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Education

EducationProfessional Development
Rachael Cadman

Building Capacity for Decision Making Where Information Matters

As educators, we believe we have a responsibility to equip students entering professional careers with the knowledge and skills to consider evidence critically, to understand the roles of various actors who could and should be included in decision processes, and how to arrive at solutions to societal problems effectively. Accordingly, for over a decade we have offered a graduate course, Information in Public Policy and Decision Making, in the Dalhousie University Master of Information program. Unique among the Canadian Information Studies programs, this course is designed to introduce students to the many facets of evidence-based (or evidence-informed) policy and decision-making with the expectation that as the next generation professionals they will understand when and how to facilitate policy development at organizational and local, national, and international levels.

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library shelves with sunny window
Education
Lisa Shamchuk

Tracing “CanCon” in Library and Information Science Research

LIS professionals and practitioners may find it challenging to access current research that supports library decision-making, program development, or service evaluation through a distinctly Canadian lens. Public, school, and special libraries did not seem to have the same kind of representation in the research, and it made me wonder: what is the state of Canadian LIS research content?

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EducationFeaturedTranslation
Meghan Dowell

The Cost of Clicks: Cultivating Data-Awareness and Ethical LMS Practices in Higher Education 

Many educational institutions use learning management systems (LMSs), which may track and analyze a student’s every click, assignment submission, and even location; this also makes them useful for learning analytics, the collection and analysis of student data in the name of supporting learning and teaching. While students may know that LMSs collect their data, they often don’t understand the extent of just how much data these systems collect! Yet, it’s not hard to imagine what the scope of LMS data collection means for student privacy. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and critical data education in the use of educational technologies. 

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EducationFeatured
Siby Shaji

The Timeless Charm of R.K. Narayan’s Literary World

Narayan’s influence extends beyond fiction; his essays and memoir offer profound insights into Indian culture, society, and his own life. His memoir, “My Days,” provides a candid glimpse into his life, offering readers a deeper understanding of the man behind the pen. Despite international acclaim, Narayan stayed true to his Indian identity, avoiding literary trends and focusing on universal truths. His commitment to authenticity earned widespread respect.

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EducationFeatured
Azeez Adeoye

Libraries Aren’t Dying—They’re Leading the Tech Revolution

The library is a technological hub where cutting-edge devices are introduced to the world. Contrary to the unpopular rumour, especially prevalent in Africa, that libraries are outdated and librarians’ services are no longer needed, the library is a phoenix that evolves and adapts to the emerging modern world. Today, it is more relevant than ever, especially with the growing digital divide caused by socio-economic disparities, geographical disadvantages, infrastructure inequality, skillset deficiencies, age factors, and more.

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Education
Siby Shaji

From Pictures to Pages: Embarking on New Reading Adventures

Children’s literature plays a pivotal role in early childhood development, serving as a tool for language acquisition, imagination, emotional growth, and cognitive development. A significant milestone in a child’s reading journey is the transition from picture books to chapter books. This shift marks a leap in cognitive abilities, attention span, and engagement with narratives. Understanding this transition helps parents, educators, and authors support young readers during this critical stage.

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EducationFeatured
Hana Kim

Cross-Border Collaboration: A Decade of Advancing Tibetan Studies

In 2023, a significant milestone was celebrated as the University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries marked a decade of partnership in Tibetan Studies collection development and services. This collaboration stemmed from a shared recognition of Tibetan Studies’ historical marginalization in North America, attributed to factors such as geopolitical complexities and the dominance of mainstream disciplines. Together, the two institutions embarked on a mission to address this disparity, striving to increase access to Tibetan resources and foster interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars on both sides of the border.

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