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: September 2020
Is it fall yet? Somehow, time and space seem to have collapsed over the past six months and even the seasons don’t necessarily feel discrete right now. Plus, global warming contributes to a sense of life being off kilter as well, as fluctuating temperatures and volatile storms bring uncertainty to each day. However, our lineup this month reflects our capacity to survive and thrive despite the unpredictability of pandemics, weather, and just change in general.
The COVID-19 effect on small rural libraries
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.
Amplifying the voices of school libraries: Spotlight on Rabia Khokhar
This month features the work of Rabia Khokhar, a teacher-librarian with the Toronto District School Board. Rabi's focus is culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy.
Volunteer opportunity: Open Shelf editor-in-chief
The Ontario Library Association is seeking an editor-in-chief for Open Shelf, its online magazine. This two-year term will begin February 1, 2021.
Volunteer opportunity: Open Shelf deputy editor
The Ontario Library Association is seeking a deputy editor for Open Shelf, its online magazine. This two-year term will begin October 1, 2020.
Where does all the time go?
Time vanishes, and quickly these days. Just like Batman disappears on Commissioner Gordon. Do you ever see yourself as Commissioner Gordon these days?
Drew Hayden Taylor: A contemporary storyteller
Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor visited Thunder Bay last March. In her last podcast of this series for Open Shelf, contributor Sam Bird took the chance to sit down with this celebrated Indigenous storyteller.
“Can I take your order?”: Curbside library services in the age of COVID-19
Six months ago, drive-thru library circulation was a laughable idea. But now academic library services have been flipped on their heads and curbside pickup is very popular.
Theory in practice III: Moving from systemic racism to anti-racism in Ontario public libraries
In this final installment of her series on anti-racism, Amber Matthews argues that library staff must recognize libraries as racialized spaces in order to construct equitable social structures.
Knowing ourselves: How the Encyclopedia of Canada’s Peoples can help us learn who we are
Online reference materials have huge value for teaching and learning, For librarians grappling to give access to comprehensive online resources the Encyclopedia of Canada’s Peoples is a "tertiary source" worth considering.
Cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Suzanne Fernando works as a Services Specialist at the Toronto Public Library (TPL) in the Children’s Services Department.
New North Branch public library reflects a unique public partnership in Sault St. Marie
Schools and public libraries have long been important centres of activity in Ontario communities. The new North Branch of the Sault St. Marie Public Library is a case in point.