAlberta will be in the sole discretion of UAL.

6.       PRIZE DRAW DETAILS: The draw will take place on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Edmonton Time).  The Eligible Entrants who’s Entry Form is drawn at random and has complied with these Official Rules, including without limitation the provisions of paragraph 8 will be declared a Winner.  If necessary, should a Prize be unclaimed, or should a Winner be unwilling, unable or ineligible to win the Prize as set out in these Official Rules, the Prize will be forfeited and UAlberta shall have the right, but not the obligation, to draw, as replacements only, an additional prize winner(s).  All participants (including without limitation Eligible Entrants and Winners) must comply with these Official Rules.  The determination of the Winners by UAlberta is final and binding.  No communication with Eligible Entrants will be entered into except with the Winners which will be selected in accordance with these Official Rules.  All matters related to the Contest and the verification of the eligibility of the Eligible Entrants and Winners will be conducted by UAlberta, or by persons designated by UAlberta in its sole and absolute discretion.  All decisions made by UAlberta in this regard are final and binding and cannot be challenged.

7.       NOTIFICATION: UAlberta will notify the Winners via email on Monday, December 3, 2018 by 10:00 a.m. (Edmonton time).  UAL will contact the Winners using the information provided by an Eligible Entrant with the Entry Form.  If a Winner does not contact UAL by Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 9:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time), UAL shall have the right, but not the obligation, to select an alternative Winner.

8.       DECLARATION OF WINNER: An Eligible Entrant(s) will not be declared a winner in accordance with these Official Rules unless and until:

a.        UAL has verified that the winner is an Eligible Entrant pursuant to these Official Rules; and
b.       The Eligible Entrant correctly answers a skill-testing question as set out in these Official Rules.

Once these requirements have taken place, the Eligible Entrants will be declared the winners (the “Winners”). 

9.       PRIZE: There will be three (3) Prizes, all of which are books titled “Birdie” by Tracey Lindberg, each valued in the amount of $20.50 (CDN).  The total value of all Prizes is $61.50 (CDN).  The Prizes are not transferable and must be accepted as awarded with no substitutions, except at the UAlberta’s sole discretion.  UAlberta reserves the right to substitute the Prize of equivalent monetary value if UAlberta is unable to award the Prize as described. UAlberta will not be responsible, however, if factors beyond the UAlberta’s reasonable control prevents the Prize from being fulfilled.  In any such event, the Winners will not be provided with a substitute prize or cash equivalent.  The Prizes will only be granted to the verified Winners.  The Winners of the Prizes will be required to pick up the Prizes in person at UAL, located in Rutherford Library.

10.    SKILL TESTING QUESTION: To win a Prize, the Eligible Entrant must correctly answer unaided, the mathematical, time-limited, skill-testing question as follows: 70 multiplied by 3 divided by 2 =______ prior to being declared a Winner.

11.    CONTEST MODIFICATION OR CANCELLATION: UAlberta reserves the right, without prior notice and at any time, to delay, or terminate the Contest, in whole or in part, or modify, suspend, amend or extend the Contest in any way, in its sole discretion including without limitation if UAlberta determines that the Contest is not practicable or is impaired or corrupted or that fraud or technical problems, failures or malfunctions (including without limitation, computer viruses, glitches or printing or production errors) have destroyed or severely undermined the proper conduct, integrity, and/or feasibility of the Contest. In the event UAL is prevented from continuing with the Contest as contemplated herein by any event beyond its control, including but not limited to fire, flood, natural or man-made epidemic or health or other means, earthquake, explosion, labour dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy, riot or civil disturbance, terrorist threat or activity, war or any federal, provincial or local government law, order, or regulation, public health crisis, the order of any court or jurisdiction, or by any other cause not reasonably within UAlberta’s control (each a “Force Majeure” event), then subject to any governmental approval which may be required, UAlberta shall have the right to modify, suspend, extend or terminate the Contest.

12.    PARTICIPATION: Participation in this Contest constitutes an agreement by each Eligible Entrant to comply with these Official Rules.

13.    DISQUALIFICATION: It is the Eligible Entrant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has complied in full with all of the conditions and requirements contained in these Official Rules. If any Eligible Entrant or Entry Form is found to be ineligible, or if an Eligible Entrant has not complied with these Official Rules or declines the Prize for any reason prior to award, such Eligible Entrant or Entry Form will be disqualified and, in UAlberta’s sole discretion, an alternate Winner may be selected. No mechanically reproduced, illegible, incomplete, forged, software generated or other automated multiple entries will be accepted.  UAlberta reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who is found to be tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest; to be acting in violation of these Official Rules; or to be acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to disrupt or undermine the legitimate operation of this Contest, or to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.

