About

All the way back in 1993, we celebrated to opening of the Sport & Wellness Centre! Other than the fashion trends of visitors, it doesn't look like much has changed. It has certainly aged VERY well! Below is the original announcement in MacEwan Today and a photo:

"On June 19th we threw open the doors and invited everyone to tour this wonderful facility. And everyone came – close to 5,000 people watched an incredible array of events. Gymnasium activities included karate demonstrations, aerobics and step classes, badminton games and basketball free-throw. In the pool, athletes performed synchronized swimming, water polo, canoeing manoeuvres and diving. Participants worked out in the weight room and others played racquetball, squash and wallyball in the courts area.

More than 300 participants and another 40 volunteers helped to make this event an incredible success and showcase our new MacEwan Centre for Sport & Wellness. Have you purchased your privilege card yet? They’re going fast!" (Sources: MacEwan Today, July 5, 1993, and 2017-03-17_45 Box 7 Folder 22). 

For other stories from our past, visit the University Archives.

With so many live events taking place in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we hope that you are busy learning from Elders and Knowledge Keepers with open mind, body, heart and spirit!

For those looking to learn and celebrate on a flexible timeline, we invite you to explore the following resources and more available through MacEwan Library and kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre:

Watching

NFB Hothouse 12 Playlist (Film Shorts): https://www.nfb.ca/m/playlists/ce22e1e897e34a679b876a482c6cf503/playback/

Kayak to Klemtu (Feature Film): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/cat00565a/8803674

kihêw waciston YouTube (Recorded Teachings): https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphcqfaWCkt8Z7rkIiTrdL8Bjnm00ylk5

Listening

2 Crees in a Pod (Podcast): https://anchor.fm/terri-suntjens

enâtawâstemikweyahk nehiyaw (Cree) Meditation Album (Streaming Album): http://smarturl.it/creemeditation

CFWE Radio (Windspeaker Media): https://www.cfweradio.ca/

Reclaimed with Jarrett Martineau (CBC Radio): https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-184-reclaimed

Reading

Little You (Richard Van Camp & Julie Flett, Online Board Book): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/cat00565a/8606301

This Place: 150 Years Retold (Online Graphic Novel Anthology): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/cat00565a/9072131

Love Beyond Body, Space And Time (Ed. Hope Nicholson, Print Anthology): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/cat00565a/8133708

The Knowledge Seeker: Embracing Indigenous Spirituality (Blair Stonechild, Online): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/nlebk/1912360

Life Stages and Native Women: Memory, Teachings, and Story Medicine (Kim Anderson, Online): https://library.macewan.ca/full-record/nlebk/497412

The second phase of the renovation of the John L. Haar Library is well underway! 

In the first phase of the renovation (completed August 2020) work focused on the third floor of the library, increasing study space for students. The second phase began in late March and focuses on the second or “main” floor of the library. The redesign will feature easier access to services, better traffic flow, numerous cosmetic upgrades, and more natural light. 

Here’s some highlights of what we’re looking forward to: 

• New grand staircase – The staircase in building 7 is getting a makeover into a long grand staircase. It will also be moved back a bit to make more space by the service desk area. 

• Increased natural light from the south side of the library – The Technology Support desk will be incorporated into a new central service desk. The windows behind that space will add more sunshine to the second floor. 

• Feature wall graphic designed by student artists – Behind the updated service desk will be a feature wall designed by some of MacEwan’s graphic design students! 

• Dedicated space for the Writing Centre and Makerspace – Both the Writing Centre and our Makerspace will have new homes and larger spaces within the library on the second floor in building 6. 

• Better traffic flow through the central part of the library – Between classes the library becomes a high traffic area as everyone rushes to their next class. Moving the staircase back and updating our service desk will provide more space for everyone moving between buildings or waiting for assistance at the desk. 

Check out some progress shots of the renovations! 

[Here’s a shot of the staircase before demolition. It will be moved to the other end of the opening and come straight down to the second floor rather than bending in the middle.] 

[Here’s a photo of the service desk area after the old desk and wall were removed. The new desk will be a centralized place to ask all your library and tech support questions!] 

[The Exam Services Centre has move to a new space on campus and the library is using the old space to create dedicated areas for the Writing Centre and Makerspace. These spaces will be in building 6 on the second floor next to the Mac computer lab.] 

Reopening is scheduled for the start of classes in Fall 2021. Watch for information about our grand reopening! 

In the meantime, our Library Takeout Service is available to pick up holds and ID cards, borrow laptops and other equipment, and get assistance with your library account. Research and account assistance is also available through Library Chat. 

