The Library and Learning Commons aims to be a vital partner to support learning and research across campus.
Source: Staff Monthly Highlights Reports
Working with the College's Strategic Communications & Marketing department, the ASC launched a new website to better communicate with students and improve its web presence. The ASC also launched Nimbus, an innovative tutoring platform that has streamlined student access to tutoring services and enhanced data collection related to user engagement. The Writing and Tutoring Centre and the Peer Supported Learning services are currently offered on the platform.
Designed as an event to promote ASC services and connect with Langara Faculty and staff, the ASC hosted Wednesday Eats with ASC in January 2024. It was a very successful event with over 50 attendees from both academic and student support departments.
Photo: Wednesday Eats with the ASC event
The Library hosted the Long Night Against Procrastination in July and October of 2023, with over 120 students registering to connect with supports across campus and to partake in stress-relieving games and activities.
In June 2023, the Library celebrated Pride Month with a book display and a button-making station in the library lobby.
In August and September 2023, Library staff members connected with new and returning students at the Back to School department fair and through a Library Orientation Scavenger Hunt, during which students followed clues to get to know library resources and services for a chance to win coffee shop gift cards.
Halloween is always a spectacularly spooky time at the library. In addition to creative costumes and decorations, the Library hosted a Halloween Film Fest, during which library staff selected their favourite scary movies from the collection to screen in the lobby in the lead-up to Halloween.
Library love is in the air around Valentine's Day. The Library's "Blind Date With a Book" display was once again a big hit throughout February 2024.
In addition to prizes, games, and massages, February 2024's Mid-Term Power-Up (MTPU) featured a variety of supports that students could access, including representatives from the Langara Student Success Course, the Library, the Writing & Tutoring Centre, and Mental Health Ambassadors).
Massages from Langara's RMT students continue to be a highlight of the Library's De-Stress Fest. In March 2024, RMT students delivered over 110 massages during their visit to the Library. Students also indulged in snacks, played games, and relaxed at the popular colouring lounge.
In April 2024, the Library celebrated Sikh Heritage Month and our large Sikh student population in various ways, including an interactive Punjab map and a Sikh Heritage Month button-making station.
The Library hosted successful Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) events during the Summer and Fall semesters of 2023. Timed to coincide with mid-term examinations, LNAP offers students a chance to participate in study skills and writing workshops, as well as receive personalized assistance with research, writing, and citation practices. The event also provides relaxation opportunities, including snacks, chair massages, and other fun activities. In the Spring 2024 semester, the event was rebranded as the Midterm Power-Up (MTPU), a name that more accurately represents the event’s emphasis on providing resources for managing academic workload as well as the shift to an earlier time in the day when the majority of our commuting students are on campus.
In addition to the LNAP/MTPU, De-Stress Fest remains a popular event for students seeking relief from the stresses of exam periods. Over the past year, the event included a variety of activities such as crafting, gaming sessions, colouring lounges, and massages provided by RMT students. These events continue to support the well-being of students during the most demanding times of the academic year.
Photo: Students participate in various activities in the Library as part of the Midterm Power-Up.
The Library is woven into the fabric of Langara College. Library representatives continue to sit on a variety of cross-College committees, including:
The Library also collaborated with Mental Health Initiatives on creating a library display as well as a Mental Health and Well-Bering Library guide, highlighting resources on topics such as procrastination, self-care, sleep hygiene, and self-compassion.