Library Update - Fall 2007

Library

Kresge Challenge – The Library has successfully raised $2.8 million for the Kresge Challenge, an effort resulting in a $600,000 US grant from the Kresge Foundation. Gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations all played an important role, allowing the Library to:
- Install a new RFID security system (3M Canada gift)
- Renovate the 3rd floor of the Porter Library which now includes the Peter and Betty Sims Reading Room, a computer research area, and new study carrels throughout the floor (Peter and Betty Sims gift)
- Provide high-speed workstations throughout the libraries (IBM gift)
- Direct funds to upcoming projects, including a major renovation to the main floor of the Porter Library, continued renovations to the Davis Centre Library, and upgrades to the individual and group study areas in both libraries

Verde and Primo Implementation – In collaboration with its Tri-University Group (TUG) partners, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph, the UW Library is currently rolling out its new electronic management system, Verde, and is planning for the implementation of its next generation catalogue, Primo. Verde implementation is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2007, with the Primo rollout scheduled for early 2008.

Staff recognition – Library staff were recognized with 9 awards in UW’s annual Special Recognition Award Program for University Support Staff announced on November 1st. This year, library staff received 2 team awards for:
- Developing the UWSpace Electronic Theses and Dissertations repository (Christine Jewell, Rose Koebel, and Bill Oldfield)
- Implementing the Library’s new 3M RFID security system
  (Eric Boyd, Ian Donaghey, Betty Graf, Wish Leonard, Alex McCulloch, Ann Naese, Carl Nagel, Linda Teather, Melanie Watkins, and Charles Woods)
- Seven individual awards were given to staff in the categories of Positive Influence, Building Relationships, Outstanding Service, Fostering Innovation, and Going Beyond Expectations, Leadership, and Makes UW a Better Place
  (Helena Calogeridis, Annette Dandyk, Marian Davies, Gail Sperling, Laurie Strome, Janet Wason, and Charles Woods)

UW’s 50th Anniversary and Sixth Decade Plan – UW celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In step with these celebrations, UW has released its Sixth Decade Plan outlining UW’s directions for the next decade. The plan details UW’s goals to attract top students, grow research and graduate programs, and expand globally.

Academic Integrity Report – On September 19th, UW administrators released the Academic Integrity Committee’s report Enhancing Academic Integrity at the University of Waterloo, a document that delineates UW’s increasing commitment to enhancing academic integrity at UW. The report has informed the creation of an Academic Integrity Office at UW that will be established to coordinate and facilitate institution-wide initiatives. Recommendations from the report identify the Library as a key campus constituency in providing support with Refworks, citation styles, copyright, and avoiding plagiarism.

Workplace 2017 conference – On October 14-16, the Co-operative Education and Career Services Department held its conference 2017: The Workplace, a three day event that investigated the issues facing the workplace over the next decade. Keynote speakers included author Malcolm Gladwell, UW President David Johnston, RIM’s co-CEO Jim Balsillie, and other leading intellectuals and businesspeople.

Campaign Waterloo – As of October, UW has raised over $410 million for Campaign Waterloo. Launched in 2004 to meet a target of $260 million, Campaign Waterloo has far exceeded targets. UW is now aiming for annual fundraising of $50 million per year, with the goal of growing to $100 million annually within the next decade.

Intelligent Community of the Year – The City of Waterloo was named the Intelligent Community of the Year for 2007 by the Intelligent Community Forum. This honour was strongly influenced by UW’s presence in the community, particularly for the university’s pioneering emphasis on co-operative education and formative role in spin-off high-tech ventures.

Administrative Assistant
Last Updated: November 1, 2007