The Library and Learning Commons fosters active, close, collaborative working relationships with all of its communities – the College, other post-secondary institutions, the library profession, and Vancouver residents. These community connections were apparent in the various collaborative events hosted this year, as well as fundraising and awareness campaigns spearheaded by library staff.
The Library & Learning Commons reimagined its approach to international student orientation in 2018/19. In the past, the Library offered a lecture-style orientation for new international students to coincide with other presentations hosted by departments around campus. Student engagement in these sessions had been poor, particularly for the sessions late in the day. Starting in the fall semester, the Library changed the format to a library tour, with various stations located throughout the Library & Learning Commons to connect students with staff and to highlight the various supports available at the Library. The new format resulted in greater engagement with students and feedback from students and volunteers from the fall and spring sessions has been positive.
Langara Library continued the annual tradition of putting down the books and picking up aprons to support our student community. Langara Cooks, a feature of the March-long Support Our Students (S.O.S) campaign, allows departments across campus to compete for the Golden Pig award for tastiest dish with all proceeds going to expand and improve the student experience in and beyond the classroom. This year, the Library made fresh tortillas with spicy filling, and black sesame shortbread.
Langara Library was present at this year's Applied Research Day. Copyright Librarian Lindsay Tripp and EdTech Advisor Julian Prior, along with student Research Assistant Crislana Rafael, presented a poster on their current research, entitled Open Textbooks & International Student Success: An Exploratory Study.
The Library trialed its first ever Food for Fines campaign in the fall. The campaign ran during the first week of exams and all food items were donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB).
As is tradition, the Library also organized a Holiday Hamper around in November-December 2018. As part of this annual "Adopt-A-Family" program, library staff pitch in gifts and/or funds to prepare a hamper for student families over the holidays.
Throughout 2018/19, the College hosted “Beyond 49” celebrations, commemorating 49 years on 49th Avenue and celebrating the College’s milestones and achievements. Various events engaged the students, staff, alumni, and the greater Langara community, and raised funds to support students and future initiatives at the College. Library staff participated in several events throughout the year, including the Beyond 49 launch and pep rally, as well as the Great Trek along Cambie Street between 41st and 49th Avenue.
Librarians continue to be active in the program review process for their liaison subject areas. As part of the program review process, librarians contribute a report that details how the Library & Learning Commons currently supports the program and possible ways to further integrate information literacy components into the curriculum in the future. This year, librarians contributed to reviews for Geography, Latin American Studies, Library Technician, Psychology, Theatre Arts, and Women's Studies.