Looking for statistical support? TMU Libraries now offers a statistical consulting service for researchers interested in learning more about navigating statistics and data analysis.
Launched in early 2024 as part of the Libraries’ Geospatial, Map and Data Centre (GMDC), the team has been enhancing services to specifically address increased requests for more in depth statistical research support.
Statistical Consultation and Learning Specialist, Bhaswati Mazumder joined the GMDC team in 2023, and works with Data Librarian, Kevin Manuel, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and Map Librarian, Dan Jakubek, and GIS Specialist, Noel Damba to support researchers and faculty with data and statistical components of research.
Statistical Consultation and Learning Specialist, Bhaswati Mazumder
The past year has acted as a soft launch as the team worked to hone the service and support a number of different disciplines and faculties. “A lot of times we see researchers coming from non-quantitative backgrounds, who are dealing with data analysis and statistics for the first time,” says Mazumder, noting “it can be quite overwhelming for them.”
Now in full swing, researchers or faculty working on quantitative research projects at any stage, regardless of experience, can get support. “We can guide people through foundational resources for statistical learning, exploratory data analysis, data collection, organization, software selection, visualization, and overall approaches to data and statistical analysis,” says Mazumder.
To book an appointment, researchers fill out a form which asks them to specify their topic–as much as possible. The team then works to triage the type of support required in order to best direct researchers to the appropriate resources and contacts.
In addition to individual appointments, faculty can arrange guest talks, class visits, custom workshops, or information sessions.
While workshops and assistance are open to undergraduate students, the statistical consulting service provides more in-depth support for students and faculty involved in quantitative research.
“We can help students and faculty find the best learning resources, based on individual learning needs,” says Mazumder.
TMU Libraries’ Geospatial, Map and Data Centre is located on the main floor (2nd floor) of the Library. It offers two computer labs with specialized software including: ArcGIS, QGIS, R, SPSS for mapping and statistical analysis.
Dr. Frank Russo accepts the 2024 Open Access Wall of Fame certificate from Associate Dean of Libraries, Lei Jin.
On Wednesday, October 23, TMU Libraries’ announced the recipients of the 2024 Open Access Wall of Fame award. The award honours researchers who have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring their research and outputs are open and available to all.
The Libraries aim is to acknowledge and support those who consider open access avenues when publishing their work.
Dr. Trevor Hart and Dr. Frank Russo, professors in the Department of Psychology, have both demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing open access to their research
Hart is the Director of the HIV Prevention Lab and Director of TMU’s new HOPE Centre for Gender and Sexual Minority People: the first and only Centre in Canada dedicated to combining health research aimed at understanding disparities in sexual and gender minority health, with the identification, testing, and implementation of counselling and other practice solutions for better health outcomes. He has received several awards for his advancements to research and clinical work, including membership in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), a Toronto Metropolitan University Social Innovation and Action Research Award, and membership in the international Sigma Xi Honor Society of scholars and scientists.
“I am so honoured to receive the Open Access Wall of Fame Award,” says Hart, and notes “it is important that we make our science as accessible as possible to people across the world, including people who are in lower or middle income countries who want to know the latest updates in research.” Read more
Dr. Russo is a Full Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Science of Music Auditory Research and Technology (SMART) Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. His research in the SMART Lab investigates the neuro-cognitive, neuro-affective, and socio-biological aspects of music, speech, and hearing. Additionally, he is the Scientific Director of SingWell, a global network dedicated to singing and wellbeing. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and has received over 10M CAD in lifetime funding. His contributions have earned him Fellowships at Massey College, the Canadian Society for Brain Behavior and Cognitive Science, and the Canadian Psychological Association.
Regarding Open Access, Russo says “my commitment is driven by a belief in making scientific research accessible to all, promoting transparency, and fostering efficiency in knowledge dissemination.” Read more
The 2024 award was presented during OA Week, with Dr. Russo being available to accept in-person, prior to a talk by Dr. Monica Granados, director of Open Science at Creative Commons
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Open Access material is scholarly work that is made legally available with no restrictions so that anyone can access the full text. Open Education makes openly licensed educational resources available publicly on the Internet.
Once again, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries is participating in a survey along with several other Canadian university libraries. The Libraries participated in previous surveys in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. You are welcome to visit the Libraries’ website to view the results from the previous years. As we prepare for the future, TMU Libraries need your feedback and ideas!
