MacEwan University Library is pleased to announce our new website: http://library.macewan.ca

We began the design process over two years ago. Library technologies were rapidly evolving, and users were demanding easy and elegant search capabilities. We wanted to harness these opportunities and tailor a new library experience for our students, faculty, and staff.

We began by talking with members of the MacEwan University community to discover what they wanted from their library website. After the assessment, we got to work. We created our own discovery layer, and we now have the freedom to tailor it specifically for our users. The site is built upon Drupal, an open-source content management system that powers some of the biggest websites on the Internet, and it’s responsive meaning users no longer require an app to access our resources on a mobile device.

Technology moves fast, and the Library has envisioned this website to be agile. This is Phase I of a multi-phase plan, and we will continue to hone and improve the user experience in the near future.
– Posted on behalf of Ian Roberton, Web and User Experience Librarian, MacEwan University

Event recap: In October 2014, NAIT staff and students were invited to a library orientation in the form of a game of tag; the goal was to stay human and find the cure while foiling the zombie hordes.

Pizza and prizes rounded out the festivities and feedback was overwhelmingly positive – with a few helpful suggestions for next year.
– Posted on behalf of Jodi Lommer, Associate Coordinator Instruction, NAIT Library

SAIT Polytechnic’s Student Association (SAITSA) puts a major emphasis on student well-being and mental health. SAITSA identifies critical times wherein students tend to experience stress and mental health issues and provides services and activities accordingly. For example, from October 6^th -9^th, SAITSA Mental Health Awareness Week included stand-up comedy, pet therapy, “Speed Friending”, information booths, massages, Zumba and Yoga. The Awareness Week coincided with Depression Screening Day, which was offered through Student Development and Counselling and the Calgary Counselling Centre, and SAITSA’s Mental Health Awareness Week was one way to encourage students to participate in the screening and access resources if needed. Most recently, SAITA’s De-Stress Fest (December 1^st – December 5^th) was a week filled with activities designed to reduce the stress of studying students, and proved to be an excellent opportunity to partner with the Reg Erhardt Library at SAIT. Continue reading Library De-Stress →

On November 13, 2014 the library hosted the first ever IP Exhibit at Medicine Hat College, focusing on college use of Intellectual Property (IP). Treats and beverages were served to faculty and staff who attended to see displays of works by their colleagues. Eight faculty and staff exhibited their work, including a self-published successful cookbook, a textbook, 3D printed objects, a trademarked acronym, journal articles and artwork. Several exhibitors spoke about the challenges and successes they faced while creating these works. The event was well received with attendees expressing interest in further similar events.

Your feedback is very important to us!  Thank you for taking the time to complete this short survey. The information you provide will help us ensure that AAAL meetings and workshops are relevant, informative and enjoyable.

AAAL Fall 2014 Meeting Survey