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february 2023

Library Spotlight: Barbara McDonald Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Graphic of two spotlights directed towards text that reads "LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT. BARBARA MCDONALD."

Photo of Barbara McDonald, U of G's acting associate university librarian (research)Earlier this month, Barbara McDonald, U of G's acting associate university librarian (research) received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario College and University Library Association at the Ontario Library Association Conference held in Toronto February 1 to 4.   

The award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to academic libraries.  

In addition to implementing numerous effective library programs at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, McMaster University, Brock University, and the University of Guelph, Barbara is well known for her work on open access and for being a world class mentor to many librarians.   

“Barbara is deeply committed to mentorship and we’ve all benefitted from and seen the impact of this commitment over the course of her career,” said Melanie Parlette-Stewart, head of Learning & Curriculum Support. 

Ian Gibson, head of Collections and Content further noted, “Her mix of institutional knowledge and pragmatic advice have been instrumental to my growth as a librarian and as a manager.”   

Interim University Librarian Amanda Etches has worked with Barbara at both University of Guelph and McMaster University and notes that Barbara’s “deep commitment to her personal and professional values of collegiality, integrity, trust, clear leadership, and expectations make her an excellent leader, manager, and colleague.” 

In accepting the award, Barbara said, “I was surprised – and honoured – to be nominated for this award by colleagues whom I value and respect so highly. When I reflect on my career, it is the people who stand out. Because how we show up – and how we show up for each other – are what matter most." 

We extend our sincerest congratulations to Barbara along with our heartfelt thanks for her innumerable contributions to the library and to the University. 

Library News

Graphic with a collage of images of book covers from the library’s digital display which is entitled Celebrating Black Achievement in the background. The book cover images included in the collage are In the Black Fantastic by Ekow Eshun, Dear Ijeawele, or, A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues by Victor Wooten, and Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by Kimberly Brown Pellum. Overlaying the collage is text that reads, “Black History Month. Celebrating Black Achievement.” There are decorative elements incorporated into the graphic as well.

As Black History Month draws to a close, we invite library patrons to continue to explore the digital library collection entitled Celebrating Black Achievement which was curated by the Guelph Black Students Association (GBSA) and the University of Guelph’s Cultural Diversity team. Learn more about the collection. 

Graphic depicting an individual sitting down and working on a laptop with one hand and holding a pen to an open book in the other hand. Also on the graphic are images of books sitting beside the person. Additionally, there is an image of a screen in the background. Decorative elements also figure in the graphic. The text on the graphic reads, "Open Educational Resources Love Stories. Explore and Love OERs."

We encourage McLaughlin Library patrons to explore our Open Educational Resources (OER) which are loved by students and instructors for their many contributions to academic excellence. View additional information about OER. 

Graphic of a finger touching an icon that is surrounded by various other icons. The text reads, “Research Data Management Brown Bag Series.”

Next month, the library will be hosting the final session of the online Research Data Management (RDM) Brown Bag Series for University of Guelph researchers seeking to learn more about RDM. Read more about this event.

Writing Services

Graphic of a person working at a computer. The text reads, "Writing Services."

Book an appointment to brainstorm, draft or revise your writing with a trained writing consultant.

You can also visit us to:   

  • Discuss a take-home exam (written approval from your course instructor is required. Email writing@uoguelph.ca)
  • Plan next steps for your project when you feel stuck
  • Collaborate more effectively when writing in a group  
  • Navigate larger projects, such as capstones, theses, and dissertations  
  • Review your language use in cover letters and resumes (please visit the Experiential Learning Hub to learn more about structure and formatting.)  ​​​​​

You can make an appointment up to 7 days in advance. We look forward to seeing you!  

Upcoming Events

Talk like an Academic Series - In-Person

Runs Thursdays until March 16, 2023
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
McLaughlin Library, Room 384

Register for the Talk like an Academic Series.​​​​​


Wednesday Graduate Student Accountability Group - Online (Waitlisted)

Runs Wednesdays until April 5, 2023
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Add yourself to the Wednesday Graduate Accountability Group waiting list.


Thursday Graduate Student Accountability Group - Online (Waitlisted)

Runs Thursdays until April 6, 2023
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Add yourself to the Thursday Graduate Accountability Group waiting list.


Virtual Writing Café

Runs Fridays until April 7, 2023
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Register for the Virtual Writing Café.


Introduction to Zotero Reference Manager  - Online

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
10 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

Register for Introduction to Zotero Reference Manager.


Data Skills Workshop Series: Data Wrangling and Manipulation in R - Online

Monday, March 6, 2023
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Register for Data Skills Workshop Series: Data Wrangling and Manipulation in R.


Data Skills Workshop Series - Data Wrangling and Manipulation in R - Online

Tuesday, March 7, 2023
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Register for Data Skills Workshop Series: Data Wrangling and Manipulation in R.


Procrastination and Perfectionism - Taking place online as part of national Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW)*

Tuesday, March 7, 2023
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

*PAW programming will be running online from March 6-10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit the library's events calendar for details and registration information.


Research Data Management (RDM) Brown Bag: Depositing your Research Data in a Repository 

Wednesday, March 8, 2023
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Register for RDM Brown Bag: Depositing your Research Data in a Repository.


Data Skills: Data Visualization in R - Online

Monday, March 27, 2023
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit the library website for Data Skills: Data Visualization in R registration information.


Data Skills: Data Visualization in R - Online

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit the library website for Data Skills: Data Visualization in R registration information.


Introduction to Zotero Reference Manager - Online 

Thursday, March 30, 2023
1 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Register for Introduction to Zotero Reference Manager.