The Library and Learning Commons aims to develop new ways of working together within the Library.
In the fall of 2023, Langara Library established the Climate Action Group, dedicated to fostering sustainability within the Langara community. In April 2024, the group partnered with the City of Vancouver to organize a Neighbourhood Cleanup Party to commemorate Earth Day.
The Climate Action Group is set to host a seed bomb-making workshop during the De-Stress Fest Wellness Fair in July 2024. Seed bombs, compact bundles filled with wildflower seeds, are designed to be scattered across landscapes to foster the resurgence of indigenous flora. This initiative not only promotes the growth of native plant species but also supports the creation of vital ecosystems for pollinating insects.
Photo: Library staff members participate in the Neighbourhood Cleanup Party to celebrate Earth Day.
Alli Sullivan was elected as the Library's new Department Chair after Ryan Vernon's 6-year term came to an end. Dan Slessor was elected as the Library's Reference Coordinator. Librarian Alison Curtis resumed her full-time position at the Library in the summer of 2024 following her tenure as Chief Steward for the Langara Faculty Association. Jarvis Sparks, who served as an interim replacement during Alison's leave, will continue on as the Library’s permanent Science Librarian.
Over the past year, the Library's Borrower Services department welcomed several new additions: Hilson Wan, who started in November 2023, and Michelle Lam and Jude LaBelle, both of whom joined in April 2024. Rob MacGregor moved from Borrower Services to the Copyright Office and Meaghan Rafferty moved into a new role on the Reference Services team.
Joining the ASC team as instructors are Zsuzsanna Cipak in the Langara Return to Learning Course and David Brooks in the Langara Student Success Course. In a new position in the ASC, Gary Cho was hired as the ASC Coordinator.
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, delivered workshops for students in the Langara Library Technician program, and once again hosted the Pacific Autism Family Network's Employment Works job shadow participants for an orientation of library work at Langara.
Professional Development
The Library actively encourages staff to seek professional development opportunities. This year, library workers attended numerous PD events on topics ranging from Indigenous cultural safety and Indigenous knowledge to conflict resolution, preventing targeted violence, and bystander intervention training.
Committees
Members of the Library serve on numerous professional committees and working groups. in 2023/24 Director Suzanne Rackover began her role as Incoming President on the Board of the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA), in addition to serving on the Board of the BC Libraries Co-op. Other library members continue to serve on other professional committees, including: