Reviewing The public
The public is my kind of movie. The hero is a flawed character who has been given a second chance that he uses to help those who are also in a bad place.
RA core competencies & toolkit
Emma Primeau highlights the OPLA "Reader Services Core Competencies and RA Toolkit". This resource is a one-stop shop for all the tips, tools and continuing education to fuel a simple, practical and integrated approach to inclusive Readers’ Advisory that is geared to your community.
Is librarianship a profession?
Open for all? offers a “think piece” rather than an intellectual analysis. Columnist John Pateman shares his personal observations on issues, and his columns…
Podcasts for book lovers
With podcasts covering pretty much every conceivable thought, notion or idea, it makes sense that there would be countless podcasts for readers and book lovers ... and for readers' advisory as well!
The shock doctrine: Cuts to OLS – N an onslaught on public services
The provincial government has made a 50% cut to the funding that it provides to Ontario Library Service – North (OLS – N). This loss of funding is already sending shock waves through our library infrastructure.
Even RA in a Day is about more than just books
Very few people only read books. And we have to keep up with all the formats! While RA is typically considered to be just about books, the days when well-constructed stories appeared only between the pages of a book have greatly diminished.
The last bastion of democracy
When bad things happen, we should become even more open rather than follow the normal but very human response of condemnation and then censorship.
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.
Intercultural competency
Open for all? offers a “think piece“ rather than an intellectual analysis. Columnist John Pateman shares his personal observations on issues and his columns…
Unlevel playing field
White middle class professional library values can create an unlevel playing field for Indigenous organizations and individuals. How? By privileging one world view over another.
“Twenty Questions” works: Recommending e-resources
For library staff, it is important to assess whether or not a patron is interested in formats other than print.
RA in a Day 2018: Bringing Readers’ Advisory online
Every year, the OPLA Readers’ Advisory Committee brings together some of the best readers’ advisory advocates to share their knowledge and expertise on meeting the needs of adult readers.
Race matters
When I was thinking of a suitable title for this month’s column a number of ideas came to mind including “Decolonization is not a metaphor” and “Acknowledgement is not enough.”