Library Action Plan

Implement a new Library Services Platform, including developing a proposal, evaluation, and selection. We will provide seamless access to library resources, owned or not owned and from on – campus or off – campus. This project may involve working with other libraries in Alberta (e.g. NEOS).

Develop a sustainable cycle of strategies for measuring the impact and improving the Library’s information literacy and writing skills teaching.

Further writing across the curriculum in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning and acadamic departments and faculties.

Support MacEwan’s academic integrity processes with Writing Centre services and collaboration with the Academic Integrity Office.

The Library and Writing Centre will invest in a collaborative process to review the Library’s current Information Literacy program for English and explore improvements. We will work closely with our partners in English throughout this process.

To help reduce textbook costs for students, promote and support the use and creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) and the use of existing licensed resources.

As more classes are offered on evenings and weekends and in Spring and Summer, ensure the library is open to meet increased student demand.

Create and promote a plan for alumni on how to access library resources and services. Expand website information for alumni.

Evaluate and improve our technology lending program and the Laptop Bursary program to ensure we are effectively meeting student need.

Using new and existing equipment in the Library Makerspace, integrate active hands – on learning pedagogy across the curriculum in collaboration with Centre for Teaching and Learning and Faculties and Schools.

Partner with community organizations (for example, Boyle Street, Bissell Centre, Mustard Seed, United Way, Art Gallery of Alberta, or the Royal Alberta Museum) to share resources or partner for information projects or events, including community scholars’ access to library resources.

Artificial Intelligence (and related technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing) have a number of applications in university libraries. These tools have the potential to transform academic librarianship for the better. We will investigate, try out, and evaluate AI tools to improve library services for our students and faculty.

Inclusive libraries are staffed by culturally competent people, build diverse collections, identify and remove barriers, and have an expanded definition of ‘the library as a safe space.’ We will continue to work towards creating an inclusive library.

Participate in First Year Experience initiatives to further student success with research and writing to improve awareness of Library services.

In collaboration with Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Canada Research Chair in Immersive Learning, the Library will offer equipment, space, experiences, and expertise to support faculty and student exploration of extended reality and immersive learning.

Develop a digital scholarship strategy to support, preserve and promote digital access to MacEwan research outputs in consultation with the Office of Research Services research and other potential external partners.

Continue to collect non–traditionally published content from Indigenous authors and creators in Alberta: commit to purchasing materials by, for, and about Indigenous peoples living in Alberta.

Find other ways to make the library a welcoming space for children. Reach out to the community and welcome children in the door so they can start to think about the campus as a place that’s for them.

Improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the hiring and retention processes of the Library, including onboarding, mentoring and ongoing support for those hired to increase diversity of the Library workforce.

Develop a framework to guide learning within the Library that contributes to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and opposing racism.