Browsing by Author "Garstad, Roxy"
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Item Book review: breaking into the lab: engineering progress for women in science(2013) Garstad, RoxyThe importance of getting to know your user community is a common mantra heard in library schools around the world but often we librarians become so mired in the day-to-day work of science librarianship that we forget this central tenet. An easy way to solve this problem for science librarians is to read one of the growing numbers of books on the nature of scientific practice, such as Sue Rosser's monograph, Breaking into the Lab: Engineering Progress for Women in Science.Item The ChatGPT explosion: transforming the landscape of library collections(2024) Garstad, RoxyInterest in generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, has accelerated among library staff in only a few short months, with its positive and negative aspects widely debated. It has quickly become apparent that library employees, especially those in academic libraries, will need to engage with this new technology, whether in behind-the-scenes situations or through answering patron queries on its nature, origin, and usefulness. ChatGPT’s applications and considerations for academic libraries in the areas of reference, information literacy, copyright, writing skills, and administrative activities are currently being explored. Still, little has been mentioned about its applicability to collections work. This paper will examine how ChatGPT can contribute positively and helpfully to collections work at various critical points along the broad spectrum of the yearly collections procedural life cycle, from acquisitions and cataloging to deselection and beyond, keeping best practices and ethical use in mind. An example of how this technology can be used in collections policy writing will be demonstrated. In addition, a set of guidelines adapted from current suggestions for use specifically geared toward collections work will be suggested, along with key resources to aid learning and reflection.Item The grim underpinnings of collections policies: 'your mountain is waiting'(2023) Garstad, RoxyMany libraries continue to write and update collections policies and upload them to library websites for public consumption. It is assumed that these documents positively influence a variety of aspects of library work, such as building relevant collections, increasing patron understanding of library operations, and encouraging communication and cooperation within the librarian community. However, these policies may expose hidden agendas or even overt prejudice, either explicitly or implicitly. What less desirable qualities do library collections policies possess, and how are these grim underpinnings harmful to our patrons? A careful examination of three collections policies at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada, written or edited by the author in the past decade, reveals a need for closer scrutiny of the purpose, intent, and underlying messages conveyed when these documents are displayed to the public. The three policies in question are an overarching or main collections policy, a donations policy, and a specialized policy dedicated to collecting resources by, for, and about Indigenous peoples. This paper, based on a poster presented at Charleston 2022, will outline exactly whom collections policies are written for (other librarians), what their purpose is (justifying saying no to patrons), and what their most significant harm might be (perpetuating prejudice). Proposals for how the collections community can initiate change and improve upon the traditional practice of engaging users via collections policies will be put forward.Item Moving toward reconciliation: considerations in creating and re-evaluating an Indigenous resources policy(2022) Stift, Sandy; Garstad, RoxyExcerpt: Having agreed on the central importance of the Land Acknowledgement statement, an examination of our motivation, goals, and purpose was essential. Why even consider writing a separate policy? First, a unique and separate policy would bring to the forefront our commitment on this matter. It would highlight and remind us of the importance of collecting and curating materials by, for, and about Indigenous peoples in Canada. It was also one of the first MacEwan Library responses to a pivotal document produced by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) in 2017, the Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations. It contains a series of actions Canadian libraries can take to support Indigenous communities and library users. The report contains ten recommendations which were considered in crafting an early version of the Indigenous Resources Collections Policy.Item Something old and something new: building a special collection of artists’ books(2015) Korus, Anna; Garstad, RoxyThis poster will examine how library staff at a Canadian university built a special collection of artists’ books in a very short time, with a limited budget, in order to support the Fine Art and Design Studies programs. The collection was built from newly-discovered forgotten files, from a careful examination of the existing library holdings, from purchases through used-book suppliers, and from supplementation with new books.Item Straddling practical and theoretical borders: critically evaluating role and place through a discourse analytic lens(2018) Garstad, RoxyProfessional librarians benefit from a close examination of the meaning and purpose underlying their work. One of the most helpful and expedient ways of doing so is to employ non-LIS theories to aid in questioning processes and in critically examining personal work and institutional practices. Discourse analysis, and its related theory, critical discourse analysis, may be suitable for such a purpose. Utilized effectively, they can reveal the underlying power dynamics behind the library as an institution, including the role of librarians within an organization, and the sometimes-fraught interactions between librarians and patrons. The application of theories and methodologies to practice may ultimately improve the library experience for patrons.