Needs-based public libraries
The thinking of Comrade F. Dobler from the early 20th century remains relevant and even prescient: those who need open access to information may be those who are fundamentally excluded from public libraries.
Grey is the new black: Changing library instruction virtually
Our experience in designing and delivering a grey lit workshop tells us that grad students are eager to learn these skills and put them to use in either a face-to-face or a virtual classroom.
Working from home: Printing is essential!
Working from home has been a necessity during the pandemic and it can be expensive. Maybe public policy makers need to think more carefully about how essential services are defined in a public health crisis.
Care calls, PPE production and more: How Ontario public libraries have responded to COVID-19
To learn more about how public libraries were responding and adapting to physical buildings closures, OLA issued a survey in March 2020. Here are the summarized results of this survey.
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.
The new model public library
Someone will have to pay for all the government money being used to get us through the COVID-19 crisis. This will usher in a newer, longer and deeper era of austerity and a new understanding of what defines a “model public library.”
Clear guidance yes for LGBTQ+ support, but context matters
Are there hard-and-fast rules for libraries engaged with LGBTQ+ communities? While there are areas where there should be clear guidance, there are others where context is more important.
Finnish public libraries integrate diverse services to support equity & inclusion
Finnish public libraries are mandated to provide equal access to materials and services for all citizens, and staff are pushing the boundaries of how access is defined, by widening the scope of service offerings.
Valuing social institutions: Northern libraries have bang for their buck
Quantifying the social value of public institutions can be challenging and contentious given that standard business metrics may not capture the value of intangible social rewards.
Personal perspectives on library service: message from the OCULA President
By Cyndi Smith First off, let me say hello and introduce myself. My name is Cyndi Smith, and I am your OCULA President for…
“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.
Carleton University Library undergoes changes to its Academic Services
By Amber Lannon Carleton University is located in Ottawa, on a beautiful campus in the south of the city bordered on one side by…
Catching the next wave? Streaming video in academic libraries
By Aaron Lupton, Ian Gordon and Helen Salmon In a recent editorial, Erik Martin (2018) effectively describes why streaming video is so compelling: quoting…