Navigating professional relationships
As library professionals working across a diverse field, we experience tensions and triumphs as we work together. From discord to discourse promotes our capacity to be effective collaborators and co-workers.
“Strat man” and advocacy
We are embarked on a strategic planning process that we hope will enable the Open Shelf editorial team and board to identify the "value add" of the publication to OLA members and align with OLA's strategic goals.
A library is: PEOPLE
A library is clearly “place” in the sense of a physical space filled with books, posters, signs and desks. But just as obviously, a library is also people.
Listening your way to better RA
Everyone knows listening is a major starting point to any readers’ advisory (RA) transaction and listening to podcasts can play an important role before the interview even starts.
The world according to … whom? Mapping and talking about stereotypes
I wonder if students sitting in front of a large display outside my office have noticed that the subject is potent: Stereotypes.
What’s new in Open Shelf: March 2019
We have an interesting issue that focuses on relationships—within the workplace, with our communities and with our users. Stereotypes, podcasts and new libraries are all featured along with some of our ongoing columns. Plus, Richard Reid (2019 OLA President) and Shelagh Paterson (OLA Executive Director) share the OLA priorities for 2019 in the annual Bird's eye podcast.
A wonderful time in my neighbourhood: Supporting the Bostwick Library
Libraries are public spaces where people meet, take out books and study. Libraries hold communities together.
Mariam Hamou
Mariam Hamou is the current communications director at the Nazem Kadri Foundation. She is also a political activist and local poverty advocate who has…
For-credit IL courses: Do you teach one?
If you are (or have been) participating in a for-credit IL course at a Canadian university or college, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
What’s new in Open Shelf: February 2019
Happy New Year everyone! In our first issue of 2019, we've got topics ranging from Afrofuturism to telecom policy to game-based learning. And we're happy to welcome back some of regular contributors while introducing you to some new voices.
60 years of service: First Nation public libraries in Ontario
First Nation libraries, like the one in Moose Factory, make profound contributions to their communities.