Want to win an iPad? And learn more about academic support services that will make life a little less stressful? Join us at the Learning Commons Open House on Tuesday, September 24 from 12-2 p.m. in the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons on the main floor of the Library.
If you are working on an assignment or writing a research paper, there are many ways the Learning Commons partners can help – so drop by and talk to us at our zones to learn how you can get research help, writing and math support, and much more! Visit at least 9 zones to be eligible to win the grand prize of an iPad mini or Future Shop gift certificates!
The Library has reconfigured some of its service points on the main floor during the Fall term, based on statistical data gathered over a number of years, feedback from our users and a need to better utilize the skills of our staff. This is a pilot project, which will go through an evaluation at the end of term.
The iDesk will now greet users as they enter the Library, and provides general information and orientation to the Library. Staff at this desk will also provide basic known-item searches and, when appropriate, redirect users to other service points as needed. The iDesk will be staffed from:
9a.m.-7p.m., Monday to Thursday
9a.m.-5p.m. on Friday
Research Help and Technology Assistance are now provided from a shared desk in the Learning Commons.
Research Help is available from:
11a.m.-7p.m., Monday to Thursday
11a.m.-5p.m. on Friday
12p.m.-5p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The Library’s chat reference service, Ask Us, will begin on September 10, and will provide research support when the desk is closed. The Library will also be providing a Book an Appointment service later in the Fall, which will allow students to book one-to-one appointments with library staff to discuss their research queries.
Technology Assistance is available most hours the Library is open. This includes help with passwords, printing issues, and wireless support. The printers have also been relocated next to Technology Assistance.
We hope these changes will provide a better user experience for our patrons – but we want to hear from you! Please give us your feedback throughout the term, and look for upcoming opportunities during the evaluation phase to comment on your own experiences through focus groups.
Congratulations to Mihailo Aleksandric on winning the iPad2 at last week’s Learning Commons Open House! Mihailo is a 3rd year student in the Chemistry program (with a minor in physics).
October 24-28 is Open Access Week. The Open Access movement is impacting scholarly communication and post-secondary education in the digital age and the library will be hosting some events this week to promote awareness of open access.
Today, Tuesday October 25, from 12:00-1:30 p.m., take a study break and join us for a film screening on the fourth floor. We will be showing RIP: A Remix Manifesto, an award-winning documentary.
On Wednesday, October 26 from 1-3 p.m., join us in the Learning Commons on the second floor of the library for the Open House. We will highlight services provided there, which will include an Open Access Zone. Come by and learn more. Refreshments will be provided and you can enter a draw to win an iPad2!
Join Digital Initiatives Librarian Brian Cameron on Thursday, October 27 from 2-3 p.m. in LIB489B for a discussion entitled Author Rights in a Digital World. This session will examine copyright transfer agreements, author addenda, and discuss open access publishing and Creative Commons Licenses.
Please join us as we officially launch our Learning Commons @ Ryerson website and find out what the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons can do for you. On Wednesday October 26 from 1-3 pm please drop by the main floor of the Library for cake, sandwiches and visit our zones with a passport to win an iPad2 and other prizes.
The Learning Commons Open House will take place on Tuesday, October 19 from 1-3 p.m. on the main floor of the Library. Learn more about the many services available in the Commons to help you achieve success at the university level. There will be a draw for an iPad, and free food – all are welcome!
