News

  • Open Access Week at the Brock Library

    To celebrate Open Access Week (October 19 – October 23), Brock Library has put together a collection of events and promotions.

    We are releasing our second annual State of Scholarly Publishing report that outlines some trends in journal publishing from Brock authors. New in this year’s report are more specific details outlining what discounts and waivers Brock researchers have for Article Processing Charges (APC).

    The library will also be hosting two workshops to commemorate the week: Accelerate your Research with Zotero, Monday, November 2, 11:00 am and  Article Processing Charges and Open Access: What supports exist for Brock Researchers, Thursday, October 29, 1:00 pm.

    Categories: Main

  • October’s featured collection

    Looking for something spooky this October? Explore the Brock Library’s collection of books on horror, folklore, witchcraft, the occult and the supernatural.

    From the history of Halloween and witchcraft to zombies, vampires, werewolves and monsters, this collection has something for anyone interested in the darker side of culture and storytelling. You’ll also find titles on Indigenous horror and dark fiction, Gothic literature, supernatural and horror cinema and more.

    Explore the collection and find your next spooky read!

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • Fall Pastimes

    This month’s Matheson Learning Commons display cases present indoor and outdoor fall pursuits courtesy of the Library’s collection.

    For the outdoor enthusiast:
    Discover local conservation areas and plan your visit.  Since 2022, the Brock Library has partnered with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) to offer NaturePlus membership passes for 7-day loan.

    For the reader:
    Browse autumnal and classic titles available for loan and see an expanded list of fall fiction.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • Exhibits in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Brock Library thanks Syerra Jasmin, Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre Operations Supervisor for this blog post. Visit the exhibit in the Matheson Learning Commons and at the Thistle entrance until October 5.

    Members of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Metis and Inuit Student centre team have created library displays to highlight the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The displays contain various cultural objects, along with books about the Residential School System, and the Calls to Action. Books on display are available for check-out at the Phyllis Webstad library located in TH145.

    Supporting the exhibit is the James A. Gibson Library’s featured collection Reconciling the History of the Residential School System in Canada.

    On Wednesday, September 30 Hadiya’dagénhahs is hosting two Every Child Matters lacrosse games at Alumni Field, a women’s match at 4:30 p.m. followed by a men’s match at 7 p.m. Both games will include drummers, an opening address followed by a land acknowledgement and the raising of the Every Child Matters Flag on the field, and half-time performances.

     

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • Milestone passed for LIB101

    Brock University Library is celebrating a major milestone: more than 10,000 students have completed the LIB101: Library & Research Foundations online module.  

    LIB101 was designed to introduce students to the library and help them begin to develop the research skills they need to succeed at Brock University and beyond. With LIB101, students learn how to navigate library resources, evaluate information, and develop strategies for conducting research.  

    Reaching more than 10,000 students represents the impact of LIB101 across the Brock community. For many students, this module is their first introduction to the library’s various resources and services.  

    “The most interesting content to learn about was the amount of resources and assistance available at the school, as well as the [section] on using OMNI and similar databases.”— Student 

    LIB101 has continued to evolve with the changing needs of Brock students and the academic research landscape. Its growing reach reflects the library’s commitment to providing engaging learning opportunities that support students.   

    “I am taking my first class in ~20 years so I wanted a refresher on some fundamentals; the entire [module] was great for this.” – Student 

    LIB101 is one module in the library’s growing list of offerings. Other modules include LIB102: Me, Myself, and A.I., which explores generative AI and its responsible use in academic work, and LIB201: Research in English Language & Literature, which introduces research approaches, sources, databases, and search strategies specific to English studies. LIB301: Grad Research Fundamentals is also currently in development and will support graduate students through key stages of the research process. 

    Learn more about the modules and access them here. 

      

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  • A featured collection for the new term

    Starting a new academic year can be exciting and a little overwhelming. Our Research, Wellness, and Academic Success featured collection brings together books designed to help students navigate both the academic and personal sides of university life.

    Explore resources on research and academic writing, including literature reviews, thesis and dissertation writing, and research methods, alongside books focused on mindfulness, stress, creativity, wellness, and self-care. You’ll also find practical titles covering topics like affordable cooking, budgeting, managing work, and building healthy habits.

    Explore the collection here, or stop by the Matheson Learning Commons to browse.