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and will enable us to:
understand how the TMU community perceives Library services
compare our results with other academic libraries, and
know where we need to improve
In appreciation for your time, we are also offering you the chance to win one of ten $50.00 Best Buy gift cards. If you wish to enter the draw, complete the survey and then enter your contact information at the end. Responses will be confidential and used only to produce overall summary reports that do not identify individuals. No identifying links between responses and your contact information will be retained. Participation is voluntary and results of the survey will be aggregated, analysed and a summary will be made available on the TMU Libraries’ website. Results will be used for planning and decision-making at TMU Libraries. If you have any difficulty in accessing the survey or any questions, please contact our survey team at libsurvey@torontomu.ca. The survey will be open until November 8th, 2024.
Many thanks for participating! Sincerely, Mark Robertson Dean of Libraries Toronto Metropolitan University
This year, the Library building celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone marking an opportunity to reflect back and look ahead to the next fifty years.
In 1974, the Library building—designed by Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden Partnership (WZMP), the same firm that designed the CN Tower (also under construction in 1974!)—opened at the corner of Gould and Victoria, becoming a new landmark for the university.
Discussions for the building began in the late 1960s, with construction beginning in 1972. The brutalist style architecture, which embraced ideals of simplicity and functionalism, complemented the egalitarian function of the library as a place to access information, while also highlighting modern ideas and new ways of thinking. The design was not only forward thinking, it also embodied the creative, scholarly, and practical work happening at the institution and within the Library.
Images courtesy of TMU Archives & Special Collections, RG 122.10.93
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1970s
When it opened, the Library was called the Learning Resource Centre, and the building was shared with faculties and departments. Throughout the 1970s the Centre (Library) grew, acquiring collections and resources that addressed the needs of a growing academic institution.
Throughout the decade, the Centre introduced new services and outreach programs for students, and embraced innovative technologies for automation and access, becoming, for example, the first library in North America to install IBM’s DOBIS/LIBIS online computer system, which operated all circulation and inter-library loans. Media collections, digitization of resources, and new study and gathering areas helped to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations, and highlight the Centre as an ecosystem for research, learning and creative pursuits.
Over the next four and half decades the Resource Centre would become the Ryerson University Library and Archives, and now TMU Libraries. It would (and still) continue to push innovation and advances in academic library services, resources, programming and opportunities for the university community.
Image courtesy of TMU Archives & Special Collections
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1980s
In the 1980s, budget cuts loomed large over academic institutions. Despite cuts, the school continued to grow, and the Library continued to develop collections, services, and programs to meet the expanding needs of faculty, researchers and students.
The Library participated in a new network system developed by engineers at the federal Department of Communications. The network was composed of library terminals that linked to terminals in homes and other education institutions, allowing users to retrieve information from numerous connected databases.
While the system wasn’t sustainable, the Library was on the cusp of what would one day be possible: the sharing of collections across academic libraries.
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1990s
In the 1990s, technological improvements to searching and accessing information happened quickly. In 1990, two new CD-ROM terminals were installed, which, for the first time put searching and discovery of electronic resources in the hands of library users.
Just one year later, faculty and students were able to access library services and collections via the university’s mainframe, enabling 24/7 access from onsite computer workstations and homes. Library users could now search collections, place interlibrary loan requests, email research help questions, and view research guides from their own computers.
The 1990s also saw the development of the Library’s first website, providing access to the library catalogue, subject research guides, and information about library collections, hours, and services.
Image courtesy of TMU Archives & Special Collections
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2000s
In 2000, the Library introduced its first online chat service, which provided real-time online research help to the community. Users could now get immediate research help from home. In 2002, the Library pioneered a collaborative chat service together with York University and the University of Guelph, which opened up more availability for real-time research assistance. The service continues today as Ask Us, and includes sixteen libraries across Ontario.
Between 2000 to 2010, many changes to the building also took place.
Alumnus Ronald D. Besse donated one million dollars to establish the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons on the main floor (2nd floor) of the Library. The Commons opened in 2004, with 140 computer workstations that provided access to the internet, electronic resources and productivity software.
Image courtesy of TMU Archives & Special Collections
In 2007, the Library renovated the 3rd and 4th floor of the building, adding study space, including five new carrels with state-of-the-art adaptive technology for students with disabilities, and a new home for the University Archives and Special Collections.
