The Library and Learning Commons aims to develop new ways of working together within the Library.
“Thank you for all your amazing help in the past. I'm amazed by how fast all you people at the library help us students when we are on deadlines!!”
"Thanks so much for your presentation today! A few of the students told me they found it very useful and interesting, and I did too.”
"Thank you so very much for taking the time to assist me and my team in finding good sources of research for our project. You have really helped us out."
"Thank you so much for your help! I needed this article so badly! I received the other email and successfully downloaded the pdf. Thank you very much again. This article is a true treasure."
"Thank you so much! Your support is always a valuable addition to my courses."
"I really love librarians and library technicians. Thanks so much!"
"I must thank the world to you for your help in my essay. I feel as if I should've mentioned you in my bibliography, however, my whole gratitude for your help. I was able to find the sources I needed and as a result I was able to produce a paper I am proud of."
"It's been so great to have you do the workshop for my classes. The students enjoyed it and shared in their course evaluations how useful the resources were for them. Thank you!"
Source: Staff Monthly Highlights Reports
Following Library Director Debbie Schachter’s transition to the role of Associate Vice-President, Students, in October 2022, Suzanne Rackover assumed the position of Director, Library Services and Learning Commons on February 20, 2023. Suzanne brings with her over 10 years of experience in the library field, starting with her Master of Library and Information Studies degree from McGill University. She began her career as an Art Librarian at The Banff Centre in Alberta and was later promoted to Manager, Library and Archives after three years. In 2016, Suzanne made the move to British Columbia, serving as the University Librarian at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. In each of her leadership roles, Suzanne prioritized her team's well-being, and she is enthusiastic about bringing this mindset to her new role as Director at Langara.
Over the past year, the Langara Library team has experienced both new additions and farewells from several valued colleagues. Joyce Wong, formerly the Creative Arts Librarian, has transitioned to the role of Associate Director of the Library and Academic Success Centre, and Rebecca Slaven has been hired as the new Creative Arts and Student Engagement Librarian. Media Librarian Annie Jensen returned from parental leave in October 2022, while her two leave replacements, Mia Clarkson and Jarvis Sparks, transitioned to new roles at the University of Toronto and Richmond Public Library, respectively. Copyright Librarian Lindsay Tripp also returned from parental leave in October 2022 and her leave replacement, Caroline Korbel, has since joined Vancouver Island University Library. Sciences Librarian Maddy Walter has exciting opportunities awaiting her in the United States, and departed Langara in June 2023.
In May 2022, Glenda McClean, a long-serving member of the Library team, retired from her position as Supervisor of Borrower Services. We express our congratulations to Glenda on her retirement and thank her for her dedicated service. Stepping into the role of Supervisor of Borrower Services is Brie McMillian, who brings her expertise and commitment to this important position. Vanessa Brown joined the Library team in February 2022 as a Reference Assistant, bringing with her several years of experience from her previous work with our neighbors at CAPER-BC. Jen Brown, formerly from Borrower Services, has transitioned to working with CAPER-BC. Mackenzie Skillin and Gary Cho have joined our Borrower Services team. Finally, after many years of service, Richard Chong, a long-time reference assistant, retired in May 2023, and we extend our best wishes to him.
Congratulation to our employees who celebrated service milestones with Langara College this year: Linda Ma and Mary Danieli (25 years); Richard Birkenes (20 years); Gary Kalmek, Ryan Vernon, and Vivian Feng (15 years); Annie Jensen, Lindsay Tripp, and Meaghan Rafferty (10 years); and Julie Cole and Philip Wong (5 years).
Library staff celebrating milestones at the College's employee recognition event. (Left to right: Julie Cole, Lindsay Tripp, Annie Jensen, Gary Kalmek, and Richard Birkenes)
This year, members of the team continued to contribute to the library profession through participation in working groups, committees, and conference presentations, including the BCLA Conference, the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Dublin, Ireland, and the ARLIS/NA Conference in Mexico City.
Library staff continue to work closely with future librarians and library professionals. This past year, librarians taught courses and delivered guest lectures at the UBC iSchool, participated in networking events with library students, and delivered workshops for students in the Langara Library Technician program.