Garage sales, casinos, and staff donations helped get the MacEwan college foundation over 1 million dollars in 1984. An amazing accomplishment! Check out this announcement from MacEwan Today in 1984:

"Give yourself a pat on the back. Thanks to staff efforts and donations, the college foundation went over the million dollar mark for the first time since its beginnings in January 1980. “Staff have not only contributed through cash and deferred giving, but have pitched in and helped put on fundraising events,” said executive director Terry Flannigan. 

A fall appeal encourages staff to make regular donations. Deferred giving, which makes the college benefactor to life insurance policies, is becoming increasingly popular. Staff also participated in a garage sale and casino. An $18,000 Mazda RX7 will be raffled off in December. Sixty thousand $1 tickets are on sale now. 

Donations can be directed toward a specific endowment fund, such as the one for scholarships and bursaries which foundation’s Janet Wright hopes will be topped off in 1984. Donations reached 80 percent of the $250,000 goal in 1983. Funding is also being sought to refloor the Mill Woods gym. A thanks a million wine and cheese will be held for deferred givers, June 4, Jasper Place Campus." (Source: MacEwan Today, May 30, 1984). 

For other stories from our past, visit the University Archives.

May the Fourth be with you! MacEwan Library has an amazing treasure trove of materials on Star Wars, from books (online and in the library) to streaming music. Disappointed you will not be!  

Ebooks:  

• David Brin and Matthew Woodring Stover – Star Wars on Trial: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time 

• Douglas Brode and Leah Deyneka – Sex, Politics, and Religion in Star Wars: An Anthology  

• Will Brooker – Star Wars (British Film Institute Classics Series) 

• Max Brooks, John Amble, M. L. Cavanaugh, and Jaym Gates – Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict  

• Joel R. Campbell and Gigi Gokcek – The Final Frontier: International Relations and Politics Through Star Trek and Star Wars  

• Jason T. Eberl and Kevin S. Decker – The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy: You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned (Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series)  

• Mika Elovaara – Fan Phenomena: Star Wars 

• Dan Golding – Star Wars After Lucas: A Critical Guide to the Future of the Galaxy  

• Daniel A. Hassler-Forest and Sean A. Guynes – Star Wars and the History of Transmedia Storytelling  

• Peter W. Lee – A Galaxy Here and Now: Historical and Cultural Readings of Star Wars  

• Paul F. McDonald – The Star Wars Heresies: Interpreting the Themes, Symbols and Philosophies of Episodes I, II and III  

• John C. McDowell – Identity Politics in George Lucas’ Star Wars  

• Derek R. Sweet – Star Wars in the Public Square: The Clone Wars as Political Dialogue (Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy)  

Print Books: 

• Linton Davies – The Editing of Star Wars: How Cutting Creating a Classic PN1995.9 .S695 D38 2011 

• Kevin S. Decker and Jason T. Eberl – Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine PN1995.9 .S695 S76 2005 

• Patrick Johnson – The Physics of Star Wars: The Science Behind a Galaxy Far, Far Away QC75 .J64 2017 

• George Lucas and J. W. Rinzler – Star Wars Art: Visions PN1997 .S65943 S78 2010 

• Dennis O’Neil and Virginia M. Mecklenburg – Star Wars Art: Comics PN6728 .S73 S45 2011 

• Matthew Reinhart – Star Wars: A Galactic Pop-Up Adventure Z1033 .T68 R44 2012 (Pop-Up Books Collection)  

• J. W. Rinzler and Lucasfilm, Ltd. – Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy PN1995.9 .S695 S825 2014 

• Howard Roffman and Steven Heller – Star Wars Art: Illustration PN1997 .S65943 S75 2012 

• Terryl Whitlatch and Bob Carrau – The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide PN1995.9 .S695 W49 2001 

Streaming Music:  

• David Helbock Trio – Playing John Williams  

• Joel McNeely – Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Royal Scottish National Orchestra) 

• Noteworthy – Star Wars: A Capella Strikes Back  

• John Williams – The Music of Star Wars (London Symphony Orchestra) and Star Wars and Return of the Jedi (National Philharmonic)  

View the full reading list in our catalogue to check the status of our materials.  A green checkmark next to an item in our reading list means it’s available to borrow. A blue checkmark means you can read/watch online. 

More than careers take flight at 1997 Convocation 

The GMCC Students' Association knew it had found the most appropriate way to commemo­rate its 25th anniversary when it decided to adopt an injured eagle to be released at convocation.  

Besides the chance to return one of nature's finest specimens to the wild, the S.A. feels the release of the once-injured eagle to be sym­bolic of the college's ability to import greater freedom, opportu­nity and life skills to its gradu­ates.  

The release of the majestic bird of prey, named Mac after Dr. J. W. Grant MacEwan, also symbolizes the college namesake's high regard for the environment, and his desire to leave it better than he found it. Mac came to the Alberta Society for Injured Birds of Prey starving, half blind and suffering from a blow to the head - afflictions that could have easily ended the approximately 10 year old bird. An estimated life span of 40 years makes the work put into its recuperation that much more important. Specialists in this type of care, the ASIBP says Mac has since healed nicely and should be in fine form when it comes time to 'graduate' from the outdoor aviary to the forests of Alberta. 

