Claim this space
This particular blank space is waiting for members of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) community to fill it up, decorate it, contribute.
Theory in practice II: Moving from systemic racism to anti-racism in Ontario public libraries
There is a strong need to explicitly acknowledge deeply embedded racist thinking in order to move towards systemic change in public libraries.
What’s new in Open Shelf: June 2020
So who knew we'd have 12 articles this month ... and at a time when all our lives have been so unexpectedly disrupted? But we do and our topics include acknowledging systemic racism in public libraries, voices (and photos) from those affected by the pandemic, and telling stories through memes. Plus, follow Round II of the panel on whether librarians need an MLIS, learn what's happening with K–12 education, and lisez la deuxième partie de la francisation de Scholars Portal.
Librarians need an MLIS: True or false? (Round III)
Our conversation around the opening statement “A master’s degree in library science should be required for anyone wanting to be a librarian. True or false? And why?” finishes with this third panel.
Animal therapy or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the quarantine
From therapy animals to household pets to wildlife, many of us know firsthand the power that animals have to improve our mood and add healthy behaviours to our lives. Especially during a crisis.
From tags to controlled vocabulary
We're looking for a volunteer who loves metadata and is interested working on a short-term project.
Volunteer opportunity: Social media coordinator
If tweeting, analytics, and managing commentary interest you, then we invite you to join the Open Shelf team.
Hospital librarianship during the COVID-19 pandemic
I’m still going to work because, while I’m a librarian, my library serves hospital leadership and front-line health workers.
To volunteer
April 19-15, 2020 was National Volunteer Week in Canada. OLA recognized the many members of the library sector in Ontario that contribute to the strength and success of the association, including those who produce Open Shelf.
Zoom, zoom . . .
This is how I imagine someone scheduled to host a meeting looks when they try to sneak quietly into an already started Zoom meeting…
Remote readers’ advisory
Across the country, libraries are closed but library staff are still working hard to provide remote programming and virtual services, including RA.
The wrong side of the digital divide
COVID-19 has definitely created new access needs. Unfortunately, not everyone has a well-equipped home office that comes with internet access, which is where the public library can help.
Justin Ball
Justin Ball has many years of experience in the film industry working with The Mind Refinery, a Toronto based production company. He has written…