Main

  • Library Survey Findings & Next Steps

    In November 2023, we ran a campus-wide survey, asking the campus community for feedback on library services and resources. In January, we shared a brief note thanking you for your feedback and announcing the prize winners.

    We have taken these recent months to analyze and understand the results.

    A major finding from the survey was that, on balance, the Library is performing quite well! The majority of respondents ranked our performance high across most categories. We are gratified to hear that the Library is largely meeting the needs of the Brock community.

    We also heard that there are a number of areas where we can improve, and we take that seriously. At this time, we’d like to share with you a summary of what he heard, as well as our next steps in responding to your feedback.

    Brock University Library Survey Key Findings report.

    Biggest priorities for improvement

    • Finding a quiet place in the Library to study
    • Finding a place in the Library to work in a group

    Other areas we can improve

    • Managing levels of noise and behaviour
    • Power/ electrical outlet availability and maintenance
    • Informing you about Library services
    • Faculty members: Information resources that meet learning and research needs

    Where we are doing well

    • Wireless access
    • Accurate answers to questions
    • Help is available from Library staff when needed
    • Off-campus access to Library resources and services

    What are we going to do in response to the survey results?

    We are kicking off a number of projects, large and small.

    • Usability issues with study spaces (findability, noise, etc.): We will strike a team with members from across the library to directly address these concerns and propose improvements. We expect this work to begin this summer and continue into the fall term.
    • Electrical outlets: Working with Brock’s Facilities Management (FM) team, we have tested and repaired faulty outlets throughout the entire library building. We will continue to work with FM on a regular basis to repair outlets as new issues are reported. We have also begun a project to determine where additional electrical outlets are needed and will have these added over the summer.
    • Group study: We have been piloting a mobile-friendly version of our room booking software, which makes it easier to see each room’s features. You are welcome to try it out now, and we plan on rolling this new version out this summer.
    • Communication: Survey respondents indicated that their preferred way to receive library updates is via email. We will be investigating options for email updates in Fall 2024: Watch your inbox!

    In some areas, we have more to learn before we can determine how to address a problem. For example, we are considering strategies for specific input from faculty about their library resource needs.

    We will be in touch as we make progress on the projects described above.

    Again, we are so grateful to you for taking the time to respond to our survey. We look forward to making changes and improvements that respond to your concerns. We were especially pleased to hear your resounding praise for the people who work in the library:

    “Our library is a wonderful, inclusive space that (in my opinion) is very welcoming to students, staff and community members. The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to help students with any questions they may have.”

    “The library’s standout features is its knowledgeable and approachable staff. They are always willing to assist students, providing valuable guidance in locating resources, conducting research, and navigating databases. Their expertise has been invaluable to my academic pursuits, and I am grateful for their continuous support.”

    My favourite place with my favourite people!

    I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the 2023 Library Survey Team who led the survey implementation and supported the analysis of results: Monica Rettig (Lead), Kym Ash, Daniel Brett, Alicia Floyd, Laurie Morrison, and Tanya Sicoli.

    For any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    ~Nicole Nolan, University Librarian
    nnolan@brocku.ca

     

     

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Categories: Main

  • Career Opportunity in Library Collections Services

    Brock University Library invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Collections Librarian.

    The successful candidate will be responsible for developing collection management strategies related to various resource formats including print, ebooks, streaming media, databases, and journals for the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and the Faculty of Math & Science.  They will assist in collection analysis and assessment and, alongside the Library’s other Collections Librarians, will develop a coordinated approach to collection development.

    Learn more about this role, and apply by July 16, 2024 at 12:01 am

    Tags: ,
    Categories: Main

  • Happy Pride Month

    We’re celebrating 2S&LGBTQ+ Pride month by:

    • sharing a curated selection of books – including non-fiction and novels – and films which take an intersectional approach to examining 2S&LGBTQ+ life and issues such as race, disability, class and politics. The collection includes e-books you can read right away, print titles you can borrow from the library, and streaming videos,
    • showcasing a related collection fiction and non-fiction from our Badger Books, and
    • providing Pride-themed colouring sheets – stop by and grab some from the Ask Us desk.

    Happy Pride Brock U.

    Tags: , ,
    Categories: Main

  • Return and Retrieval Services for IRC Materials

    The Library has established return and retrieval services for materials held in the Faculty of Education’s Instructional Resource Centre (IRC) on the St. Catharines Campus. The materials housed in the IRC are not physically browsable at this time but can be requested on demand. 

    Returning IRC materials 

    All returns can be brought to the Ask Us desk on the main floor of the James A. Gibson Library.  

    Requesting retrieval of IRC materials 

    Materials previously labelled with the IRC location in Omni are now identified as “Request-Only Storage”.   

    To borrow these materials, use the ‘Request for Pickup’ button (see below) and Library staff will retrieve the item for you. You will receive a notification when the item is available for pickup at the Ask Us desk in the James A. Gibson Library. We anticipate the turnaround time to be approximately 2 business days.

    Below is a screenshot of how to place a request in Omni:

    An Omni catalogue record for a Request-Only Storage item. A purple arrow points to the red Request for Pickup button.

    An Omni catalogue record for a Request-Only Storage item. A purple arrow points to the red Request for Pickup button.

    We welcome your feedback and appreciate your patience as we navigate this transition.  

    The Library will be working in collaboration with the Faculty of Education over the coming months on a project that includes an assessment of IRC materials, and a plan for integrating these into the James A. Gibson collection.  

    Questions? Contact us at libhelp@brocku.ca

    Tags: , ,
    Categories: Main

  • Exam supports: studying in the Library

    Brock University Library offers a variety of study options which include areas for group learning and collaboration as well as quiet individual zones and silent areas. Just in time for exam season, here’s a reminder of the options available to you.

    Silent Zones: No talking please

    • Learning Commons Classroom B
    • Floor 5 Silent Study room (ST 500)
    • Floors 9 & 10 (even in the single study rooms)

    Quiet Zones: Low level conversation between individuals

    • Learning Commons Classroom A, one-person study desks, and computer areas.
    • Floors 5, 6, 7 at single study desks
    • Floor 8

    Group Zones: Low level conversation in groups

    • Learning Commons group tables and hallway seating
    • Floor 5
    • Floor 6
    • Floor 7

    Wherever you choose to study, stop by the Ask Us desk first and pick up some free ear plugs.

    Exam time often means high stress and high spirits. If you have concerns about noise, please contact us in-person at the Ask Us desk for immediate assistance.

    Beyond the James A. Gibson Library, additional sweet study spots include:

    Tags: , ,
    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • Exam supports: Unstudy spot, de-stressing events return

    A library crowd favourite from last term is returning in April. As part of wellness and exam de-stressing activities, the Unstudy Spot will be available from April 9 to 23 in the Learning Commons. Colouring sheets, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, a giant Sudoku, and more were a welcome diversion for students in December, and we are happy to bring it back.

    Check out the full slate of relaxation activities and our Exam De-stress Guide.

    To all writing and marking exams this month, we wish you success.

    Tags: , , ,
    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • Exam supports: Map, Data & GIS Library

    Looking for some quiet study space? The Map, Data & GIS Library is open 9-4 Monday to Friday and hosts a number of public PCs plus large tables for group study or comfy chairs for individual study. You do not need to reserve a desk or table and all are welcome to use our space!

    Coming soon…. an ‘unstudy’ table with puzzles, colouring pages, and origami to provide necessary distractions leading to reduced stress and healthy minds.

    Here’s how to find us. See you soon, in the MDGL! Mackenzie Chown Complex, C306.

    Tags: ,
    Categories: Main, MDGL

  • Career opportunity in Library Collections Services

    Brock University Library invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Collections Librarian. This position is part of the Brock Black Cluster Hire initiative and belongs to the Brock University Faculty Association (BUFA) employee group. As a signatory to the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion, Brock is committed to the development of Black academic and research excellence.

    The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of eleven professionals within the Collections Department and will be responsible for developing collection management strategies related to various resource formats including print, ebooks, streaming media, databases, and journals. Collection analysis and assessment is also part of this role.

    All applicants to this Brock Black Cluster Hire must identify as Black, African, and/or as a person of African-Caribbean descent in their cover letter and through the self-identification application process. This opportunity is specific to applicants who self-identify as Black, African, and/or of African-Caribbean descent, and this self-identification information will be used for the purposes of screening candidates.

    Learn more about this position, qualifications, salary, etc. and apply by May 7, 2024 at 12:01 am

    Tags: ,
    Categories: Main

  • Metadata Specialist career opportunity

    Brock University Library invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Metadata Specialist in the Library Collections Services department.

    Reporting to the Head, Collections Services, the Metadata Specialist is responsible for the creation, maintenance and integrity of metadata for all Library materials, including Archives & Special Collections, and University departmental collections. The Metadata Specialist will also create policies and procedures in accordance with metadata standards of practice for the library catalogue.

    Learn more about this position, qualifications, salary, etc. and apply by April 17, 2024 at 12:01 am

    Tags: ,
    Categories: Main

  • Celebrate Pride Weeks with the Library

    Brock Library is joining in campus-wide celebrations of 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride this month with exhibits and activities focused on education and enjoyment. 

    From March 18 through 29, the Library will host: 

    • Reading out Proud – a curated selection of books and films which take an intersectional approach to examining queer life and issues such as race, disability, class and politics. Reading out Proud includes a digital collection as well as print titles on our Badger Books end cap.
    • Know your Pride flags – Drop by our display documenting the history and identities which are expressed and celebrated through Pride flags. Adjacent to the Badger Books collection. 

    On March 22, all are welcome to join a Queer Crafternoon from 1-4 p.m. in Library Classroom B. Drop in to de-stress and celebrate your Pride with an afternoon of casual crafting featuring 2S&LGBTQ+-themed colouring sheets, button-making and easy origami. We’ll also have a Cricut machine available: select from previously-created designs or make your own. You can even bring in your own T-shirt — we’ll help you print out a vinyl transfer and stick it on a shirt so you can wear your Pride. 

    No RSVP is required. However if you wish to receive CWC credit, register for these events via ExperienceBU, and scan the QR attendance code at each location.

    Wishing everyone a very happy Pride! 

    Tags: , ,
    Categories: Learning Commons, Main