14.    RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION: By entering the Contest, each participant: (a) releases and agrees to hold UAlberta and its respective directors, officers, employees, and agents harmless from and against any and all costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including, without limitation, bodily injury and property damage, or any other damage or loss, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to participation in this Contest, any Contest related activity, or from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any Prize, or participation in any Prize related activity; and (b) agrees to fully indemnify UAlberta and its respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all claims on the part of any third party or parties related in any way and for any reason to the Contest or the Prize including, without limitation, death, and personal or property damage or injury.

15.    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: UAlberta assumes no responsibility or liability for incorrect, damaged, illegible, incomplete, mutilated, spoiled, destroyed, stolen, misplaced, lost, late, misdirected or incomplete Entry Forms, which may be judged void, any notifications, responses, replies, or for any computer, telephone, hardware, software or technical malfunctions that may occur. UAlberta assumes no responsibility for any theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entry Forms. UAlberta is not responsible for any injury or damage to participants in this Contest.

16.    OFFICIAL RULES AND LAWS: These are the official Contest rules (the “Official Rules”). This Contest is governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and federal laws of Canada applicable therein and the parties hereby attorn to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Alberta. In the event a court determines that this Choice of Law clause is invalid or unenforceable as against an Entry Form, such Entry Form will be void. These Contest rules are subject to change without notice in order to comply with any applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws or the policy of any other entity having jurisdiction over the UAlberta. These Official Rules, as amended from time to time, will be posted on the website at <to be provided by Amy Southgate>.

17.    CONSTRUCTION: Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, these Official Rules shall otherwise remain in effect and be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained in these Official Rules. Headings and captions are used in these Official Rules solely for ease of reference, and shall not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of these Official Rules or any provision hereof. These Official Rules cannot be modified or amended in any way except in writing by a duly authorized representative of the UAlberta. Employees of UAlberta are not authorized to modify, amend or waive these Official Rules.

PRIVACY: The personal information requested pursuant to these Official Rules is collected, used and disclosed under the authority of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FOIPP”) and will be protected in accordance with Part 2 of that Act. It will be collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of administration of the Contest.   All personal information collected for the purposes of administration of the Contest will be retained for two (2) years from the closing of the Contest.  Direct any questions about this collection, use or disclosure to: Amy Southgate at southgat@ualberta.ca


Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Wellness Initiatives at the U of A Libraries

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Wellness Initiatives at the U of A Libraries

Did you know that the library is more than just books and research help?  We care about your wellness too!  Here are some wellness initiatives the University of Alberta Libraries support to help you take care of YOU:

1. Sun lamps – or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamps


Borrow one at many of our library service desks for up to an hour to brighten your day and curb those winter blues.



2. Dogs in the Library



Dog visits are scheduled for the fall and winter terms.  Check the schedule to view all upcoming dog visits. You can even limit to your favourite library. 


3. Energy lamps and blue blocking glasses – NEW!  












The Scott library is rolling out a new initiative to help you get a better night’s sleep and increase wakefulness during the day.  Be one of the first to try them!  More info coming soon.


4. Sit/stand desks

                       

Stand while you work, using one of our automated sit/stand desks. Now at all libraries!


5. Treadmill desks

Coutts, Scott and Cameron Library have desks where you can get some walking in, without losing time for studying.  This is especially handy for the upcoming snowy months.  Perfect for the multitasker! 

6. Activity kits

Each activity kit contains a skipping rope, resistance bands, pedometer, gliding disks and exercise cards.  Visit a library to check one out and take it home today!



The University of Alberta Libraries and staff care about your wellness.  Visit us today!  :)



Friday, October 19, 2018

LEAB Award for Tinctor's Foul Treatise Online Exhibit

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Medieval Banner of a women with a goat with a castle in the background

University of Alberta’s Bruce Peel Special Collections Library has won a LEAB award from the American Library Association for “Tinctor’s Foul Treatise,” an online exhibition curated by Andrew Colin Gow, professor of history and director of religious studies; Robert B. Desjardins, independent scholar and graduate writing advisor; and François V. Pageau, doctoral candidate in medieval history, at the University of Alberta.

The web developer for the project was Natasha Nunn and project manager was librarian, Linda Quirk.

