This article discusses a public service review and redesign that resulted in a blended service desk combining reference and circulation functions, staffed by nonlibrarians. The redesign implements a number of organizational structures that encourage service excellence, as found in the business literature and in examples of nonlibrary organizations…

In December 2012, the University of Saskatchewan Library's University Archives and Special Collections acquired the complete image collection of Courtney Milne, a professional photographer whose worked encompassed documentary, abstract and fine art photographs. From acquisition to digital curation, the authors identify, outline, and discuss the…

"Research Library Issues" ("RLI") focuses on current and emerging topics that are strategically important to research libraries. The articles explore issues, share information, pose critical questions, and provide examples. This issue includes the following articles: (1) Special at the Core: Aligning, Integrating, and…

Two of the most time-consuming jobs in the library are taking inventory and keeping track of in-house uses of library material. Librarians have long been searching for more efficient solution for these two activities. New technology can be the answer to creating efficiency for libraries. In fact, if one is a SirsiDynix library, there is an easy…

The Gerstein Science Information Centre (Gerstein Library) is one of 40 libraries within the University of Toronto (U of T) and is the largest academic science and health science library in Canada. It offers 109 computers and two networked printers for student, staff, and faculty use. In addition, the library provides patrons' laptops with…

Everyone in the business of raising funds for graduate and professional schools knows that the effort has certain challenges. Deborah McCreery, of Widener University School of Law, identifies two main hurdles to alumni fundraising at Widener Law: (1) student loan debt; and (2) a perception problem. At Widener Law and other professional and…

Discusses the implications of the demographic and geographic situation of libraries in Canada for library unionization. Insight is also provided into issues directly related to library management and library unions, including five factors which cause distrust and dissatisfaction. (CHC)

This discussion of the interrelationship of library buildings, library functions, and library management is illustrated by a description of problems encountered when the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library moved into a new building. Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)

The circulation system of the University of Waterloo (Ontario) Library is analyzed. The analysis includes the environment in which the circulation system must function, general objectives and functional requirements of the system, and a description and evaluation of the existing system. Both the automated and manual elements of the circulation…

As a part of the York University's academic planning process, the library staff prepared a list of possible alternatives for 26 library functions to be used as a basis for the development of a three to five year planning guide. Compiled over a period of two months, these represent a range from pie-in-the-sky to bare-boned or eliminated operations.…

A trustee of a Canadian public library discusses issues that must be addressed by the library board when the library staff forms a union. Suggestions are provided to aid in dealing with a union. (CHC)

Discusses the author's report, "The Future of the National Library of Canada," in terms of its scope, intent, and limitations. (CHC)

This report discusses the implementation of DOBIS, an online, integrated library system run on a shared-use mainframe computer, at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Library during 1984 and 1985. General information about BCIT, the library, and DOBIS is provided, and the project background is discussed. An overview of the…

The Canadian and American academic library environments are remarkably similar. This factor is traceable to similarities between the nations themselves and their academic institutions. Both countries have experienced comparable shifts in governmental support and growth patterns in the academic library sector. This has led many to observe that…

Defining absenteeism as "unscheduled leave," this report describes an attempt to analyze the factors involved in absenteeism, which produced no significant improvement, and an absentee counseling program instituted at the University of Guelph Library in October 1980, which resulted in improved attendance within a few months. (EJS)