News

  • 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

  • Career Opportunity

    Brock University Library invites applications for the position of Library Assistant, Operations Support.

    Working in the User Services & Engagement department, this role supports the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of departmental systems and resources, including student room booking systems, procedures manual updates, statistics collection, and other administrative tasks as required. The Library Assistant, Operations Support aids with many of the daily operations and logistics overseen by the Manager, User Services & Engagement.  This includes, coordinating the weekly schedule in our online scheduling software, addressing coverage gaps by calling in additional staff as needed and approved by the Manager.

    The Library Assistant, Operations Support provides circulation and basic copying/printing services and offers reference help at the Ask Us Desk. They also contribute to the library’s Reference Assistants group, supporting student research and assisting with Alternative Format Requests.

    Apply online by August 3, 2026.

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    Categories: Main

  • Brock to the world and the world to Brock, one book and pdf at a time

    In 2025 Brock Library’s Interlibrary Loan Team sent over 6,400 items from our collection to partner libraries across the province and around the world. In return, our users received 6,930 books and digital files to support their coursework, research, and teaching.

    A new exhibit in the Learning Commons highlights the global (and local) impact our dedicated staff make on a daily basis.  Among the details we’ve included, you can read what your colleagues have to say about this service, get answers to your frequently asked questions, and read the charming thank-you notes we receive from across the globe. The exhibit runs to the end of July.

    Learn more about borrowing from other libraries on the library website.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main

  • Art, history, and visual culture collection

    Art is more than what hangs on a gallery wall. Art reflects history, culture, politics, and identity.  

    This collection brings together new books exploring art history and visual culture from around the globe. Discover the work of groundbreaking women artists, Indigenous and African American artists, Pop Art and Surrealism, Buddhist art, Japanese aesthetics, architecture, design, photography, and much more. If you’re researching, creating, or simply curious, this collection offers fresh perspectives on how art helps us understand the past and imagine the future. 

    Browse the display, borrow a book, and see where your next creative discovery takes you.

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • A new look for EBSCO databases

    On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Brock Library’s EBSCO databases including Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Education Source will transition to a new search interface.

    If you have a personal myEBSCO account and have saved items or searches, these should migrate automatically with the exception of custom folders. Here are further details about the migration of saved searches and items.

    The new interface offers an updated look and improved user experience while continuing to provide access to the same trusted library resources.

    What you need to know?

    • Existing links to EBSCO searches and individual records will automatically redirect to the new interface, so your saved links will continue to work.
    • If you have a personal myEBSCO account, your saved searches and saved items should migrate automatically.
    • Custom folders will not migrate automatically and will require additional action if you wish to keep their contents.

    Recommended actions.

    To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend that you:

    • Preview the new interface before July 14.
    • Sign in to your myEBSCO account to confirm that your saved searches and records have transferred successfully.
    • If you use custom folders, review the migration instructions and video tutorial to learn how to move or export your saved content.
    • If you use EBSCO databases for evidence synthesis, ensure that any saved searches are exported or documented elsewhere

    Learn more and get help.

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    Categories: Main

  • National Indigenous History Month Reading Collection

    June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to learn about and reflect on the histories, cultures, achievements, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This collection brings together a range of Indigenous voices and perspectives through fiction, memoir, poetry, history, art, film, and scholarship.

    The books and resources featured explore themes of community, identity, language, storytelling, resilience, and creativity. They offer opportunities to engage with Indigenous experiences, celebrate Indigenous knowledge and cultures, and deepen our understanding of the diverse peoples and nations that have shaped and continue to shape Canada.

    We invite you to browse the collection, discover new authors and artists, and spend time with stories that challenge, inspire, and inform.

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    Categories: Featured Collections

  • On display: National Indigenous Histories Month

    Members of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre set up a display at the Thistle entrance of the Library highlighting First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and histories. This display marks National Indigenous Histories Month, and Indigenous Peoples Awareness Week.

    The display includes a variety of items including Wampum belts; a drum and rattle; beaded gloves and moccasins; seal and rabbit pelts; various Métis sashes; Inuit embroidery and carvings, and a variety of other tools and handcrafted items.

    Members of the Brock University and wider community are invited to a week full of learning, reflection and crafting during Indigenous Peoples Awareness Week, hosted by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre beginning June 23rd. Students, staff, faculty and community members can visit brocku.universitytickets.com to see a full list of events and reserve their tickets now.

    Be sure to follow Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to hear about events, news and updates.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main, Uncategorised

  • On display: the works of Howard Engel

    In 2022, the Archives & Special Collections in the Brock University Library acquired the personal library of Canadian mystery writer Howard Engel. Engel was born in St. Catharines and many of his books are set in Grantham City, a fictional pseudonym for where he grew up.

    Howard Engel has been termed by some as the father of Canadian mystery. From 1980 to 2015, Engel wrote 21 books, including 14 featuring Detective Benny Cooperman, his most famous character. Engel is credited with bringing international legitimacy to Canadian mystery writing and was a founding member of Crime Writers of Canada, inspiring new writers to take on the craft.

    When we opened the boxes from his estate, we found working copies, first prints off the press, and many of Engel’s books in various languages from across the globe. On display are selections from this collection, along with more details about Howard Engel, including the medical condition that threatened to end his writing career.

    Howard Engel items available for loan from Brock University Library.

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    Categories: Archives, Learning Commons, Main

  • Career opportunity: Head, User Services & Engagement

    Brock University Library invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of Head, User Services & Engagement.

    Learn about Brock University Library, the responsibilities of the role, qualifications required, and compensation by viewing the full posting. Apply by 12:01 am on June 7, 2026.

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    Categories: Main

  • On display: Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”  ― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad.

    The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MLLC) welcomes you to browse through its latest exhibit in the Library and at the Thistle entrance to the Learning Commons. The display exemplifies the languages and unique cultures explored by students in our courses. May your curiosity be piqued! Perhaps some of the questions rooted in the history of these cultures will be raised by the materials on display.

    The exhibit runs from May 4 to 22, 2026.

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    Categories: Learning Commons, Main