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News from the Department of Information Science (formerly SIM)

Archives for Kim Humes

Nominations Open: Outstanding Alumni Award

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The Dalhousie Library and Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) presents the Outstanding Alumni Award annually to honour a member who “has made an outstanding contribution to Library and/or Information Management.”

Please help us to select the next illustrious recipient of this award by reviewing the award guidelines and nominating a great colleague. Awardees may be at almost any career stage as long as their accomplishments to date are a strong fit for the Selection Criteria:

  1. Innovation and leadership within their professional roles
  2. Research, presentations, outreach and publication record
  3. Service to relevant professional organizations
  4. Mentoring and support for junior colleagues

Current deadline for award nominations: May 23rd, 2025.

Click here for full details

 

MI Student Receives CAAL Indigenous Professional Development Grant

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Re-posting from Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL): 

CAAL is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the CAAL Indigenous Professional Development Grant – Kristan Belanger.

Kristan is a Mi’kmaq scholar and professional dedicated to the fields of law, Information Science, and Indigenous knowledge stewardship.  She is currently pursuing a Master of Information at Dalhousie University with a specialization in librarianship (expected 2025).  Kristan’s thesis, Natawitplutaqatiek (We Are Good Law Makers): Mi’kmaw Law Library Scoping Study, focuses on the development of a framework for the creation of a Mi’kmaw Law Library, an initiative that seeks to preserve, revitalize, and make accessible Mi’kmaw legal traditions and knowledge.

Beyond her studies, Kristan is actively engaged in professional Indigenous knowledge & information stewardship initiatives.  As a Research and Data Analytics Officer at the Department of Canadian Heritage, she has led policy development related to Indigenous intellectual property and the implementation of the UNDRIP Action Plan Measure 101.  Additionally, her role as Research Lead for the Lnuwey Tplutaqan Wikuom has allowed her to lead strategic planning on information stewardship related to Indigenous law, organize workshops on Indigenous legal revitalization, and contribute to the creation of specialized research collections.  She is also currently involved in community-led efforts at the Dunn Law Library, where she is assisting in the establishment of an Indigenous law collection and classification system based on the Brian Deer Classification framework.

Kristan holds a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Chinese Studies, as well as a Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate in Indigenous Law, both from Dalhousie University.

Receiving this Grant will enable Kristan to continue her research and advocacy in the Indigenous information field.  The funds would be used to support her work as she continues her research and professional projects aimed at strengthening Indigenous knowledge stewardship and data in Atlantic Canada.  Ultimately, her goal is to contribute to the advancement of Indigenous-led information services that respect and uphold the principles of Indigenous knowledge stewardship.

The CAAL Indigenous Professional Development Grant, in the amount of $1,000, supports self-identifying Indigenous Peoples in the Atlantic Region who are either pursuing information management careers, or working in information management at a CAAL member library.

Congrats Kristan!

Alumna/Instructor Wins Teaching Excellence Award

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Alison Brown (left) and Rowan Moore, MI student (right). Credit: Sandra Toze

Congrats to Alison Brown – instructor and alumna (MLIS ’17) on winning a Faculty of Management Teaching Excellence Award!

These awards encourage and celebrate superior teaching and learning, recognizing those who provide rich and productive learning environments for graduate and undergraduate management students, inspiring them to excel in their personal, academic and professional lives.

The awards are presented annually to faculty members in the Faculty of Management who, in the opinion of their students and peers, display the qualities of superior teaching, excellent understanding of the subject area, and interest in the needs of the students.

 

MLIS Alum Wins Canadian Law Blog Award

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From the Dalhousie Schulich School of Law:

Congratulations to Schulich Law’s Public Services Librarian David H. Michels (MLIS ’01, PhD ’14), who was part of a nationwide team recently recognized with a Canadian Law Blog Award for Best Legal Papers, Reports, or eBooks of 2024, for their work on the Canadian Open Access Legal (COAL) Citation Guide.

Michels is one of more than 60 volunteer editors and reviewers who worked on the two-year-long project, part of a national, bilingual, and bijural group. The COAL Citation Guide is freely available and was launched as an alternative to other, more cost-prohibitive options available in Canada.

