The Library and Learning Commons is at the heart of a vibrant, engaging, and exciting experience at Langara. Students continue to visit the physical space and interact with staff in record numbers. The Library strives to keep improving its physical and virtual spaces to best meet the academic needs and habits of library users.
Just the Numbers
| 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | ||||||
| Gate Count | 738,722 |
|
279,669 | |||||
| Days Open | 288 | 0* | 194 | |||||
| Average Visitors / Day | 2,573 | N/A | 1,442 | |||||
| Average Open Hours/ Week (Sep - Apr) | 76 | 0 | 76 | |||||
| Seating Capacity | 941 | 941 | 941 | |||||
| Number of Workstations | 141 | 141 | 141 | |||||
* Days Open refers to days open to the public. While the Library was open to staff 288 days in 2020/21, the library was not open to the public.
In partnership with Student Engagement and Mental Health Initiatives, the Library and Learning Commons hosted a Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) for students in each semester of 2021/22. While the summer event was held online, the fall and spring semesters incorporated a hybrid format with virtual workshops and in-person activities such as chair massages by Langara RMT students. All events proved to be very popular with students and garnered positive feedback from participants. The spring event was the best attended LNAP since its inception in 2020.
|
Semester |
Attendees |
|
Summer 2021 |
53 |
|
Fall 2021 |
100 |
|
Spring 2022 |
102 |
In September 2021, Library staff welcomed students back to campus for the first time since the March 2020 shutdown.
To celebrate Science Literacy Week in September 2021, the Library hosted a Science Comics Contest! Students were invited to draw a comic of a scientific research finding for a chance to win a $50 Langara Bookstore gift card.
The Library celebrated Academic Integrity Week in October 2021 by highlighting some academic integrity memes made by Langara students - and some book titles on the topic too. Students were encouraged to take the Academic Integrity Week Pledge and earning to earn a button and/or digital badge.
In October 2021, Library staff were happy to once again be able to celebrate Halloween in person with costumes and (mandatory) masks!
The Library regularly celebrates members of the Langara community who have authored books. Here is our Langara Authors display from November 2021.
De-stress Fest returned in-person from November 29 - December 10, 2021. Among many activities across campus, the Library set up an Origami Station on the floor, where students could add a square to the origami quilt or make a sculpture of their choosing.
The Library promoted a Black History Month in February 2022 with resources that highlight the history of Black oppression as well as celebrating Black joy and the contributions of Black Canadians in our communities.
In February 2022, staff wore pink in recognition of Pink Shirt Day. Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of bullying, raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem, and celebrate kindness.
The Library's February 2022 Blind Date with a Book Valentine's display was a hit with students. Visitors were invited to check out a title from our collection based solely on a brief blurb.
Students in Langara's RMT program attended both in-person Long Night Against Procrastination events in November 2021 and March 2022 to provide relaxing chair massages to participants.
The Library celebrated International Women's Day in March 2022 by featuring stories from our collection of resistance, advocacy, truth, rage, and courage by and about women.
With the return to campus, the Library was able to once again host its ever-popular De-Stress Fest in person in the fall and spring semesters. During exam time, the Library transforms its space into a fun and relaxing environment for students to unwind and have some fun while they cram for their final exams. This year the Library hosted events such as an origami and colouring lounges, re-fuel stations with coffee and treats, and the Library Living Room, which had puzzles, games, and snacks for students to enjoy. The Library also supported students not on campus by curating some of the best online resources from the library collection and around Langara to help students stay calm, healthy and ready for success.