We were thrilled to have the chance to participate in this year’s Saskatchewan Archives Week video series. Follow the link below for a behind-the-scenes tour of the U of R Archives. Thanks to the Saskatchewan Council for Archives & Archivists and On Reel Media for helping us put the video together! Happy Archives Week!
Category: Uncategorized
Meet Abby Phair our Arts Intern
The Archer Library and Archives are pleased to host Arts Intern Abby Phair for this semester. As part of a partnership between Grow Regina, the Faculty of Arts and the University Archives, Abby is documenting the history of Grow Regina for future research use. Welcome Abby!
Photo Credit: Jessica Hunter Photography
Yearbook Collection launch (digitized yearbooks)
CRKN (the Canadian Research Knowledge Network) is delighted to announce that 34 student publications from the University of Regina, representing approximately 3,000 pages of content, have been added to the Canadiana collection. The publications were digitized and made available by CRKN with the collaboration of the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, University of Regina.
The collection includes the early student journal The College Register (https://www.canadiana.ca/view/sru.00001 ) which was published intermittently from 1914 to 1930. Issues contain news about faculty, staff, and students, as well as campus events, student literature, and local advertisements. The collection also includes the student yearbooks The Freshman (1946–1962) ( https://www.canadiana.ca/view/sru.00002 ) and its successor The Tower (1962–1968) ( https://www.canadiana.ca/view/sru.00003).
These publications give us a glimpse into life at the University of Regina’s predecessor institutions and campuses across the country, and provide insight into the issues of the day through a student’s perspective. The University of Regina student publication collection represents another noteworthy addition of CRKN member content to Canadiana, following the addition of the McGill University Library map collection. It is also a meaningful addition to Canadiana’s existing body of student publications.
CRKN is grateful to staff at the University of Regina for their participation in this initiative. This collection of University of Regina student publications is available on Canadiana.ca: https://www.canadiana.ca/search/?depositor=sru&dt=&df
For questions or comments about this collection, please contact Georgia Ashworth, Heritage Engagement Officer, at gashworth@crkn.ca.
Image credit: Page 6 of The Tower yearbook, 1962, available on Canadiana.ca
Black History Month
We’ve updated our Library Leisure Guide for Black History Month. Check out the amazing suggestions for books, films, and other resources that explore the Black culture, history and artistry. Did you know that you can stream 2022’s celebrated films Till and The Woman King through our Audio Cine database?
Data in Everyday Life – Invisible Data Part 3
– Kaetlyn Phillips
Thanks to Kevin Manual from Toronto Metropolitan University, and Jeremy Buhler from University of British Columbia for providing input and advice on this topic.
This month we’re looking at the missing data on sexual orientation. While the 2021 Census of Canada contained a question on gender identity, it did not include a question on sexual orientation. Other censuses, such as the 2021 UK Census and the forthcoming 2023 New Zealand Census had/plan on having both a gender identity question and sexual orientation question. In theory, it makes sense to ask both questions, especially since the census already collects data on same-sex marriage and common-law relationships. Why not ask about sexual orientation and get more detailed, inclusive, and representative data?
In 2019 as part of the lead up to the 2021 Census, Statistics Canada reported that the largest information gap was the 2SLGBTQ+ gap including data on gender, sexual orientation, and both gender and sexual orientation. The general public, non-government organizations, academics, and government at all levels recognized the data gap and the increasing need to be more inclusive. However, in the Canadian Census for 2021, the reasoning for not including a question on sexual orientation was due to community consultation. The public consultation featured feedback from non-heterosexual participants who were concerned about having their data shared. Statistics Canada had the correct response as equity deserving groups should have control over whether or not these data are collected.
Through Statistics Canada, we do have approximate data on LGBTQ+ populations, but these data are starting to get dated and are collected through smaller surveys which provide less geographic data. There’s also community data collected by other organizations that can provide vital information, but cannot be applied to all of Canada. As discussed in Invisible Data Part 2, the census allows data to be consulted at a granular geographic level and typically has a high response rate (97% for 2021), which is useful for highlighting representation, identifying barriers, targeting services, and community policy planning. Consultation with the public is already beginning for the 2026 Census and it is possible the community consultation will result in a sexual orientation question. We won’t know what content will be added to Census until probably 2025, but it does appear that more inclusive data collection will be considered.
Blind Date with a Sask Book
Starting February 1st, the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives invites you to participate in “Blind Date with a Sask Book.”
Here’s how it works: Visit the Archer Library to browse the display of wrapped books and judge each one—not by their cover, but by their descriptions. Once you have found a book that piques your interest, bring it to the Help Desk with your University of Regina ID Card to borrow your “Blind Date.” After you’ve read your book, rate your date! Use the QR code or Bitly link on the bookmark in your “Blind Date” to complete the “Rate your Date” form for a chance to win a one of two prize packages generously donated by the University of Regina Press (approximate value $125!) The books included in each prize pack are shown in the accompanying photo.
Borrow a “Blind Date Sask Book” and complete the “Rate your Date” form by February 14th, 2023 for a chance to win. The “Blind Date with a Sask Book” runs from February 1st through February 14th (Valentine’s Day) and aims to pair a reader with their perfect Sask book.
Rate your Date here: https://library.uregina.ca/literarycontest/f/blinddate
Welcome to the University Archives, Kennedy Ermel!
Welcome to the University Archives, Kennedy Ermel! As part of the requirements for an Honours History project and Arts internship, Kennedy is identifying stories and items in the Archives’ collection to support the U of R’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month 2023
For Indigenous people, storytelling is both a gift, and a very old custom to teach, entertain and remember. February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month and the Dr. John Archer Library & Archives will, along with other libraries, and community organizations throughout Saskatchewan, participate in the annual event. Join Elder Jane Carriere, a retired Métis nurse, entertainer, and beader, on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:30 pm in the Archway Gallery for a lively session! More information about the province-wide Aboriginal Storytelling project is at https://www.lssap.ca/sk-aboriginal-storytelling-2023.
Newest Donation From Regina Artist Wilf Perreault
The Dr. John Archer Archives and Special Collections is excited to announce that the newest donation from Regina artist Wilf Perreault is available for viewing and research. This collection includes many of Wilf’s creations, including prints, Christmas cards, and items from his early days as a young artist.
More information on the collection and the artist can be found here: https://www.uregina.ca/library/services/archives/collections/art-architecture/perreault.html
Image: Wilf Perreault “Heading Home” (2018) Silkscreen Print 76(2). Photo by Jason Cawood.
3D Virtual Tour
The Archer Library website now has a 3D virtual tour feature! It’s a great tool for new and prospective students who want to familiarize themselves with our building before they arrive in person, or for current and returning students who just need a refresher on where things are located. Try it out for yourself on our home page at the “3D Virtual Tour” link under “Popular Services.” Or go there directly: https://archer.uregina.ca/archertour/