Why Do Library Workers Not Have the Skills To Meet Community Needs?
The simple answer to this very Big Question is ‘because they are Library Workers’. In other words, they are trained in all of the…
All the Libraries I <3
Amanda Etches is an Associate Chief Librarian at the University of Guelph Library. You can find more of her writings and doodles at e.tches.ca. Incidentally is…
Bookmarks!
I have always held a fascination with bookmarks. It probably all started with the return of a dog-eared library book and the librarian of…
Haliburton County Public Library Wilberforce Branch
"Although it appears to be stand-alone, the library is actually fulfilling a number of community functions. The Highlands East Council meets at the library -they meet…
TPL Scarborough Civic Centre Branch
"TPL’s goal was to increase use, serve the needs of a growing neighbourhood and evolve with changing technology. A raised panel floor is used for optimal adaptability in upgrading services…
Car Manuals at Oshawa Public Libraries
The Oshawa Public Libraries is fortunate to offer a large and unique collection of General Motors service manuals. Since the City of Oshawa is…
Toronto Public Library Fort York Branch Library
"The branch is bright, with modern spaces and spectacular views. It offers many opportunities to linger and work: study pods, laptop bar, huge old growth wood…
Prioritizing Library Services For Those With the Greatest Needs
One of the critical findings of Open to All? The Public Library and Social Exclusion (2000) was that people who use public libraries the…
Tom Bentley
Meet one of OLA’s 5,000 members. An interview with random OLA member #31: Tom Bentley (Coordinator, Information Solutions at the Brantford Public Library). I talked to a…
What About the Books?
Recently, I was asked by a colleague at another library system to speak to their consultants about the library’s strategic plan. As a system…
Gardens and Orchards: Programming and Collection Development
In my last piece for Open Shelf I wrote about archival material and the potential pitfalls that may occur in accepting them. It got…
Solving the Local Author Dilemma
Grisham, Patterson, and King are just a few of the names that stand out when it comes to authors – but how about Mathieson,…