Rupinder Brar: 2010 Best Lecturer:
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Professor Rupinder Brar and what winning the competition means to him.
Continue reading the BEST LECTURER The Professors Page
A hearty welcome to newcomers, immigrants, and legally settled professionals (aka. New Canadians).
This blog supplements our Website (click): A Pathfinder for Immigrants to Canada (esp., Toronto).
"Shall I go to Canada? is a question asked by thousands of men every day." Answer to this is in a book published in 1910 (see right column amazon link)!
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Other key findings include:
• Canada’s reputation for caring for the environment is higher among global respondents (84%) than among Canadians (77%) themselves;
• Nine in ten (90%) global respondents agree that Canada has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and 88% say they would like to visit Canada;
• Eight in ten (80%) global respondents say that Canadians are someone they would welcome into their home for a meal. Only 79% of Canadians say they same thing about their countrymen;
• Seven in ten (71%) global respondents think people who live in Canada are “cool”, including 92% of respondents in France;
• About half (53%) of the world’s citizens describe Canadians as “sexy”. Canadians are even more (64%) likely to think themselves sexy. Interestingly, the sex appeal of Canadians is highest in India (71%) and Saudi Arabia (70%).
This book IS far from being a forecast for the future of Canadian libraries. It only offers a few predictions very few references to Canadian publications, and even less emphasis on the Canadian scene. Its assertions about the year 2010 take the form of 12 essays of varying length and focus. The second part of the book counter balances the first Neill offers positive solutions to the problems foreseen in the first. The last part of the book conveys "the matrix of ideas and facts out of which predictions had grown." Neill lists his readings quotes, and then gives his own comments. Neill's idiosyncratic approach to the subject matter results in a text that is both exasperating and intriguing.Neill's another work (Dilemmas in the Study of Information. Exploring the Boundaries of Information Science) is cited in 'Information Technology in Librarianship: New Critical Approaches' by Gloria J. Leckie
Recommendation—This text is more miscellany than a cogent manuscript. It is not to be
read as a whole but to be taken in parts.
Reviewer—Samuel Rothstem, Library Quarterly, Oct 1981, p. 445-46
In this article the author relates his experiences in handling presentations which include the question on the things which can be done in Canada to foster international librarianship. He states that the concept "international librarianship" has been mistaken assumed as a way to do charity to libraries in developing countries and quotes Stephen Parker for a working definition. He also cites Peter Lor for the types of motivation that propel people into international librarianship.
Documents experiences of an internship at Columbia College, an international liberal arts college in Vancouver, British Columbia, and presents suggestions to libraries that may be interested in hosting international library staff. Factors to consider when planning an internship program; Required trainer's background; Incorporating English language training to the internship.
In this article the author discusses the concept of international librarianship. She claims that the concept is oftentimes misunderstood as being a librarian in a foreign country, and clarifies that it refers to the collaborative effort among librarians across geo-political boundaries to share cataloguing data, create frameworks for cross-border inter-library loans and advance information literacy. She also invites other librarians to join associations, such as the Canadian Library Association.
The article reports on the focus of the Canadian Library Association (CLA) on Canada's role in the international librarianship. Specifically, the CLA aims to focus on the areas of disaster relief and development, support for the University of Western Ontario student project, and prepare for the 2008 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) conference in Quebec City. The author relates her observations at the 2005 IFLA conference in Oslo, Norway.
The article discusses the Canadian Library Month in 2010. It reveals that it will look onto library's past and rediscover new ways to celebrate its role and importance within the community. Also noted is the Canadian Library Week and Month timeline which is to promote libraries as a free resource in response to a drop in the purchase of books.
Using two sets of verbal protocols, three kinds of memory used by librarians for organizing facts are described and identified as they relate to the reference process--semantic (organizes things into categories), episodic (experiences), schematic (expectations). Implications for practice, education, and further research are suggested.
Marshall mcluhan, who has gained a reputation as an enemy of books because he has called them obsolet while concentrating his analysis of communication media on the electric variety, is, in fact, a man of the book as much as any librarian, although librarians have tended to ignore him, considering him to have no relevance for their 'science' this is to their detriment. Not only is the format of his books of interest, as a mirror of his message, but there is also evidence that his purpose is and has been from the beginning to find the peculiar qualities of print and books which make them necessary to man. He finds these qualities not in the content but in the form; qualities which provide a sensory balance of objectivity and perspective as opposed to the field perceptivity of television. In tracing the evidence of mcluhan's concern for the future of the book, we can see him a one who has, perhaps, ak greater perception of the value of books and libraries, for civilization, than many librarians.
Answers the question posed with: 1) those who must understand the processes and patterns of knowledge structuring, and of man's thinking, in order to organize and dispense, effectively, knowledge and the knowledge base (information and the methods of acquiring knowledge); 2) those who must prove that their libraries are efficient and effective in meeting the needs and goals of the community; 3) those who must prove that libraries must be morally and financially supported as not only valuable but essential to the community.
