What’s New in Open Shelf?

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.

We’re trying something new this month: An online panel discussion on the need for the MLIS. In addition to this foray into a new way to talk with each other, we also have a number of features that look at Finnish library programs, Indigenous-federal relations, being a new manager, and creative card-making for students, which is an InsideOCULA article. Plus, Readers’ advisory is back along with the latest installment of Wildcard*, a new grad’s journey in the job market.

Happy 2020! Yes, it’s a bit late to offer this greeting except for the Open Shelf editorial team, given that we took our annual hiatus in January. This month, we are presenting articles in both official languages, along with stories from northern, southern, and eastern corners of the province, while featuring the voices of those who work in rural and urban libraries, both new grads and seasoned professionals. 

So we have come to the end of 2019 and we hope we are finishing with a blast of good cheer. This month, the last of 2019, our stories are seasonal (think 'Twas the night before Christmas [with a twist]), as we tackle topics such as finding that first great professional gig, volunteering, mandatory retirement, and changing roles in a single organization.

Bonjour tout le monde! This month, we present some articles in English and one en français, while covering multiple territories, organizations and workspaces. Two of our stories feature folks who attended the IFLA 2019 World Library and Information Congress, while some come from both northern and southern Ontario. And, as always, we welcome your stories ... this time, we're looking for those that feature traditional skills being used in non-traditional ways.

Climate change, parliamentary change, changing career directions … important social and individual shifts seem to be a key theme for this issue of Open Shelf. We welcome back a regular column that's been on hiatus, introduce a new one and share a number of feature articles including two from InsideOCULA contributors.

In this month's issue we have a list of reading suggestions in Library is... Murder!, and an update on the new rural libraries conference: Little Branches Rural Roots. Also, learn about: cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the current landscape of ebooks in libraries, Whether librarianship is a profession, the RA core competencies & toolkit, the Library IT Crowd, and hear from a public library manager dealing with the recent budget cuts. Plus, we have an exciting opportunity at Open Shelf: call for a story editor.

It's that time again! This is our last issue before September and we are gearing up for two exciting opportunities. Plus, we have features on supporting medical research, working in a precarious job market, developing leadership skills ... and more hot summer reading.

This month, we hear from those impacted by recent cuts to library services and about technological inclusion in school libraries. As we start two new series, Genealogy 101 and Good news, we welcome back our series What is a library? and From discord to discourse. Plus, we have a new installment of our regular column Open for all?

How to spread the word … via streaming, a new “tell-all” app or via a podcast? This month, we have articles that feature different ways to communicate and how more information can both simplify and complicate our lives.

Fooled you (or maybe not) … here is the “regular” issue of Open Shelf for April 2019. This issue features stories and columns about…

Continuing our tradition, we bring you a special issue. One that incorporates the bizarre and the silly and puts a spotlight on creativity. These articles are special because you won't find them in the mainstream news. Don't worry, they're not alternative facts, more like alternative realities.

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.