 
Natasha Nunn and Linda Quirk
“This entry presented an effective use of the online exhibit to present a single object from multiple viewpoints, in such a way as would be impossible in a physical exhibit,” noted Alexander C Johnston, chair of the RBMS Exhibition Awards Committee. “Its focus on this particular witchcraft treatise contributes to scholarship on the subject and history of late-medieval witchcraft and witch-hunts. Its creative use of Omeka templates makes for an easy-to-navigate and visually appealing digital exhibition.”

We think its pretty grand too! 

For further information on the LEAB awards, take a look at the press release from the American Library Association.















Monday, October 15, 2018

Are You Stressed about Writing Research Papers?

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The University of Alberta Libraries has resources to support your writing. A few examples are:
  • Doing your research
  • Preparing an outline
  • Writing a draft
  • Revising and polishing your writing

Sage Research Methods: Project Planner - Writing Up

  • Tips on academic writing 
  • Writing research papers, proposals, theses, and dissertations
  • Writing up qualitative and quantitative research data
  • Covers the sections of a research paper including introduction, literature review, methodology, theory, chapters, conclusion and bibliography.

A Scientific Approach to Writing for Engineers and Scientists by Robert Berger

  • Writing sentences, phrases, paragraphs, and arguments
  • Choosing words
  • Using puctuation
  • Organizing and presenting research papers

We offer a guide to research and writing, including addtional resources on finding, evaluating, and citing sources. It also points you to other campus resources to help you with your writing.

These resources are a sample of the writing support resources offered by the University of Alberta Libraries. Please ask us if you need help finding further resources. 





Friday, October 5, 2018

Open Access Week 2018

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Every year, universities, colleges, research institutes, and libraries around the world host events celebrating Open Access Week, an opportunity to explore and promote open access in its many different forms. This year's Open Access Week runs from October 23 - 29. The theme, "Designing Equitable Foundations for Open Knowledge" is an opportunity to learn about the potential benefits of open access.



Here are a few local events you can attend! Find many more on the global 2018 OA Week Calendar, or follow #openaccessweek2018 on Twitter.

Monday, October 22

11:00 AM -12:00 PM, Senate Chamber (326 Arts and Convocation Hall)

Has the Open Access Movement Ossified? What Gains Remain to be Had and What Work Needs to be Done

As the 10th annual Open Access (OA) week begins, it is important to not just celebrate the gains made but also interrogate what the future holds for the OA movement.

Michael B. McNally from the School of Library and Information Studies will argue that with many substantive gains already made, from the adoption of OA in various funding models to the emergence (and capture) of OA as business model for scholarly publishing, that the OA movement has evolved into an increasingly ossified movement. The dream of OA as the mode for scholarly communication is dead. 

Dale Askey, Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian, will respond to the presentation and provide his insights on what the future of scholarly publishing holds and what this means for advocates OA advocates. After the presentation and response there will be time for questions and discussion with the audience.

Registration now open!

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM 

Documentary Screening: Paywall the Business of Scholarship


Join us at MacEwan University 

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Spotlight on Open Educational Resources

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Spotlight on Open Educational Resources 

The fall semester is well on its way, but it is always a good time to think about how Open Educational Resources (OER) fit with your teaching, learning or research!

We have talked about OER before, but we wanted to remind you of some of the great opportunities to get involved with this exciting movement.

To catch you up, OER are teaching, learning and research materials that are in the public domain and allow for remixing, redistribution and sharing. They can include everything from entire courses to whole textbooks, various types of media, or assessment materials.

Anything that you use for teaching and learning in your courses could probably also be an OER! It is all about how others can access the content to adapt it to their context, and even share those materials after they have made those changes. This collaborative approach to learning is at the heart of the OER initiative.

Hint: This didn’t give you enough information? Watch this video to learn more

Why Do Libraries Care about OER?

Meeting the needs of our community and lowing the barrier to information is always a library's mission. For example, did you know that the University of Alberta Libraries has a textbook lending program to help lower the barriers to accessing expensive textbooks? OER are another tool in our toolbox to share new way to think about teaching and learning.

Who Cares about OER ?

The most common consideration for OER is the rising cost of textbooks and the burden on students. This fall the University of Alberta Students’ Union hosted the Be Booksmart Fair to share their concerns about textbook costs.

