Library Update - Fall 2008
Library
- Dana Porter Main Floor Renovations – Renovations of the Dana Porter Library's main floor are nearing completion. The renovations, which were made possible through the success of the Kresge Challenge, are scheduled to wrap up at the end of September, with the main floor set to reopen in early October.
- Academic Integrity Tutorial – Librarians, Christine Jewell and Leeanne Romane, developed an online academic integrity tutorial as part of the recent initiatives by the Office of Academic Integrity to to promote academic integrity at UW. The tutorial is designed to provide first year students with a positive orientation to academic integrity that is focused on learning and education.
- E-Initiatives–
- Engineering Pre-print Server Engine — The Library is currently developing an engineering pre-print server, Engine, in collaboration with Engineering faculty member, Weihua Xhuang. Engine is being designed by systems staff member, Adam Patterson, using the OJS software developed by the Public Knowledge Project.
- Primo – The Library continues to implement its new search and discovery tool, Primo, in collaboration with its TUG partners, Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Guelph. After a successful Primo Alpha Launch to staff in July and August, the Primo Implementation Team is planning a beta launch to the entire TUG community this fall, to be followed by a full implementation in the new year.
- Ares e-Reserves Software – Ares, a new e-Reserves software, is currently being implemented with an expected deployment of winter 2008.
- Digital Collections —
The Map Library has digitized its Historical Air Photo Collection. The collection includes over 1,500 black and white air photos of the Kitchener-Waterloo area taken during the years of 1930 and 1945-47.
Work has also commenced on enabling online access to digitized collections available in the Library's Special Collections, beginning with the Breithaupt Hewetson Clark Collection.
- Exhibits — Recent Library exhibits have included the Map Library's Geo-Abstract art show, and displays showcasing Special Collections' Euclid Collection and Decorative Book Arts materials.
University
- David Johnston Reappointed — David Johnston was reappointed as President and Vice Chancellor of UW for third term to conclude in June 2011. He was first appointed to a six-year term in June 1999.
- VeloCity — In early September UW launched VeloCity, the world's first student residence designed to enable budding entrepreneurs to work with like-minded peers on mobile communications and digital media. Described as a 'dorm-cubator' for top students who want to turn their ideas into reality, VeloCity was inspired by other successes that started with students, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft and the Blackberry.
- Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre — In mid-June, ground was broken on the new Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre. The Centre is a $160 million investment that will be home to the study quantum information technology and nanotechnology. It is scheduled to open late 2010 or early 2011.
- School of Optometry — The School of Optometry was awarded an additional $1 million per year from the province. The funding will enable the School to train more optometric professionals and increase clinical education.
Administrative Assistant
Last Updated:
November 1, 2007
