Articles tagged with: Makerspace

• Brock Library collaboration featured in new Lincoln Museum exhibit 

  Thursday, November 06, 2025 | By sjanzen

  

  Brock Library is proud to have contributed to the Lincoln Museum’s newest exhibit, Through the Grapevine: Winemaking in Niagara, which opened on Thursday, October 30th in Jordan, Ontario. The exhibit explores the rich history of winemaking in the Niagara region—from its early roots to the thriving industry it is today—and will be on display through to October, 2026.

  As part of this collaboration, Sharon Janzen, Brock’s Maps, GIS & Geospatial Data Specialist, created a detailed map illustrating Niagara’s wine sub-appellations, highlighting the geography that shapes the region’s distinctive wines. Complementing the map, Derek Schneider, Makerspace Manager, developed a 3D model of the mapped area designed as an interactive puzzle, allowing visitors of all ages to assemble the terrain piece by piece.

  This project showcases how Brock Library supports and celebrates local heritage through innovative uses of spatial data, design, and technology. It also highlights the creative possibilities that emerge through campus and community collaboration.

  Interested in exploring partnership opportunities or learning more about what we do? Get in touch at [email protected].

  Tags: ArcGIS, Community Collaboration, Makerspace, MDGL
  Categories: Main, Makerspace, MDGL

• Display: Welcome to Brock & the Library

  Monday, August 25, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  New and returning students are invited to stop by and view a new exhibit showcasing the many services and resources of the Brock University Library.

  Archives & Special Collections:
  Exhibited at the Thistle entrance to the Library, is cool story in the remarkable life of Sean O’Sullivan.  At the age of 20 while studying at Brock, O’Sullivan was elected to the House of Commons. In this role- some fifty years ago, he undertook a quest to make the beaver the national symbol of Canada. We encourage you to view the entertaining source documents about this chapter in Canadian history.

  Brock University Art Collection:
  Get a sneak peek of Intentional Futures, an exhibition located at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

  Brock Library Makerspace and Maps, Data & GIS services:
  The Learning Commons display cases show Niagara’s grape-growing regions visualized in a new and dynamic way. Come and view the Makerspace-created 3D puzzle of the Niagara Peninsula Wine Sub-Appellations map.

  Resources for a successful start at Brock:
  A guide to study spots, wellness resources for loan, and various ways to get help from the library are also featured this month.

  Welcome to Brock University Library runs to Friday, September 26.

  Tags: ArcGIS, Archives and Special Collections, display, Makerspace, Services, Students, University Art Collection
  Categories: Learning Commons, Makerspace

• Career opportunity in the Makerspace

  Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock University Library is recruiting a Makerspace Technician and Facilitator.

  The Library Makerspace Technician & Facilitator assists Makerspace Student Assistants by reiterating proper use of the technology as trained by the Makerspace Supervisor, as well as overseeing the use of the equipment.

  You will:

  • Provide end-user support for all Makerspace hardware and software, and work as part of a team that provides user support and instruction during Makerspace drop in hours;
  • Maintain and troubleshoot Makerspace equipment, making recommendations for equipment purchases;
  • Provide Makerspace curriculum support, by preparing and delivering workshops and demonstrations on relevant topics;
  • Work with Student employees on all relevant makerspace equipment, re-enforcing the makerspace values and training given by the Makerspace supervisor;
  • Identify opportunities for enhanced services and learning opportunities for users;
  • Conduct market research and analysis to expand services and programming;
  • Create new programming support in coordination with the Makerspace Supervisor and campus partners.

  Learn more about this full time position, qualifications, salary, etc. and apply by February 25, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

  Tags: Employment opportunity, Makerspace
  Categories: Main, Makerspace

• Library Survey Findings & Next Steps

  Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | By nnolan

  

  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
  [email protected]

   

   

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Digital Scholarship Lab, Faculty, Feedback, Graduate students, Makerspace, MDGL, Our Collections, Research, Services, Staff, Students
  Categories: Main

• Exhibit: The Mother of all Game Jams

  Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  At the end of February, the Department of Digital Humanities hosted “The Mother of All Game Jams,” a two-day game design workshop open to both community members as well as Brock students, staff, and faculty where participants were asked to design games on the theme of motherhood, mothering, and maternal identity. Organized by Dr. Sarah Stang, and facilitated by the Library’s Makerspace, this event was designed to push back against the idea that moms don’t play or make games and to explore what it means to be a mother through game design.

  On May 11 – Mother’s Day weekend – the games will be showcased at the St. Catharines Public Library in a drop-in, family friendly event held in the Mills Room from 10am-4pm. Come check them out!

  Tags: display, Faculty, Makerspace, Research, Students
  Categories: Featured Collections, Learning Commons, Makerspace

• Thank you for your feedback

  Monday, January 15, 2024 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  The Library wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the Brock community for taking the time to respond to our 2023 Library Survey.

  We were thrilled to receive approximately 3,900 survey responses, including over 3,270 students, 160 faculty, and 450 staff. Your feedback included over 890 comments. Over the coming months, we will be reviewing and analyzing the survey data. This summer, we will share a summary of the results including our intended next steps to respond to what we heard from you.

