News

• Supporting Brock students at exam time

  Wednesday, December 06, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  One of our Library Strategic priorities is student success.  At this time of year, we are busy supporting students who are completing final assignments, and preparing for exams. In recent years, supporting student wellness has become a mission close to our hearts as well. This month, we are happy to host de-stressing activities for students throughout the exam period including Mindful Moments (3 short meditation sessions), Library Yoga, and an Unstudy Spot. Located in the Learning Commons, students can find a drop-in zone that is filled with crosswords, puzzles, origami, and colouring sheets. We are also happy to share a newly revamped online Exam De-stress Guide.

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

  Tags: Events, Students, Wellness, Workshops
  Categories: Main

• Get out of this world at Brock Library

  Wednesday, December 06, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Do you like to read about the unknown? Are you a fan of worldbuilding? Do extraterrestrials walk among us? If so, get cozy with an imaginative read. You can browse the Out of This World featured collection all December long!

  Tags: display, Our Collections, Virtual Book Display
  Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons

• Career opportunity in Access Services

  Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | By Amanda Emery

  

  Brock University Library is recruiting for 2 Circulation Clerks in an on-going casual capacity.

  Circulation Clerks in Access Services are responsible for assisting users with locating, using and borrowing material and providing basic copying and printing services to all users at the Ask Us desk. Depending on departmental needs, Circulation Clerks may work a variety of days/shifts including day, evening, weekend and/or holiday on an “on-call” temporary basis.

  Learn more about these positions and apply by December 5, 2023 at 12:01 am

  Tags: Employment opportunity, Services
  Categories: Main

• Career opportunity in Library Acquisitions

  Friday, November 10, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock University Library is recruiting a Library Assistant for the Acquisitions department.

  Reporting to the Head, Collections Services, the Library Assistant, Acquisitions completes the acquisitions process for all digital media, as well as print and electronic monograph resources, completes financial processes, coordinates and processes all donations, and provides operational support for the department.

  Learn more about this full time position, qualifications, salary, etc. and apply by November 22, 2023 at 12:01 am

  Categories: Main

• Community researcher letter of gratitude

  Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  A Special Thank-you to Brock U. from a Grateful Local Resident
  Graham Segger, BA, FCA, FCPA

  I should perhaps start with a few confessions. First, I am not a Brock student, faculty member, employee or alumnus. I do, however, live less than 15 kilometres SSW of the Schmon Tower in the Town of Pelham (and former Village of Fonthill). The history of a part of that town has been the subject of a fascinating research project which has absorbed a substantial part of my spare time over the last couple of years. This brings me to my next confession. That BA listed above was not in history, or even the liberal arts, and the FCA designation simply means that I spent my pre-retirement career as a moderately successful chartered accountant. Research is research, however, and my third confession is that I have spent more time in the various Brock and other Niagara Region libraries over the last two years studying history and geography than I did through any comparable two year period during my own university days, lo those many years ago.

  This then is my letter of thanks to the many Brock faculty, staff and alumni who have generously helped me during this research project.

  My initial interaction with Brock was in the Archives and Special Collections 10th floor reading room where Edie Williams and Anne Adams lugged heavy and dusty Registry Office Copy Books out of the Archives Stacks for my perusal on numerous occasions. These books provide an incredibly detailed accounting of land transfers and other documents such as Will probates back to the 1790s. The carefully compiled Finding Aids supporting several of Brock’s other Special Collections were also helpful in my research. The Archives head David Sharron provided some leads while I was tracking down permissions for other materials incorporated into my project.

  When I was seeking information on the glacial origins, Indigenous history and early land surveys of the area the 9th floor stacks supplied a wealth of authoritative texts, and far too many rabbit holes to descend into.

  I’ve been a map geek throughout much of my life so my discovery of the treasure trove of Niagara related Historical Maps and Air Photos maintained online by the Map, Data and GIS Library was a revelation as was the collection of physical Pelham maps. The 1827 and 1840 sketch maps of a proposed military fortress on Pelham Heights contained a huge amount of data about Upper Fonthill (then called Riceville) including roads, distances, school houses, cider presses, tanneries, soil conditions, tree species and springs. The names of the 100 acre lot owners and the locations of their farm houses, fields and orchards were identified for both years allowing me to appreciate the evolution of the community during the intervening years. Sharon Janzen of MDGL also helped me navigate the new world of Open Data multi-layer map building. The result was two very informative maps she generated based upon my content wish lists.

  Dr. John Menzies, Professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and a global authority on past glacial environments kindly read my initial glacial era chapter. He then politely explained to me how the understanding of the science has changed dramatically since most of my original source texts were written 50 years ago and more. He generously stuck with me through several more iterations of that chapter and contributed a helpful illustration. I hope he has my back when the good people of Fonthill (where he also lives) read that the huge mound of sand and gravel at the top of the Fonthill is not really a kame.

  Dr. Anna Lathrop, Professor of Kinesiology and former Vice-Provost and Associate Vice President, Students, as well as a life-long resident of Pelham, generously contributed a foreword to the book which emerged from the research, and was supportive from the beginning of the project.

  Dr. Michelle Vosburgh, Instructor in the Canadian Studies and History departments, and another Pelham resident, provided excellent insights into the early surveying of Niagara and also contributed other very helpful suggestions and edits. Many other Brock alumni also provided support and assistance, including Adam Shoalts and Robert Young in particular.

  This project has demonstrated the huge value of living so close to an excellent academic institution like Brock. Much of my research was done in the May to August periods of 2022 and 2023 at times when the campus was quiet and the parking was free, though I did make some considerable financial contributions through the Honk parking app at other times. I am forever grateful for this access to these extensive research materials, the excellent interaction I have had with hard working and knowledgeable staff and the insights provided by authoritative faculty members.