As a large campus building up professionals for a variety of fields, the knowledge of OER is something that our students can take into their professionals lives to have continued access to scholarly dialogue and encourage lifelong learning.
"The integration of an OER in your classroom means you are removing barriers for students to connect with course content. Therefore, students are more engaged in the class, they produce higher quality work, and have an enjoyable and accessible experience at a leading institution in Canada."
The University of Alberta's VP Academic Akanksha Bhatnagar

Upcoming Events

Open Educational Resources Showcase
December 30, 2018 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Cameron Basement B-12

Remixing and Revising Free Teaching Materials
November 19, 2018 12:00 PM - 1:20 PM
Cameron Basement B-12

Open Educational Resources Showcase
December 6, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cameron Basement B-12

Taking Action

There are many low barrier ways to explore an interest with OER, or just learn about your community supports. Read more about the open education movement on the UA Libraries Open Education libguide and consider contacting our OER Subject Librarian. You may also want to check out the Centre For Teaching and Learning's Open Education page and consider booking a consultation, or join the UofA OE Interest Group.


This article is licensed under a CC BY licence. Visit Creative Commons to learn more about what this means.

Monday, September 24, 2018

SIHA Standing Desk Launch

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To sit, or to stand… now you have the choice at all university libraries. Thanks to a partnership between  SIHA (Students Invested in Health Association) and University of Alberta Libraries (UAL), each library is now home to a height-adjustable desk enabling students of all sizes and abilities to work in comfort.

SIHA and University of Alberta Libraries is celebrating the launch of this exciting initiative with a party at the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library at noon on Wednesday, September 26. We invite one and all to come out to see the desks, enjoy some light refreshments and learn more about some of the other exciting initiatives SIHA is working on.

 OR 

Locations of SIHA Standing Desks

Augustana Library - By the windows on the main floor.

Bibliotheque Saint Jean - In the silent study room across from the service desk near the entrance of the library.

Cameron Library - Near front entrance on Cameron 3rd floor

Coutts Library - One is on main floor by the window and the other on the second floor near the window.

Rutherford Library - One is near the Rutherford North front entrance by the consulting room. The other one is by the brick wall in the main section of tables on the first floor of Rutherford North.

Scott Library On the main floor of the Scott library (level 2), opposite the entrance doors, near the Service Desk.

Weir Library - on the 2nd floor (main floor in law) near a window

Winspear Library - About half way down the library to the right.



Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Research Computing Bootcamp - Sept 24-28

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Join in Research Computing Fall Bootcamp events beginning September 24!



Patrick Mann, Director of Operations at WestGrid, kicks off a week full of research computing activities with valuable tips for writing a research allocation proposal. Mann’s areas of focus include cloud computing, virtualization, networking, systems architecture, system administration, and collaboration.

Additional events will run through September 28 and include a marketplace, one-on-one consultations, workshops on Shell, Regex, OpenRefine, and more!

Sign-up for Fall Bootcamp events running September 24 - 28 here: https://ist.ualberta.ca/blog/events/get-ready-research-computing-fall-bootcamp

Fall Bootcamp provides the opportunity to connect with colleagues and research computing experts to share knowledge and best practices. Research Computing Fall Bootcamp is held in collaboration with University of Alberta Libraries and Information Services & Technology (IST).

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Coutts Library Welcome Back Draw

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As a "Welcome back!" to UAlberta students, Coutts Library is having a draw with 2 great picture books and 3 super cute puppets. Get your name in the draw today! 

Details and rules below!

Direct any questions about this collection, use or disclosure to: Mireille Smith at 780-492-1401 or mireille.smith@ualberta.ca.

WELCOME TO H.T. COUTTS LIBRARY CONTEST
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

1. PRIZE DRAWS: The Welcome to H.T. Coutts Library Contest (the “Draw”) is conducted by The Governors of the University ofAlberta (the “University”) and is sponsored and administered on behalf of the University by the H.T. Coutts Library (the “H.T.Coutts”). The Draw is open to current University Faculty of Education students in accordance with the eligibility criteria as set out in these Official Rules.

2. ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for the Draw (an “Eligible Entrant”) you must be:
a. Eighteen (18) years of age or older;
b. A current University Faculty of Education student. A current University Faculty of Education student must be in good standing with the University. A “student in good standing” at the University is as set out in the University calendar to mean a student who has first class standing, satisfactory standing or marginal standing, provided if a student has marginal standing such student cannot be on probation or the subject of an academic warning. You are not eligible for the Draw if you are a resident of Quebec. Also, you are not eligible if you are an employee of the University, including a member of the immediate family (defined as mother, father, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and husband or wife, regardless of where they reside) or household of any of the above persons, their respective affiliates, agents, licensors, associates or representatives. All decisions regarding eligibility to enter this Draw and the Entry Ballots will be determined by the University in its sole discretion and H.T. Coutts reserves the right to consider all Entry Submissions. This Draw is void where
prohibited by law.