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2010s
In 2015, after receiving a generous donation from Isaac Olowolafe Jr., the Library opened the Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (DME). Housed on the 3rd floor of the SLC building, the Library’s DME opened to assist, primarily undergraduate students, in learning basic and advanced technology skills, while providing access to new and emerging technology. The DME quickly became a resource to support student learning in the classroom as well as extracurricular pursuits.
In 2017, the Library Collaboratory opened on the 3rd floor of the Library building. The Collaboratory was, and continues to be, the Library’s first space dedicated to graduate students and faculty in need of collaborative research space, access to technology and technological support. The multidisciplinary research space continues to expand access to technology, including 3D printers, a laser cutter, drones, and prototyping tools.
Image courtesy of Communication and Marketing, TMU Libraries
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2020s
In early 2020, the Law Library opened on the 4th floor of the Podium building. Supporting the new Lincoln Alexander School of Law, the Law Library became the first branch library, and along with the university name change, the Ryerson University Library became TMU Libraries.
Image courtesy of Communication and Marketing, TMU Libraries
However, shortly after opening, all services went online as the university closed its buildings due to Covid-19. The Libraries quickly adjusted, offering online programming, services, research help, contactless drop offs, and pickups.
Prior to the pandemic, plans were formulating to install an Immersion Studio on the 3rd floor of the Library, and in 2021, those plans were realized, providing students with access to an immersive space to develop projects and present research–all with the support of an immersive technology specialist.
One year later, in 2022, TMU Libraries installed a Material ConneXion collection. The 1000 piece onsite collection of material items was added to complement an online collection of 10,000 items. Students and faculty now have hands-on access to explore a variety of materials representing current trends in design, materials research and production.
Image courtesy of Communication and Marketing, TMU Libraries
The Libraries opened a Media Production Studio in 2023. The beginner level studio is the first Library space to offer podcasting, video production, and photography in support of creative research endeavors in all subject areas.
And, this year, the Libraries launched Omni, a new search tool which connects the TMU Libraries catalogue to 18 other Ontario university libraries (making, what the Libraries had explored in the 1980s – the sharing of collections – a reality), expanding access to over 25 million material items for all TMU students, faculty, researchers and staff.
What’s next…
Throughout the past 50 years, TMU Libraries has grown to now occupy ten floors of the Library building, and will soon be opening a second branch library supporting the new School of Medicine in Brampton. It has always, and continues to, push innovation in library services and resources, while meeting the needs of the university and advancing the research excellence of our community. The brutalist architecture showcases egalitarian ideals and function, while continuing to be modern and forward-thinking. The building design at the time represented a futuristic view that continues to hold.
You’ve done your research, collected your information and data, now it’s time to present.
Looking for creative approaches to present your research? Need access to digital or technical equipment? We can help.
At TMU Libraries you not only have access to academic materials, such as journals, books, and databases, but you also have access to podcasting equipment, video and sound editing tools and software, photography equipment, 3D modeling software and printing, as well as immersive technology.
The best part is you can be a complete beginner or an expert. The Libraries have staff that can help you learn how to use equipment, or simply provide advice if you already know what you are doing.
At the Libraries’ Media Production Studio students have the opportunity to develop a podcast, create and edit videos or take still photographs. Criminology, business, social work and early childhood education students have all taken advantage of this beginner friendly space.
At Libraries’ Digital Media Experience Lab (DME) you have access to 3D modeling and printing, virtual reality equipment, sewing machines and more. You can learn to create a 3D model and print it, or learn to sew garments or knit.
If you are looking to create a full immersive experience to present a documentary, or even a history project, the Libraries Immersion Studio is just the place to go!
For all your creative scholarly work, staff and librarians at TMU Libraries will help you get started. They are here to help you learn about the equipment and support you throughout the process.
Dr. Monica Granados, director of Open Science at Creative Commons
Join TMU Libraries for “Handing you the keys to open access,” a talk by Dr. Monica Granados, director of Open Science at Creative Commons
International Open Access Week is a global event held annually in October to raise awareness of the benefits of Open Access in the academic community.
This year’s theme builds on last year’s “Community over Commercialization” focus — a prompt to prioritize approaches to open scholarship that serve the best interests of the public and the academic community.