    Strengthening your research skills? Managing academic stress? Or trying to find some balance? This collection offers something to help you start the year feeling prepared and supported.

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  • Career Opportunity

    Brock University Library invites applications for the position of Library Assistant, Resource Sharing & Reference.

    Working in the User Services & Engagement department, the assistant is a member of the resource sharing team contributing to the daily processing of borrowing and lending resource sharing and interlibrary loan (ILL) requests. In addition, the role provides circulation, basic copying and printing services, and reference assistance to users at the Ask Us Desk.

    Please consult the full job posting to learn more about this role and required qualifications. Application deadline: September 17, 2026, 11:59pm.

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    Categories: Main

  • Welcome to Brock and the Library

    Welcome and welcome back!

    This month, library exhibit cases are brimming with information about services and resources for new and returning users.

    View the cases at the Thistle entrance to the Library to learn about our Teaching & Learning librarians and the services they provide such as one-on-one support, and in-person and online workshops. Find out about the services offered to support your work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and discover a cool treasure from the Archives & Special Collections department.

    The Learning Commons display cases guide the viewer to all the library resources needed for a successful start to the term including the basics of Omni, how to request books from other libraries, room-booking, printing, finding course readings, and wellness resources for loan.

    Welcome to Brock and the Library runs until Friday, September 18.

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  • Research Ready: new workshop series launches this fall

    “I wish I had learned this in first year!” is a comment that we often hear from students in classroom visits and research consultations.  While we love knowing that a particular research tool or strategy resonates with students, as Teaching & Learning librarians we want to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to build their skills early on at Brock.  Learning how to find and use information effectively takes time and practice but can enhance awareness of the variety of tools and approaches to research (with positive impacts on student achievement). 

    This fall, we are excited to launch “Research Ready”, a workshop series designed to introduce students to a variety of topics in information, from A.I. strategies to Knowledge Justice.  Students can attend as many workshops as they wish, receiving Student Experience Record credit for individual workshops and a certificate for completing any four from the series.   

    Students can learn more and register on ExperienceBU.  

    Are you a faculty member interested in learning more about the workshops or about our other instruction offerings?  Please visit https://brocku.ca/library/instruction/ 

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  • Maps & GIS Services at Brock Library

    When you think of your courses, is there a geospatial component to them? Do you encourage your students to push the boundaries of their learning experiences at Brock? Do you ever think “Maybe, but I don’t know how?” Whether you are a seasoned faculty member, an LTA or a grad student, I am here to help with geospatial technologies. My name is Sharon Janzen and I am the Maps, GIS & Geospatial Data Specialist at Brock University. I offer services that include custom mapping, collaborative teaching, technical support for Esri products including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS StoryMaps. With specialized expertise in geospatial workflows, traditional maps, and research-focused teaching, I help you turn geographic questions into meaningful, visually compelling results.

    Contact me today to discuss your teaching and research interests.  
    Sharon Janzen, Maps, GIS & Geospatial Data Specialist 
    [email protected]


    Read what other users have to say about GIS services at Brock Library:  

    • From Marilyne Carrey, Associate Professor, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre 

    “Sharon has been an invaluable partner in my teaching and research, bringing exceptional expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data. Her engaging workshops, collaborative spirit, and infectious enthusiasm for mapping make her an extraordinary asset to both students and faculty.”  

    • From Dave Brown, Associate Professor, Dept. Of Geography and Tourism Studies   

    “Sharon has been our Brock go-to person for all things geospatial! Recently she assisted us with the creation of a series of juxtaposed historical and contemporary street maps which effectively visualize the evolution of a historic Niagara neighbourhood over more than a century. Not only does she provide theoretical and practical guidance and assistance, she also gets involved in a hands-on manner to help us produce useful, interesting, and informative map resources.”  

    • From Leah Knight, Professor, English Language & Literature 

    “Sharon Janzen’s generous and informed support has been a lifeline for my current map-based research, which takes me outside my traditional comfort zone in terms of both methods and materials. Whether working with faculty, students, or the community, Sharon wears her expertise lightly, so that even an amateur can feel comfortable and learn with ease. Sharon goes well out of her way to connect researchers with the resources they need—including those they might not know about if it weren’t for her. She is unfailingly positive and solution-oriented, no matter what thorny problem is brought her way. I feel lucky to have discovered the wealth of wisdom Sharon brings to Brock. “  

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    Categories: Main, MDGL