Views From the Library – Tiny Tree Stump Library!

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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/

Meet the Staff: Corina van den Berg

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.

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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

Town halls and Trudeau in the University of Regina Library Collection…

As you have likely heard, the University of Regina will be the location for the public town hall with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, January 10th, 2019.

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Image from Pixabay by tdentremont

It seems like the perfect occasion for us to highlight the following titles from the University of Regina library collection:

Town halls of Canada: a collection of essays on pre-1930 town hall buildings by Marc de Caraffe

Justin Trudeau: the natural heir by Huguette Young

Common Ground by Justin Trudeau

Maggie & Pierre: a fantasy of love, politics, and the media (a play) by Linda Griffiths and Paul Thompson

Beyond reason by Margaret Trudeau

If you are interested in finding more resources about Canadian politics or politics in general, check out our Political Science Research Guide.

Season’s Greetings from Archer Library

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.
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Read below tweet if you are wondering what “we” are doing while the Archer Library is closed.

Views From the Library – Snow much fun!

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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!

Feeling stressed during exams?

Take a moment and congratulate yourself on making it this far. Final exams can be a stressful time so drop by the Archer Alcove in the library for a coffee at our new machine and a game of Jenga, or whatever activity you find stress relieving. You can also get your free cup of java in your own mug outside the Library, courtesy of UR Sustainability and Chartwells.

It is important to find ways to manage the stress that comes with the pressures of exams and end of term deadlines, including finding time to relax (maybe watching a movie) and planning your study times (maybe taking advantage of the Library’s extended hours). And remember, when your usual stress relieving tactics don’t seem to be working, you can seek out help at Counselling Services at 306-585-4491.

Library Hours Extended During Exams

Need more study time?

To serve our students, Archer Library will remain open until 2 a.m. from Friday, December 7, 2018 to December 20, 2018.

Access from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. will be to the main floor only, with 400 seats available. Services will be limited. Community Assistants will be monitoring the front door, refilling paper trays and performing seat counts.

Students are allowed to park in any M and Z lots after 5 pm (other than spots for persons with disabilities). It is recommended that students park in Lots 14 and 15 after 10 pm as access will remain open to the AdHum and Language Institute buildings after 11 p.m. for students utilizing nearby parking or returning to residences.  Students will also be able to move from the Archer Library through the Classroom and Lab Hallways up to the Campus Security office in order to access parking on that side of campus.

Chartwells has committed to keeping The Grind open during final exam time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday. Kisik and Lab Café will be open on weekends.

Meet the Staff: Kelly Jackman

Kelly has been with the Archer Library for seven years.  You may recognize her as one of the friendly faces in User Services.  In addition to her work at the Help Desk, Kelly is supervisor to our amazing crew of student assistants.  Kelly leads a very active life outside of the library and loves to read, dance, knit, watch baseball, and travel.

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What’s one skill that everyone should develop?

Communication ….because you learn to be a good listener, you have clarity, confidence.  You are friendly and learn respect.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Dancing……if you are moving you stay in shape and the music makes you smile.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising 3 daughters on my own….all 3 have good jobs and have been married for over 10 years.

What is your motto or favourite quote?

If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all…..or

If you are going to do something, then do it right the 1st time.

What’s one powerful piece of advice for living a fulfilling life?

Life is short, be kind to one another.

Views From The Library – Peaceful Studying at Archer

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It’s that time of the year and the semester!   Projects are being finished,  exams are being prepared.   In the rush of the school year before the break, it’s healthy and helpful to take a moment to relax and refresh.  Many students come to the library to study for their exams.   Did you know that the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of Archer Library have designated quiet areas where you can study peacefully?  There are wonderfully comfy chairs and private study stations,  and amazing views that give a calming ambiance.  Check out the view from the 5th floor of the library!  Good luck to everyone on all of your exams and projects!   The library resources and our wonderful staff are here to help you!