  Congratulations to the lucky winners of twelve incentive prizes:

  • Grand prize winner of Bose Headphones: Mohamad E.
  • $100 Visa gift cards: Natalia J., Zahra A., Hillary G., Juhwan O., Simone L.
  • Someday Books Gift Certificate valued at $50: Nathan D.
  • Locker prizes: Deana T., Skylar B., Bhavleen D., Lian Y., Chidinma O.

  

  Pictured above are seven of twelve incentive prize winners. From the left, Simone L., Mohamad E., Hillary G., Chidinma O., Juhwan O., Skylar B., and Nathan D.

  If you have a specific, time-sensitive concern (or compliment!), the Library is always open to hearing from you via our online feedback form.

   

  Tags: Digital Scholarship Lab, Faculty, Feedback, Graduate students, Makerspace, MDGL, Research, Services, Students
  Categories: Main

• Brock Library services and resources highlighted in new exhibit

  Tuesday, August 30, 2022 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  New and returning students are invited to stop by and view a new exhibit in the Library and Learning Commons display cases. The exhibit features unique items from Brock’s Archives and Special Collections, the Makerspace, and Map, Data & GIS Library. A guide to study spots, research basics, and the various ways to get help from the library are also featured.  Welcome to Brock University Library runs to Friday, September 16.

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Makerspace, MDGL, Services, Students
  Categories: Archives, Learning Commons, Main, Makerspace, MDGL

• Discover your library this spring

  Monday, April 25, 2022 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  A new term and a fresh start on one of the prettiest campuses around! Welcome to the spring term at Brock and the Library.

  Whether you are a new or returning student or instructor, learn something new on the Discover Your Library page. Complete our popular Scholar Style quiz and receive customized services based on your answers.

  If you are on campus or live in the Niagara area, we are open from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday and 1pm-5pm on Saturdays. Stop by the Ask Us desk to kick start your research.

  For those studying at a distance, we offer hundreds of thousands of e-books and journal articles, and help is just a few clicks away with email and chat services as well as online research consultations with our librarians.

  We look forward to working with you and wish you all the best for a successful term.

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Makerspace, MDGL, Our Collections, Services, Staff, Students
  Categories: Main, MDGL

• Update on Library resources & services

  Monday, January 10, 2022 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock Library re-opens January 6 at 9am. Here’s what to expect.

  Hours of Operation:

  James A. Gibson Library
  

  • Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday-Sunday: Closed

  Archives and Special Collections, Digital Scholarship Lab, Makerspace, and Map, Data & GIS Library open by appointment only. 

  Access to collections:

  The upper floors of the library are currently closed. The following services are in place to provide you with access to our print materials:

  • Hathi Trust Emergency Temporary Access Service. ETAS provides electronic read-only access to approximately 30% of our print collections.
  • For items not available in Hathi Trust, use the request for pickup service
  • A scanning service is also available for print journal articles and book chapters.
  • Interlibrary Loan and borrowing via Omni partner libraries remain available.

  Access to study space:

  • Students looking for a quiet space to work can book one of 50 individual study spots  on the main floor of the library. Book up to 8 hours per day and up to 2 weeks in advance.
  • Printing and copying is available.
  • Group study is not available.
  • Classrooms A and B are not available.

  Research help:

  • Ask a Librarian chat service resumes January 10
  • Email us at [email protected]
  • Book an online research consultation with your Liaison Librarian.

  Your Library Account:

  • When returning books, please use the drop slot in the Rankin Family Pavilion/Schmon Tower Lobby.
  • Here’s how to renew your items.

  Delivery and intercampus transfer:

  • Intercampus transfer between the main campus and Marilyn I. Walker remains operational. Items can be picked up at the MIW Security desk.
  • Departmental delivery for faculty and staff is unavailable at this time.

  Alumni and community member access:

  • Visitors are asked to complete the self-screen survey for COVID-19 risk before arriving on campus. It can be completed via web form or through the Brock Safety mobile app.
  • Check in at  the Visitor/Guest COVID-19 Screening desk in the Rankin Family Pavilion (base of Schmon Tower) or in the east entrance of the Cairns Complex.
  • Provide your proof of vaccination and confirmation from the screening survey to the screener on duty.

  Keep up to date with developments by visiting the Brock University Library COVID-19 page. Questions? Email [email protected]

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Digital Scholarship Lab, Makerspace, MDGL, Services
  Categories: Main

• Discover your library this spring

  Monday, May 03, 2021 | By Evelyn Smith

  

  Brock University Library welcomes you to the spring term. If you are new to Brock, take a look at the Discover Your Library page for a quick introduction to library people, services, & resources.  Supporting you in your academic life is core to our mission.

  We have developed a number of online and in-person services and supports in response to COVID-19. Our focus is on access to electronic resources and virtual help. You can learn more about these services on our COVID-19 page.

  For new students, the shift to academic research can be a challenge, but getting assistance is easy. We offer email and chat services as well as online research consultations with our Liaison Librarians.

  We look forward to working with you and wish you all the best for a successful term.

  Tags: Archives and Special Collections, Digital Scholarship Lab, Makerspace, MDGL, Our Collections, Services, Staff, Students
  Categories: Main, MDGL