  Editor’s note: Mr. Segger’s new book The Land at the Crest of the Hill: Clues to Niagara History from Upper Fonthill is available in eBook format through the website of its publisher The Pelham Historical Society. Paperback copies are available at several Fonthill retailers. All net proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity.

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Community
  Categories: Archives

• Celebrating International Education

  Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Enjoy this curated collection of books and ebooks focusing on international education and studying abroad. International Education Week (IEW) is celebrated globally on the third week of November each year. IEW highlights the importance of a globally oriented learning experience and showcases the impact that international education has in preparing students for the world.

  Brock International Education Week events, held November 20-24, are great opportunities to get involved, expand your knowledge and connect with the world.

   

  Tags: Our Collections, Virtual Book Display
  Categories: Featured Collections

• Wellness Week at the Library

  Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  BUSU Wellness Week (November 6-10, 2023) invites students to de-stress, unwind, and have fun in the midst of the semester. As part of the week’s events, the Library is happy to offer three beginner-friendly workshops.

  Library Yoga: Monday, November 6, 6-7 pm. and Wednesday, November 8, 9-10 am.
  Librarian and yoga instructor Justine Cotton will guide you through a series of gentle poses and mindful breathing exercises, helping you let go of stress and calm your mind. Everyone is welcome (no yoga experience required!) and mats will be provided – simply wear something comfortable and bring your water.  Limited spots are available, so participants are encouraged to reserve their place in advance.

  Mindful Folding, Wellness Week Origami:  Tuesday, November 7, 12-1 pm.
  Join Amanda and Evelyn for some ‘mindful folding’ over the lunch hour. This session by beginners for beginners is open to all skill levels. All materials supplied.

  Library wellness sessions will take place in Learning Commons Classroom B (ST 230).

  For more Wellness Week resources, events, and activities, visit the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) website.

  A variety of resources aimed at supporting students’ well-being are available at Brock Library all year long. Board games, light therapy lamps, and the Badger Books (recreational) collection are available to borrow as well as colouring pencils and jigsaw puzzles. Visit Wellness at the Library to see the different ways we can help you unwind and de-stress.

   

  Tags: Students, Wellness, Workshops
  Categories: Main

• Career Opportunity in Library Systems & Technologies

  Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock University Library invites applications for a full-time Library Systems Analyst.

  Working in our Library Systems & Technologies department, the systems analyst will be responsible for:

  • Day-to-day operation of the technical aspects of the Library Services Platform (LSP):  configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, training, working with outside parties to resolve problems, etc.;
  • Providing development specifications for library system integrations, working as part of a team to enhance and streamline integrations with existing University systems (in collaboration and consultation with ITS partners);
  • Implementing library application solutions that are reliable and secure;
  • Analyzing and implementing robust data management procedures by integrating third-party software solutions, and more.

  Learn more about the role from the Brock Career Services site.

  Apply online by November 22, 2023 at 12:01am EST.

  Questions? Email jyounker@brocku.ca, Head, Library Systems & Technologies.

  Tags: Employment opportunity
  Categories: Main

• GIS Day Buzz

  Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | By sjanzen

  

  Wednesday, November 15th marks a special day in the geography world as we gear up to celebrate GIS! Geographic Information Systems (GIS) combines software, hardware, data and people to create, analyze and disseminate geospatial data and ideas about where and why things happen as they do. Join us this year to learn more about GIS and specifically ArcGIS, the industry standard for mapping technology. The Map, Data & GIS Library is hosting a variety of events including:

  Wednesday, November 15, 2023

  10-11:30 a.m. GIS for Faculty and Staff: A 90 minute workshop introducing attendees to the Esri site license and ArcGIS software options for research, teaching and administrative tasks. Registration recommended.

  12-1:15 p.m. Pizza & Cake in the MDGL: Join the Tourism and Geography Society (TAGS) for lunch in the MDGL where anyone can buy a slice of pizza ($$) and partake of the infamous GIS Day cake (free)!

  1:30-3:30 p.m. GIS for Brock Community: This 120 minute session will introduce students, faculty and staff to GIS with a hands-on component. Attendees should bring their own device to engage fully with the session. Registration recommended.

  Further to the Brock GIS Day festivities, interested parties can take advantage of the FREE online GIS Days Conference hosted by Western University Libraries. The conference runs from Nov. 13-16, 2023. Check out the schedule and register today!

  Brock representations at the GIS Days conference includes:

  Tuesday, Nov. 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Introduction to ArcGIS Online by Sharon Janzen

  Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. HGIS Lightning talk by Rebecca Nickerson

  Questions? Contact maplib@brocku.ca (Map, Data & GIS Library, MC-C306)

  Tags: ArcGIS, MDGL, Training & Development, Workshops
  Categories: Main, MDGL

• GIS Day is coming …

  Monday, October 30, 2023 | By sjanzen

  

  It’s that time of year again when we start planning for GIS Day! November 15th will mark this eventful day for all users of GIS technologies. We will have presentations, contests and displays as well as tutorials, pizza ($$) and CAKE (FREE!). Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 15, 2023 and stay tuned for details.

  GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and broadly represents the technology behind analyzing and creating map products. There are many departments using geospatial technologies for research and teaching at Brock University: Geography & Tourism Studies, Earth Sciences, Health Sciences, Political Sciences, History, Modern Literature & Languages, etc. If you haven’t tried giving a spatial context to your work, perhaps it’s time to explore the options available.

  Follow us on Instagram for up-to-date information.

   

  Tags: Events, GIS Day, MDGL
  Categories: Main, MDGL