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Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries » Articles by: Cecile

Spring issue of NEXUS available

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The Spring issue of NEXUS, the Library newsletter, is available online. 

Highlights in this issue include an update on the Student Learning Centre, the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons Open House and the development of a Library Student Advisory Committee.

In order to reduce our paper consumption, this issue is in digital format only.  For future issues, we would like to know whether you prefer reading NEXUS in print or online.  Fill out the poll on the bottom left, comment on this blog post, or email NEXUS editor Cecile Farnum at cfarnum@ryerson.ca

Enjoy the read!

Ask Us…in the Cafeteria!

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Need research help? Talk to a librarian in the Hub cafeteria, who will be available on an occasional basis from 11-1 p.m. beginning Friday, March 26 until Friday, April 9.

This pilot service is designed to take our in-person reference services out of the library with librarians using wireless-equipped laptops to answer reference questions at kiosks in various parts of campus.

Ryerson Aboriginal Graduate Student Showcase

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Documentary media , photography, oral history and tradition, and journalism projects are some of the works that will be presented by Ryerson Aboriginal students during this showcase on Tuesday, March 23 from 3-5 p.m. on the Library 4th floor. This will be an opportunity to see a selection of graduate and senior student projects and to talk with the students about their creative works.

This exciting collaborative event that is sponsored by Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services and the Ryerson Library and Archives. Refreshments will be available.

Launch of LibQUAL+ Survey 2010

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Once again, the Library will participate in LibQUAL+ Survey 2010, along with most Canadian university libraries. The Library participated in LibQUAL+ in 2007 – please visit the Library website to view results from the previous survey.

Starting the week of March 15, a random sample of students, faculty and staff will receive an e-mail invitation to complete the web-based survey. Participation is completely voluntary and the process is entirely confidential. Students may choose, if they wish, to submit their email for a chance to win one of 2 iPod Touches, 2 iPod Nanos, or four $50 gift certificates from the Ryerson Campus Stores. Neither the email address nor any other personal identification will be transmitted with the survey responses.

Your participation in LibQUAL+ 2010, will be particularly valuable as we continue planning for our exciting new Student Learning Centre on the SAM’s site on Yonge St. We sincerely hope that you will complete the survey if you receive an email invitation.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ or email: libqual@ryerson.ca

Keep up to date with Paralympic Watch!

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Want to keep up to date with the Paralympics in Vancouver? The Library has created an innovative mash-up, Paralympic Watch, that integrates updates of medal standings with Google maps, statistical data and historical images of the Paralympics from Library collections. In addition to medal standings, users will also be able to view the geographic location of the country, as well as statistical data and selected images. Please note that Mozilla Firefox is required to view Paralympic Watch.

Paralympic Watch has been designed for viewing on a wide screen, and is viewable on the Library 4th floor.

To learn more about Paralympic Watch, please contact Graham McCarthy, Innovative Technologies Librarian or Dan Jakubek, Map and GIS Librarian.

Architecture Resources on Display

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A selection of resources from the Library’s collection relating to Architecture are on display in the glass case near the Reference area on the main floor. Included are books by Ryerson Architecture faculty, as well as photos from the Canadian Architect collection, which was recently donated to Special Collections.

To learn more about Library resources relating to Architecture, please view the following research guide.

Rare Books Display on the 4th floor

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Check out the display cases on the 4th floor of the Library which showcase items from Special Collections. The items on display change regularly, so look for future updates on what’s new!

The current display features a selection of items from the Rare Book collection, which holds around 500 items covering topics from art, literature, Canadiana and photography from the early 1700s to the present. The oldest book in the collection is a first edition of Alfred, An Epick Poem in 12 Books by Sir Richard Blackmore, published in 1723. The poem tells the story of King Alfred the Great of England (849-899), but the author has dedicated it to Prince Frederick of Hanover, the eldest son of King George I of England, and has clearly intended the young prince to learn from his text: “…he, who loves his country and wishes well to mankind, cannot chose a more effectual means to promote their happiness, than by inspiring into a young prince such generous sentiments, such just ideas of political prudence…”

Keep up to date with Olympic Watch!

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Want to keep up to date with the Olympics in Vancouver? The Library has created an innovative mash-up that integrates automatic updates of medal standings with Google maps, statistical data and historical images of the Olympics from Library collections. Olympic Watch uses RSS feeds to provide instant updates of medal counts as they are reported on the official Olympic website. Users will also be able to view the geographic location of the country, as well as statistical data and selected images. Please note that Mozilla Firefox is required to view Olympic Watch.

Olympic Watch has been designed for viewing on a wide screen, so please drop by the Library to view it on the LCD panel in the Library lobby throughout the Games. It will also be viewable on the 4th floor, alongside television coverage of the Olympics. The Paralympics, taking place in March, will also be featured in Olympic Watch.

To learn more about Olympic Watch, please contact Graham McCarthy, Innovative Technologies Librarian or Dan Jakubek, Map and GIS Librarian.

MINES Survey for Libraries

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Along with other Ontario universities, the Library will be participating in the MINES Survey from February, 2010 until February, 2011. This online survey collects demographic information about users of electronic resources, as well as information about the purpose of their research.

Users will be asked to complete a short survey during 1 in every 250 requests to access an e-resource through our Get It! Ryerson link. The survey is completely anonymous.

We appreciate your participation in this survey, which will help us assess how e-resources are being used across the province.