3. NUMBER, APPROXIMATE VALUE OF PRIZES AND CHANCES OF WINNING: There are five (5) prizes (“Prize&quot;;collectively “the Prizes”) available to be won in the Draw. The Prizes are described in paragraph 9 below. The chances of winning a Prize will depend on the number of Eligible Entrants received in accordance with these Official Rules by the Draw Closing Time as provided for in paragraph 4 below.

4. DRAW SCHEDULE: The Draw commences on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. (Edmonton Time) and closes on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. (Edmonton Time) (the “Entry Period”). Entry Ballots must be received by the H.T. Coutts before the Draw Closing Time, which is Friday, September 28, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. (Edmonton Time) (the “Draw Closing Time”) to be eligible to win a Prize.

5. HOW TO ENTER: No purchase is necessary to enter the Draw. To enter, the following rules apply:
a. Eligible Entrants must complete an Entry Ballot provided at the H.T. Coutts Library Service Desk. To enter the Draw, all Eligible Entrants must fully and legibly complete an Entry Ballot providing their name and email address and submit it to the drop box located at the H.T. Coutts (the “Entry Ballot”) for receipt by the University before the Draw Closing Time. There is a limit of one Entry Ballot per person. Illegible, incomplete required information as set forth on the Entry Ballot, late or
garbled Entry Ballots will be disqualified.

6. DRAW DETAILS: The Draw will take place on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time) at the H.T. Coutts Library. The Eligible Entrants whose Entry Ballot is drawn at random (the “Selected Entrants”) and who has complied with these Official Rules will be the winners of the Prizes. If necessary, should a Prize be unclaimed, or should a Selected Entrant be unwilling, unable or ineligible to win a Prize as set out in these Official Rules, the Prize will be forfeited and the University shall have the right to draw, as replacement only, an additional Entry Ballot. All determinations of the Selected Entrants and the Winners by the University are final and binding. No communication with Eligible Entrants will be entered into except with the Selected Entrants. All matters related to the Draw and the verification of the eligibility of the Selected Entrants shall be conducted by the University, or by persons designated by the University in its sole and absolute discretion. All decisions made by the University in this regard are final and binding and cannot be challenged.

7. NOTIFICATION: The University will contact the Selected Entrants via email at the time of the Draw. Selected Entrants will be notified by 3:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time) on Friday, September 28, 2018, at which time they will be asked the skill testing question before they are declared a winner (a “Winner”). If the Selected Entrant does not respond or complete the skill testing question by
4:00 p.m. (Edmonton Time) on Friday, September 28, 2018, as provided for herein, the Prize will be forfeited and the University will draw, as a replacement only, an additional Entry Ballot.

8. DECLARATION OF WINNER: The Selected Entrants will not be declared the Winners unless and until:
a. The University has determined that such entrant is an Eligible Entrant pursuant to these Official Rules; and
b. The Selected Entrant correctly answers a time limited skill testing question as provided for in these Official Rules.

Once this verification takes place the Selected Entrants will be declared the Winners. The Prizes set forth in paragraph 9 are to be
picked up by the Winners at the H.T. Coutts.

9. PRIZES: There are five (5) Prizes in the Draw, consisting of: three (3) puppets, each valued at approximately $36.00 (CDN); and two (2) books, each valued at approximately $26.00 (CDN). The total value of all Prizes is approximately $110.00 (CDN). Prizes will be awarded randomly at the discretion of H.T. Coutts.

10. SKILL TESTING QUESTION: To win a Prize, the Selected Entrants must correctly answer unaided, the mathematical, time-limited, skill-testing question as follows: 60 multiplied by 4 divided by 6 minus 15 =_____ prior to being declared a Winner.