“We created the COAL Citation Guide to better meet the needs of the Canadian legal community and to have a guide that is accessible to everyone, and I think we have done that successfully,” explains Michels. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with this team so far and I’m excited for it to continue. No one does this type of work for the accolades, so the award is an unexpected affirmation that the effort is both valued and appreciated.”

To read more, please visit our website: https://bit.ly/4jpadD1

In Memoriam: Tanja Harrison (MLIS ’96)

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We are sad to report that MLIS alumna, Tanja Harrison, has passed away.

Tanja most recently served as University Librarian at Mount Saint Vincent University. Staff and faculty remember her fondly as having incredible energy and optimism, infectious enthusiasm for life, and a passion for the profession. She was also a strong advocate for improved breast cancer screening in Nova Scotia.

The full obituary can be read here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/halifax-ns/tanja-harrison-12114332

In Memoriam: Julia Stewart (MLIS ’06)

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We are sad to report that MLIS alumna, Julia Stewart, has passed away.

From Dr. Sandra Toze (Program Director): Like all who had the pleasure of knowing Julia, her friends at the Department of Information Science want to extend our profound sorrow, and to join others in celebrating her life. Julia was an excellent student, who showed such strength and perseverance, as she completed her degree while managing her health issues. She was full of energy, ideas, and always so passionate. Since her graduation I had the pleasure of meeting her at conferences, and keeping up with her life virtually through Facebook. She was a significant force for public librarianship, and brought joy to all she worked with. I always appreciated our conversations, and the insights she would bring from her experiences. She will be greatly missed.

The full obituary can be read here: https://mcadamsfh.com/tribute/details/1927/Julia-Stewart/obituary.html

 

Carolyn Smith Chosen as 2024 Recipient of the Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Fund

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We are pleased to announce that Master of Information (MI) student Carolyn Smith has been selected as the twelfth recipient of the Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Fund. 

This Fund was established in 2007 to honour Dr. Norman Horrocks, OC, PhD, FCLIP (1927-2010) for his outstanding leadership in the field of librarianship in North America, Australia, and Europe. Over several decades Dr. Horrocks, former Director of the School of Information Management (now DIS) and Dean of the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University, pursued a distinguished career of very active involvement in professional associations in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Australia, the United States, and Canada. His many contributions, for which he received local, national and international recognition, have advanced the field and the careers of countless individuals. The fund supports a scholarship and an associated lecture series through an endowment donated by the many former students, colleagues, friends and admirers of Norman Horrocks. 

Carolyn Smith is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Master of Information (MI) at Dalhousie University with the completion of the programs Archives Certificate. She holds a BA in History with a minor in English from Vancouver Island University. Following her undergraduate degree Carolyn started her professional career working for qathet Museum & Archives, a regional community-led organization within the Coast Salish territories of BC. Her work inspired her to further her career within the archival and information field leading her to Dalhousie’s MI program where she has been able to learn from professionals and scholars within the archival field. Carolyn is inspired by community-led work and has worked with MI students and faculty to re-ratify the Dalhousie Association of Canadian Archivists Student Chapter (DAL ACA). She acts as current Chair and ACA coordinator for DAL ACA and is currently working as coordinator to bring back the ACA’s nation-wide Special Interest Section for Emerging Professionals and Students. Additionally, she works with the Archives & Digital Technologies Lab (ADML) as a student assistant for the Open Classroom Seminar Series on Antiracism & Decolonization in Archival & Information Studies. Carolyn is a current recipient of the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Masters Award with her thesis focusing on the charting of Indigenous sovereignty within Canadian archives. Her interests lie within the areas of archives, records management, community-based practice, decolonization, memory and identity, and policy development.

This award will be presented at the Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Lecture on February 3rd, 2025. Stay tuned for more details! 

Gwen Schmidt (MLIS ’95) receives 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award

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From the Dalhousie Library & Information Alumni Association:
DLIAA is delighted to announce that Gwen Schmidt (MLIS ’95) has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award. This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of librarianship, and Gwen’s remarkable career exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation, and service that this award celebrates.

A graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie University in 1995, Gwen has dedicated 28 years to the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL), where her influence has been profound. Over the course of her career, she held numerous roles, including Senior Manager of Neighbourhood Services, Outreach and Access Services Coordinator, and Branch Supervisor. Gwen’s commitment to public service, team development, and innovative programming has left an enduring legacy.

Some of Gwen’s most notable achievements include:

– Collaborating on the development of impactful community programs such as the “We Dare You Teen Summer Challenge” and the reintroduction of baby programming and French language programming at SPL.
– Leading the Outreach and Access Services team to win the 2013 Senior Volunteer Award for “Senior Friendly Business.”
– Securing grants to create programs that empower seniors with digital literacy, such as building a simple mobile computer lab and hiring a senior to travel and teach other seniors in buildings where they live.
– Serving on the executive of both the CUPE Local 2669 union and the – Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA), where she held leadership positions, including Treasurer and President.
– Her passion for librarianship, tireless advocacy for library services, and mentorship of colleagues has been a source of inspiration to many. Gwen’s colleagues have consistently praised her for her forward-thinking leadership, dedication to public service, and her empathy and compassion in serving the community.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Gwen was also recently awarded the 2024 Frances Morrison Award by the Saskatchewan Library Association, a testament to her profound impact on the library landscape in Saskatchewan and beyond.

We are proud to honour Gwen Schmidt as our 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.

Please join us in celebrating her exceptional achievements and contributions to the library profession. Save the date for Friday, November 22nd– more event details will be soon to follow.

MLIS Class of 1999 Reunion

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Congratulations on your 25th graduation anniversary for your MLIS! Click here for full details and to RSVP.

Your fellow classmates, Jeff Mercer and Lesley are planning a Reunion and we hope you are able to attend.

October 4 – 5, 2024
Halifax, Nova Scotia

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: (full agenda to be sent closer to event)
October 4, 2024

  • Casual Drinks Downtown Halifax (location and time TBD)

October 5, 2024

  • 4:00 – 5:30 PM MLIS Class of 99 Dean’s Reception: Kenneth C Rowe Management Building
  • Tour of the Faculty of Management Building: Kenneth C Rowe Management Building
  • 6:00 PM Dinner: Location TBD

Please note: There are additional events taking place on or around campus that you can also take part in:

And you can search for more here: Discover Halifax

HOTEL:
We were able to confirm a “Discounted University Rate” for you at:

The Lord Nelson: 1515 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2L2
Please call 1-800-565-2020 for reservations.

Please contact Shelley LaMorre, Manager of Alumni and Donor Relations, with questions regarding this event at shelley.lamorre@dal.ca or 782-641-6309.

Dr. Mike Smit appointed Dean, Faculty of Management

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Click here to read the full announcement. Congrats Mike!

Photo: Cody Turner

Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management appointed Dr. Mike Smit (Professor, Department of Information Science) to the role of dean this summer for a five-year term following an international search.

Dr. Smit, an Information Science professor and researcher at Dal for 11 years, is uniquely positioned to guide the future of management education at Atlantic Canada’s largest university. In addition to his impressive list of credentials and awards, he has demonstrated his commitment to, and passion for, the university, the students, the region, and his colleagues.

He has also served as acting dean of the Faculty for the past 18 months.

“It is a privilege and an honour to continue to serve this Faculty,” says Dr. Smit. “I first came to Dalhousie because I wanted to do cool things with smart people, and it’s a privilege to do that every day. I look forward to continuing to spend time connecting beyond our walls: with alumni, businesses, government and public institutions, and friends.”

Dr. Kim Brooks, Dal’s vice-chancellor and president, preceded Dr. Smit in the role. She says she is “excited to see the Faculty of Management’s trajectory during its next chapter.”

“Through the pandemic, leadership transitions, and a recent restructuring of the Faculty, Dr. Smit’s leadership has brought a welcome sense of stability,” she says. “Even more important than his intellect and institutional knowledge, Dr. Smit has excelled in this role because of his ability to connect with those around him and to lead with levity, joy, and straight-talk, even in the most challenging situations.”

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