In recognition of International Open Access Week, TMU Libraries is hosting a talk by Dr. Monica Granados titled, “Handing you the keys to open access”
Dr. Monica Granados has a PhD in ecology from McGill University. While working on her PhD, Monica discovered incentives in academia promote practices that make knowledge less accessible and has since devoted her career to working in the open science space in pursuit of making knowledge more equitable and accessible. She has worked on open knowledge initiatives with Mozilla, the Government of Canada and is a co-founder of PREreview. Monica is now Director of Open Science at Creative Commons working on promoting open access of scientific research.
Faculty and graduate students are encourage to join us and learn more about how open access can help academics find a wider audience for their research.
If you’re in the process of researching for assignments, projects and essays it’s important to think about how you’re keeping track, organizing and citing your resources.
TMU Libraries can get you started with citation workshops, online tools as well as guides to help you learn to use those tools. Zotero is a free online tool that allow you to collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources, organize articles and create bibliographies.
Each semester, librarians offer workshops on Zotero that walk through the basics on tracking, organizing, and generating citations. This will save you time and energy!
The Library also provides online guides that help you get started, explain the benefits of the tools and how to use them.
To get started and learn more, check out the guide (Zotero) and when the next workshop is being offered!
At TMU Libraries, you have access to over 500,000 ebooks, 100,000 electronic journals, magazines, professional publications and newspapers, 60,000 streaming videos, and more than 25 million print across 19 Ontario university libraries–thanks to the Libraries’ implementation of Omni.
Sound like a lot? It’s ok, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to sort through it all and find the resources and information you need!
Here’s where to start:
Subject librarians can help you understand the available resources, how to access, and use them to retrieve useful information.
Subject guides are curated by librarians. These are excellent places to source specific resources that contain research and information in different subject areas.
Finally, learn how to search in Omni, the Libraries new academic search tool. Omni enables you to search the TMU Libraries’ holdings, while also searching the libraries of 18 additional universities. And, if a print item isn’t available at TMU, you can request from a different library, pick up and drop off here! Learn more about Omni!
Getting started on research projects and assignments? Visit the Library!
Librarians can work with you to help you understand the research process at any and every step along the way.
“My number one pro tip for students at all levels is to get in touch with your subject liaison librarian,” says Mark Robertson, dean of Libraries. “Subject librarians can connect you to all the tools, information resources and services available to you, as well as walk you through the research process.”
Whether you are new to research or a graduate student it’s important to understand the resources, process, services and opportunities available to help you succeed.
Research help is offered in a variety of ways at the Library. You can drop-in, request an online appointment, or chat in real-time. It’s easy, all you need to do is ask.
The Library also offers a number of research skills workshops that help you learn how to navigate resources. You’ll learn how to formulate research questions, narrow your focus and select keywords and search strategies that save you time and allow you to retrieve useful information.
TMU users can now search province-wide and access over 25 million print items through TMU Libraries
This summer, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries launched Omni, an academic search tool designed to bring library search and service functions together to provide a seamless, one-stop search experience for users.
Omni, the name of the academic search tool developed through the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), fosters collaboration across Ontario academic libraries and facilitates sharing of collections across the province. The tool enhances discovery and delivery of information resources at TMU Libraries and at Omni partner institutions. TMU users can now search for articles, books, ebooks, journals and other resources in a variety of formats at TMU Libraries as well as print items at 18 Ontario other university libraries.
“I am thrilled that TMU has implemented Omni. Not only does this improve the experience of discovery for TMU students and researchers, but being part of the Omni network means that we will be integrated into an Ontario wide research collection,” says Mark Robertson, dean of Libraries. “This will radically expand our community’s access to collections.”
Now the TMU community can search for resources across the province, and can easily request to borrow print items from our Omni partners. This opens up access to over 25 million print items.
The transition to Omni means that:
Users can borrow anywhere and return anywhere, eliminating the need to request interlibrary loans from partner libraries. They can search and request print materials from TMU Libraries or 18 other academic libraries across Ontario. For more details, see Request Materials through Omni.
There are longer loan periods and unlimited renewals on print items.
Omni is also now home to student, faculty, researchers and staff library accounts.
If you’re in the process of researching for assignments, projects and essays it’s important to think about how you’re keeping track, organizing and citing your resources. 
At TMU Libraries, you have access to over 500,000 ebooks, 100,000 electronic journals, magazines, professional publications and newspapers, 60,000 streaming videos, and more than 25 million print across 19 Ontario university libraries–thanks to the Libraries’ implementation of Omni. 
TMU users can now search province-wide and access over 25 million print items through TMU Libraries