Library Update - Fall 2011
Library
- Library Review – The Library commenced a strategic review this fall, beginning with a self-assessment and internal review scheduled to be completed by Spring of 2012. This phase will be followed by an external review during the Summer of 2012. The review coincides with the University’s mid-cycle review and will address the Library’s staffing, budget, resources, and services in context of the new evolving environment and the University’s and Library’s strategic directions and priorities.
- ARL E-Science Institute - The Library is taking part in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) E-Science Institute to investigate the needs of faculty and students in e-science and e-research. Goals of the Institute include helping participating research libraries map current services and resources into e-research support activities, and assisting libraries in envisioning new services and resources that support e-science within the scope of a research library’s mission, in part by building new partnerships and collaboration within and across institutions.
- Open Access Week – The Library celebrated Open Access Week this October with the launch of an Open Access FAQ and a range of activities.
- Primo Central Trial - The Library is continuing its trial of the web-scale index Primo Central through until the end of December 2011. Staff have been conducting Primo Central usability testing this fall are expected to complete their assessment by the end of November.
- Doors Open 2011 - Special Collections participated in Waterloo Region’s Doors Open event for the second year this September welcoming over 65 visitors to view the department’s exhibit “Doors Open: Through the Photographer’s Lens."
- Historical Street Maps - The Map Library completed a digitization project to create a historical street map for the Region of Waterloo which shows how street networks across Waterloo Region have changed dramatically since as far back as 1955.
- Staffing News
- In July, the Library welcomed Pascal Calarco as the new Associate University Librarian for Digital & Discovery Services. Pascal comes to the Library with significant experience in academic libraries. Most recently, he was the Head of Library Information Systems at the University Libraries of Notre Dame. Before this, he held a variety of other positions including the Head of Library Information Systems at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Laura Bredahl, Liaison Librarian for Physics, Math and Computer Science, is currently taking a leave of absence to volunteer as a Librarian with the Charles Darwin Foundation Library in the Galapagos.
University
- Mid-cycle Review - A mid-cycle review of the University’s Sixth Decade Plan, created in 2006, is underway. The purpose of the review is for the University community to consider the ambitious goals set out in 2006, reflect on its accomplishments, realign the plan, and introduce an accountability framework with action plans and progress outcomes. The work will be built on the University’s foundational pillars: academic excellence, research excellence and impact, co-operative education, graduate studies, internationalization, and entrepreneurship.
- Copyright – The University of Waterloo and the federated university and affiliated colleges ended their agreement with Access Copyright, effective August 31, 2011. The Library took a lead role to keep the campus community informed and responsive to changes in the copyright environment. This included coordinating the university’s response to Access Copyright’s interrogatories and collaborating with campus partners to create a Copyright FAQ.
- Hong Kong Office – Waterloo opened an office in Hong Kong in early November, with President Feridun Hamdullahpur present at the opening event to welcome members of the business community, partners, alumni, and students.
- Maclean’s Ranking – Waterloo has ranked “best overall” by Maclean’s for the 18th year in a row. Waterloo was also recognized as first in two of the three reputation subcategories – “most innovative” and “leaders of tomorrow.”
- Student Success Office Opens – Waterloo’s new Student Success Office officially opened its doors in late October during Student Success Week. The Office intends to lead and coordinate various student-focused programs and initiatives that are integrated across academic and support areas and will incorporate best practices in student development.
- Prem Watsa Re-elected as Chancellor – Prem Watsa, chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., was re-elected by the university senate as chancellor of the University of Waterloo. Watsa will serve a second three-year term, beginning May 1, 2012.
Administrative Assistant
Last Updated: December 14, 2011
