Regina has been caught in a very cold spell these last few weeks. We have persevered, and hopefully this week has been either a rest-and-relaxation week, or a productive catch-up week! Archer Library will continue to be open regular hours as students prepare for the rest of the semester. Come and say hi to the friendly folks at the front desk who can help you with your studying and research questions!
If you didn’t have a chance to have a winter break in warmer climates, here is a heartwarming story about the magnificent Biblioburro! Luis Soriano brings books to remote areas of Columbia on two donkeys, providing education and reading material to those who would otherwise have little access. “Biblioburro” is basically a play on words that means just what you imagine: Donkey Library! Biblioburro has inspired a couple of children’s books, and even a PBS special.
Photo credit and more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioburro
The University Library has recently purchased a map titled Coming Home Indigenous Place Names in Canada. Located on Archer Library’s main floor by the elevators, the intention of the map is to create respect for Indigenous homelands and sovereignties, and a feeling for and understanding of the place names across Canada, shared by permission of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and people.
Brad Doerksen has been a librarian with the Archer Library for three years. His first role here was as a copyright librarian, but he now serves as our Student Success Librarian. Away from the library, Brad enjoys puzzles, canoeing, and cycling.
Who are your favourite writers?
J.R.R Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, Stephen Lawhead, George Marsden, Nigel Tranter
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be fluently multi-lingual.
Where would you most like to live?
On semi-deserted island where the temperature is always between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius that has good waterways, nice bike paths, and an abundance of naturally occurring produce.
What is your most treasured possession?
A bible that my grandfather gave me that he in turn received from his grandfather.
What is your motto or favourite quote?
“Such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
What’s one powerful piece of advice for living a fulfilling life?
Never stop learning. Especially in areas you think you have things figured out.
The Archer Library’s new hall display celebrates Black History Month. Featured are selected resources on black history in Canada and the experiences of black Canadians.
Additional resources on this subject – including books, articles, videos, music, and children’s literature – can be found by searching in Quick Find.
You may also want to check out some of our databases which index materials on black history, culture, art, and drama.
As always, library staff and librarians are happy to help you with finding material on this, or any, topic. Visit or contact the staff at the Help Desk for more information!
The University of Regina Library, aka Archer Library, is proud to work with three other libraries on campus through the Federated Colleges: Luther Library, Campion Library, and the First Nations University of Canada Library. Students, staff and faculty are able to utilize services in all of the libraries across campus.
Around the world, libraries come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve probably heard of Tiny Libraries, Community Libraries or Little Free Libraries: an individual or a neighbourhood sets up a little post-box style shelter where folks can come and “borrow” books that people voluntarily place in the box. They serve many purposes (some are even set up as food banks), but perhaps the most exciting are that they a) Promote community involvement, sharing and giving b) They provide reading material to those who may have difficulty accessing their local library and c) They’re fun!
They’ve popped up across the world, and you may even have seen some in our fair province!
Featured above is an amazing tiny library that a librarian built in an old tree stump! Check out the following link (also the photo credit) to read about this amazing little library. https://mymodernmet.com/little-free-library-tree-stump/
Corina is another of the friendly faces you see at the Help Desk. She has been a Library User Services Assistant since January of 2015 (happy 4th anniversary, Corina!) and has become known for her wonderful laugh and passion for sharing her knowledge about library research.
Away from work, Corina has many varied interests: cycling, ancestry research, traveling the country with her husband and dog, hiking, listening to CBC radio, Netflix binge watching, and singing with the U of R Concert Choir.
Corina’s beloved dog, Laika.
What’s the one book you suggest everyone read? Why?
“A fine balance” by Mistry Rohinton, if you enjoy novels with many characters that are being followed for several decades. When I was reading this book it reminded me of the British television series “The Jewel in the Crown”. This tv series is based on the Raj Quartet novels by Paul Scott. Since reading gives you the opportunity to travel in your mind, I wish you a good journey to India’s 20th century history.
Who are your favourite writers?
Lindsey Davis (Falco Mysteries), Louise Penny, Richard Adams, Heather O’Neill, Maya Angelou, John Irving, and my all-time favourite, Astrid Lindgren.
Which person – living or dead – do you most admire?
Vincent van Gogh, because of this:
Early last year, I was in the Netherlands and had the opportunity to visit the exhibition Inspiration from Japan. And in a letter to his brother Theo van Gogh he writes: “And we wouldn’t be able to study Japanese art, it seems to me, without becoming much happier and more cheerful, and it makes us return to nature, despite our education and our work in a world of convention.” If you ever visit Amsterdam you should make an effort to visit the Vincent van Gogh Museum.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is moving from the Netherlands to Canada. In addition to an achievement it can also be viewed as a miracle since my ancestry records on my paternal side show that my ancestors have been living in the city of Leiden (Netherlands) since the 16th century!
What is your motto or favourite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
The University of Regina including the Library will re-open on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Librarians and Library Staff look forward to serving you in the New Year.
Read below tweet if you are wondering what “we” are doing while the Archer Library is closed.
It's an open secret that all archaeologists, librarians, curators, book dealers and archivists are secret agents. When we say "out of the office", we mean "screaming GIVE ME THE OTHER HALF OF THE AMULET to a rival whilst battling with them on the edge of a waterfall"
Archer Library’s External Communications and Promotions team and the friendly front desk staff have been busy adding a little holiday cheer to the library. Take a few moments to rest from stressful studying and check out the decorations! “Snow is Falling – Books are Calling” can be found on the main floor of Archer, outside of Archives. We hope our friendly snow people add a little warmth to your day!
The Archway Exhibition Space is still accepting artwork for their Winter 2019 exhibition. The Archway accepts both student artwork and alumni artwork throughout the year during our three scheduled exhibitions.
