After leading the Ryerson Library and Archives (RULA) through a decade of transformation, Madeleine Lefebvre is stepping down as Chief Librarian. When Madeleine arrived at Toronto Metropolitan University for the first of two five-year terms, the library was on the cusp of evolutionary change. During Madeleine’s tenure, innovative services and technologies put RULA at the forefront of support for digital literacy, e-learning and entrepreneurial skill development at academic university libraries.
Madeleine’s vision took the library beyond existing boundaries – physically, intellectually and creatively. Her role in the conceptualization, design and development of the award-winning Student Learning Centre enhanced technology-enabled learning at Ryerson. Madeleine encouraged digital innovation at RULA and Ryerson by supporting opportunities to move beyond traditional information management to participate in the creation, mobilization and sharing of knowledge. RULA embarked on numerous academic collaborations that have included the augmented-reality app created in conjunction with the Discover St. Clair website (http://apps.library.torontomu.ca/stclair/) and a partnership with the Ryerson Image Centre in unveiling the real-life inspiration of Winnie the Pooh (https://therealwinnie.torontomu.ca/). Other partnerships under Madeleine’s guidance have resulted in initiatives with significant impact for student and faculty academic success, including the highly popular One Stop Course Readings and open access publishing.
With the opening in 2015 of the library’s Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab, and the brand new Ryerson Library Collaboratory, RULA has come to play an important role in promoting digital literacy and supporting technology in learning and teaching. Madeleine’s vision is now RULA’s continuing legacy.
Madeleine will be on post admin leave until January 10, 2019, when she will return to the Library in another capacity.