Mac is scheduled to be released April 6 at Hawrelak Park and the association hopes as many as possible will be able to attend. (Sources: Intercamp, March 17, 1997, and 2017-02-14/40, Box 2 Folder 12) 

For other stories from our past, visit the University Archives. 

We've all been watching more videos since the beginning of the pandemic, but none more so that our students! The Library provides access to all sorts of films, from educational documentaries to independent films. But did you know that behind the scenes, the Library is also involved in supporting videos posted in Blackboard, especially eReserves items? You can find all sorts of MacEwan create videos at streaming.macewan.ca.

Most professors have been creating and uploading instructional videos, and we can see, at a glance, how those videos are being used (don't worry, we haven't collected any personal information!). For instance, over eleven million minutes have been viewed since February 2020! That's a lot of (educational) screen time. And, these minutes have been viewed by over 19,000 unique viewers. We're reaching a lot of people.

But which video has reached the most people since the pandemic began? It's "Finding and Accessing Your Blackboard Courses," with 5,432 plays.

Even when the pandemic winds down, we'll continue to offer video content and support. Let us know what you think! library@macewan.ca 

What is it like to get feedback from the Writing Centre?

Your paper doesn't have to be finished to receive feedback; we accept work at any stage of the process. The Writing Centre does it’s best to return submissions within three business days. As you’ll see, we provide a lot of information for you to consider and integrate, so we encourage students to plan ahead and submit their paper early.

When you submit your work, please share a few concerns that you have about work. This will help us tailor our feedback to support you!

The tutor will review your paper keeping the concerns you have raised in mind. They will also see if there are any other areas you will want to revise in your work.

The feedback you receive will be in two parts: First, the tutor will explain their concerns for each area they focus on, in Areas Needing Improvement. They will then provide specific strategies and resources in Next Steps.

Your feedback will outline Areas Needing Improvement and provide specific strategies and resources in Next Steps.

Finally, the tutor will leave embedded comments in your paper. These might ask you questions to help expand upon an idea, call your attention to patterns in your writing you might want to address, or compliment a particularly effective piece of writing!

Next, the tutor will leave embedded comments in your paper. These might ask you questions to help you expand upon an idea, call your attention to smething in need of revision, or commend you for a particularly effective passage!

Submit your paper here: library.macewan.ca/wls and check our other services, we hope to hear from you soon!

Another gem from the archives!

The Cromdale Challenge

Millwoods Campus has its humongous gym, Jasper Place also has a gym along with racquetball courts. And Cromdale Campus has its parking lot. 

Parking lot? Yes, parking lot. On Friday afternoons Cromdale students can be found scurrying around the asphalt shooting and hitting, hooking and slashing. Ball hockey of course. At present a team made up of Journalism and Ad and PR students are calling themselves college champions. If you are interested in challenging the college champs call Cromdale and leave a message for Rich in the student association office. A team of four is all that is necessary. (Source: Intercamp, vol. 2, no. 2, 1982)

For other stories from our past, visit the University Archives.

We’re virtual again for this term’s Late Night at the Library event! Join us online on Thursday, March 18th for some productivity time and make some progress on those big assignments. We've added a few more events this time including SAMU Study Buddies and Games Night with Student Life! 

What to expect:  

Drop-In Writing Tutor Sessions 4:00-8:00 p.m. 

• An opportunity to ask our Tutors about your grammar, developing a thesis statement, and more!  

Virtual Game Night with the Student Life Team 5:00-6:30 p.m. 

• Destress and play some games with the Student Life Team 
• They've got prizes! 

SAMU Study Buddies 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

• Set goals and get some work done with SAMU volunteers 
• A chance for prizes here too! 

Live Chat with a Librarian 5:00-10:00 p.m. 

• Ask our Librarians about finding sources for assignments, using our databases, and more! 

Research Essentials workshop 8:00-8:50 p.m.  

• Bring your research paper topic and leave with sources!  
• Joan, our English Librarian, will share expert tips to search for scholarly articles  

Study Tips  

• The Writing Centre has collected some excellent resources and tools to help you prepare for your exams. We recommend trying the Pomodoro technique!  

Destress and Concentration Videos  

• Check out some movies and short films we recommend for a much-needed mental break  
• Watch some “Study with Me” videos to get you in a productive mood!  

Virtual PAWSS Dogs Videos 

• Who doesn’t like seeing 13/10 good doggos?! 

Join us online live during the event, or check out our productivity and destress resources early. 

Questions?  

Library@macewan.ca