2018/19 Library & Learning Commons Annual Report

Whether stepping into our physical space or exploring our online presence, the Library is a vital partner in academic excellence and student success – a hub for the intellectual, cultural, and social life of the Langara community.

Information literacy classes continue to grow as librarians connect ever more deeply with their instructional counterparts. The Learning Commons bustles with activity, energy, and collaboration. We continue to curate our collection and work closely with IT as we strive for more seamless access. Open Langara, co-led by the Library and EdTech, continues to grow and has started to investigate how we can best support instructors wanting to adopt and adapt open textbooks for their courses. We continue to adjust our physical spaces by incorporating more tables with privacy dividers on the 3rd Floor. This allows options for students who enjoy studying in a sunny area, close to others, but who still enjoy having a defined space.

Our team of great librarians and library technicians are a tribute to our reputation as a collegial and innovative environment, and our willingness to support and advocate for our students. Their collaboration with academic areas, student services, IT, EdTech, TCDC, and other departments across the college exemplify our culture of collaboration, sharing, and innovation.

Although in a new online format, the Library and Learning Commons’ Annual Report reflects again upon a year of activities, events, and triumphs. Underlying the report is the hard work, collegiality, and enthusiasm of librarians and library technicians who strive to ensure students succeed at Langara. With the Library and Learning Commons Strategic Plan, 2013-2020 entering its final year, enjoy exploring our stories as we continue our journey and look to the future.

Patricia Cia

Director, Academic Innovation

This Annual Report highlights the Library's successes within the context of the 5 themes identified in the Langara Library and Learning Commons Strategic Plan, 2013-2020:

1. Learning and Life Competencies: Sharing Unique Expertise
2. Content & Resources: Curated, Seamless, Dynamic
3. Interactive Spaces: Innovative Environments for Learners
4. Community Connections: Meaningful Relationships
5. The Team: Organizational Effectiveness

Looking toward the coming year, the Library will be tackling several key initiatives:

• The launch of the LibGuides platform, which will host the Library's assignment and citation guides
• Laying the groundwork for the Library's next strategic plan
• Designing new wayfinding signage for the Learning Commons and refreshing the Learning Commons website