Formally known as the Citation for Citizenship, Canada’s Citizenship Award honours those who have made outstanding contributions to our communities by promoting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship or by helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society.
The deadline for submissions and all supporting documents is September 3, 2010. continue reading
Canadians are almost evenly split on whether residents of the country share a "common culture," according to a new national survey exploring perceptions of social cohesion in Canada.More on This Story:
But respondents' doubts about our national sense of togetherness don't translate into a strong belief that Canada's distinctiveness is being destroyed by America's cultural juggernaut.
Barely one-third of the 1,500 people polled for the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies expressed the view that Canada and the U.S. now share a common culture. Read more
This is an extract from StarReviews.com posted 3/2/2010
Many years ago, most young people did not go to college. Choosing instead to go directly from high school into the world of work. But as technology has improved throughout the years, the need for more skilled and highly educated workers has become paramount in the work place. College is no longer just a good idea. It can now mean a world of difference in obtaining the career of your choice as well as what you can expect to earn when it comes to your salary.In this current economy, getting a good job is no small task. And if you have one, holding on to it is just as if not more important. Therefore, it is more imperative than ever to make sure that you have the skills and knowledge to keep you competitive in the work place.For those who live in Canada, or for those who wish to study abroad, achieving the funds necessary to go to college is no easier than it is in the United States.
That being said, whether you wish to attend school in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba or any of the major Canadian provinces, there are multiple excellent scholarship programs that are available to students if they know where to look for them.
One option to consider are scholarships and awards for international students available through some of the highest rated and well regarded Canadian colleges and Universities. They offer direct scholarships based on demonstrated financial need and desired field of study.
The amount and type of scholarship award varies from one institution to another and it should also be noted that obtaining a scholarship is very competitive so it is important to remain determined in order to achieve your goal. In your application, be honest about why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship. Don't be shy about sharing your hopes and dreams and how obtaining the scholarship will assist you in obtaining your future goals. The more personal the application, the more likely you are to grab the attention of those who are responsible for reviewing the applicants and approving the scholarships.Another option is to go through the Canadian government directly for assistance. Much like the US Department of Education, the Canadian government offers grants to those who are able to show a financial need for assistance in order to attend the college of their choice.
Depending upon the school chosen and the course work required, many times the grant money awarded will be enough to pay for the entire cost of the education. However, should there be a balance due, the tuition may also be supplemented by student loans that are also made available by the Canadian Department of Education. Information on both of these programs can be found on their official websites, such as http://studentloans.ednet.ns.ca and http://www.nwtsfa.gov.nt.ca.
Remember, education is more than just a way to gain useful information. It is truly one of the most important investments that you can make toward your future. Good luck!
This article was written by writers at StarReviews. Visit StarReviews for more information on scholarships canada (http://www.starreviews.com//blog/revelationz/2010_03/scholarships_in_canada_help_academic_dreams.aspx)
Ottawa, April 7, 2010 — Citizenship and Immigration Canada, www.cic.gc.ca
Starting today, the popular new citizenship study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is available as an audio download. The announcement was made by Senator Marjory LeBreton at the Canadian War Museum on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
“We want newcomers to successfully integrate into Canadian society and become full and equal citizens,” said Senator LeBreton. “This study guide is a necessity for anyone seeking Canadian citizenship and it must be accessible to everyone. Now you can listen to it in your car, on your commute, while you exercise – anywhere you choose.”
Because not all citizenship applicants have the same literacy or learning ability, this audio guide has been produced to assist those who are still strengthening their proficiency in French or English. It is the first step in developing more resources to accompany the guide. continue reading
Canada has something called the "Lifelong Learning Plan," which allows you to use money from RRSPs for tuition without tax penalties. Only full-time students are eligible.
I recently learned that the Friends of the Mississauga Library System make an annual award to four Mississauga residents who are enrolled in library programs. I could sure use that! I emailed for more information: only full-time students are eligible.
Continue reading, 'Why are students penalized for attending part-time?' @ her blog: We Move to Canada
Assistance for Part-Time Students -- Part-Time Canada Student Loan
StudentAid BC - Programs for Part-time Students
Google for more
At the Bloor/Gladstone branch, there are quiet study rooms, a meeting room, group study areas and reading lounges for adults, children and teens. There are two restored fireplaces, a pulsing teen zone with a large flat-screen TV, a new learning centre, CD listening stations, 44 computers for public use and the enclosed outdoor reading garden I mentioned earlier.
Small meeting rooms for freelancers and small business. I really like the Business and IP Centre at the British Library, but it doesn’t really do meeting spaces very well if you don’t have a reader’s card (my BL card is just about to expire…). I frequently have to find meeting spaces in the city during business and after hours, and usually end up at a coffee shop, which is far from ideal – noisy, bad lighting, crowded etc. Not to mention, it’s a commercial space. Wouldn’t it be great if businesses and freelancers could stay local and rent out small meeting places now and then in the library, or even a casual coworking style setup? I’m sure some libraries are already doing this, but where are they? How would I find out when such information is so buried on their website?