11. DRAW MODIFICATION OR CANCELLATION: The University reserves the right, without prior notice and at any time, to terminate a Draw, in whole or in part, or modify, suspend or extend the Draw in any way, if it determines, in its sole discretion, that a Draw is impaired or corrupted or that fraud or technical problems, failures or malfunctions (including without limitation,computer viruses, glitches or printing or production errors) have destroyed or severely undermined the proper conduct, integrity,and/or feasibility of a Draw. In the event the University is prevented from continuing with a Draw as contemplated herein by any event beyond its control, including but not limited to fire, flood, natural or man made epidemic or health or other means,earthquake, explosion, labour dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy, riot or civil disturbance, terrorist threat or activity,war or any federal, provincial or local government law, order, or regulation, public health crisis, the order of any court or jurisdiction, or by any other cause not reasonably within the University’s control (each a “Force Majeure” event), then subject to any governmental approval which may be required, the University shall have the right to modify, suspend, extend or terminate a Draw.

12. PARTICIPATION: Participation in this Draw constitutes an agreement by each participant to comply with these Official Rules.

13. DISQUALIFICATION: It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has complied in full with all of the conditions and requirements contained in these Official Rules. If any potential winner is found to be ineligible, or if he or she has not complied with these Official Rules or declines a Prize, whatever the case may be, for any reason prior to award, such potential
winner will be disqualified and, in the University’s sole discretion, an alternate winner may be selected. No mechanically reproduced, illegible, incomplete, forged, software generated or other automated multiple entries will be accepted. The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who is found to be tampering or attempting to
tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Draw; or violating the terms of use and or general rules or guidelines of the University or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules; or to be acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to disrupt or undermine the legitimate operation of this Draw, or to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. The University reserves the right to seek damages and other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.

ATTENTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE OR TO UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE DRAW MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

14. RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION: By entering the Draw, each participant: (a) releases and agrees to hold the University, its respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including, without limitation, bodily injury and property damage, or any other damage or loss, due in whole or in part,
directly or indirectly, to participation in this Draw, any Draw related activity, or from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the Prize or participation in any Prize related activity; and (b) agrees to fully indemnify the University and its respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all claims on the part of any third party or parties related in any way and for any reason to the Draw or to the Prize, including, without limitation, death, and personal or property damage or injury.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The University assumes no responsibility or liability for incorrect, damaged, illegible, incomplete, mutilated, spoiled, destroyed, stolen, misplaced, lost, late, misdirected or incomplete Entry Ballots, which may be judged void, any notifications, responses, replies, or for any computer, telephone, hardware, software or technical malfunctions that may occur. The University assumes no responsibility for any theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entry Ballots. The University is not responsible for any injury or damage to participants in the Draw.

16. PUBLICITY RELEASE: By entering the Draw, each participant who submits an Entry Ballot, hereby agrees and grants to the University, without further compensation, the unrestricted rights, but not the obligation, to use the entirety of the Entry Ballot, as set out in these official rules and otherwise, and to use his/her name, picture, portrait, likeness, voice, along with his/her address
(City and Province) and any statements made by or attributed to such Eligible Entrants, or other individuals associated with an

Entry Ballot, in any and all media, now known or hereafter devised, without notice, review or approval, in perpetuity and throughout the universe, for educational, advertising and promotional purposes in connection with the Draw, and any other promotions and programs, without further notice or compensation and hereby releases the University from any liability with respect thereto.

17. OFFICIAL RULES AND LAWS: These are the Official Rules (the “Official Rules”). This Draw is governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and federal laws of Canada applicable therein and the parties hereby attorn to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Alberta. These Official Rules are subject to change without notice
in order to comply with any applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws or the policy of any other entity having jurisdiction over University. These Official Rules, as amended from time to time, will be posted at the ballot boxes on the University campus.

18. CONSTRUCTION: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, these Official Rules shall otherwise remain in effect and be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or
illegal provision were not contained in these Official Rules. Headings and captions are used in these Official Rules solely for ease of reference, and shall not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of these Official Rules or any provision hereof. These Official Rules cannot be modified or amended in any way except in writing by a duly authorized representative of
the University. Employees of the University are not authorized to modify, amend or waive these Official Rules.

19. PRIVACY: The H.T Coutts, collects information on behalf of the University and its Faculty, under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FOIPP”), for the purposes of administering alumni relations and development programs for the University. Any information submitted by an individual to the H.T. Coutts pursuant to the Draw and otherwise, including through an associated website or via email, may be used to update that individual’s record. Information gathered for the above purposes will be protected and used in compliance with FOIPP. Individuals who submit information to the H.T. Coutts in participation in these Draw acknowledge the above collection of their personal information for these purposes. Direct any questions about this collection, use or disclosure to: Mireille Smith at 780-492-1401 ormireille.smith@ualberta.ca.