Columns – Page 4 – OPEN SHELF

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.

Open for All?

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.

Readers' Advisory

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.

Open for All?

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.

Readers' Advisory

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…

Open for All?

“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.

Readers' Advisory

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.

Open for All?

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.

Readers' Advisory

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.”

Open for All?

Just-in-time training: DIY online RA education

Nothing lasts forever—especially when it comes to training. Consistently learning, growing and refreshing your skills is not just for new professionals, but a value-added…

Readers' Advisory

Class matters

Social class is the most significant single determinant of public library use and non-use. A recent study in the U.K. found that 46 per…

Open for All?

Uncovering “next reads”: Moving from popular fiction to less visible titles

There’s nothing more thrilling for me than having conversations with readers about what they’re reading. It’s definitely easier to have these exchanges if we’ve…

Readers' Advisory

John Vincent: Libraries, the universe & everything

I interviewed John Vincent by email in February, 2018. I have known John since we were both chief librarians in London in the 1990s.…

Open for All?