MLIS Alumna Named Associate Provost, Learning Services at University of British Columbia
Congrats to Heather Berringer (MLIS ’03), who was recently named Associate Provost, Learning Services at the University of British Columbia! Read the full article here.
Sarah Horrocks: Opportunities and Lasting Friendships
“I devoted my final capstone project towards facilitating communication across the various, remotely-located, offices in which I dealt with on a regular basis. It is gratifying to know that many of the findings contained in my capstone presentation continue to greatly benefit the organization.”
Sarah Horrocks, MIM Class of 2011
In a recent virtual interview, Sarah joined CEGE Connection in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MIM program.
Sarah Horrocks:
I was one of the first recipients of the MIM degree from Dalhousie. Being part of the inaugural cohort of students meant being grouped together for every course, which led to many lasting friendships that continue to this day. The MIM program opened a new way of thinking about how to organize documents and materials for the preservation and continuity of business knowledge and information assets.
While I was studying for the degree, I was also working in two different office environments. I found that every aspect of what I was learning was immediately applicable to my work in both of those positions. I developed a deeper understanding of some of the legal underpinnings of information management and privacy legislation and was able to correct several policies that had fallen into non-compliance. I created a document retention/disposition policy and instituted file naming conventions for ease of document retrieval that exist to this day. I devoted my final capstone project towards facilitating communication across the various, remotely-located, offices in which I dealt with on a regular basis. It is gratifying to know that many of the findings contained in my capstone presentation continue to greatly benefit the organization.
Thanks to the flexible MIM blended online model, I was able to complete my degree, despite facing many time constraints. It was not unusual for me to be doing homework during my kids’ football games, paddling practices, even during my son’s bagpipe lessons (THAT was a challenge!). The faculty were extremely helpful in devising options for working around the occasional life events that caused interruptions in studies, such as skyping in to intensives or offering independent studies. Having the course material available online meant you were able to access it at your convenience from any location. The moderated online discussions ensured you were able to exchange your ideas with colleagues and faculty to better understand the material. The “in person” intensive sessions were a two-day whirlwind of knowledge exchange, presentations, papers and most importantly, networking. We worked incredibly hard. Even so, being together as a group made the experience extremely rewarding.
I would (and often do) encourage others to explore this program because there is so much to learn that is interesting and immediately applicable to any organization. In fact, my husband, a career army man, received his MIM degree in 2017. The variety of specialized electives available allow the degree to be tailored to fit a variety of interests. I am continually excited to uncover where my MIM knowledge can next be applied. This fall, after 13 years with the same organization, I am dusting off my CV and embarking on a job search, with my MIM designation at the top of my list of qualifications. I am ever eager to put my hard-earned degree to good use!
Congrats to our October graduates!
Our Oct 2018 MIM graduates. Photo credit: Michelle Hunter
The Fall 2018 Faculty of Management convocation ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 2nd.
SIM extends congratulations to the seven MIM students who graduated this week. Your future is bright and you should be very proud of your accomplishments! Chris Donnelly was the recipient of the SIM Director’s Award, which is awarded to the MIM grad with the highest overall GPA.
To all alumni: We consider you to be part of the SIM family and look forward to hearing about your successes and supporting you in your ongoing careers. Please continue to communicate with us via email, Facebook, Twitter (@dalsimnews), and this blog.
SIMAA Event Welcomes Students & Celebrates Peers
The SIM Alumni Association (SIMAA) hosted their annual Welcome Reception & Outstanding Alumni Award Presentation on Monday, September 24th in Room 3089, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building. Attendees mingled, snacked on delicious hors d’oeuvres, and listened to remarks from SIMAA Chair David McDonald (MLIS ’99), SIM Associate Professor Vivian Howard (MLIS ’95), and SIM Director Sandra Toze. Sandra distributed gifts to alumni celebrating anniversaries (from 5 to 38 years!) on behalf of Marianne Hagen (Alumni Officer, Faculty of Management).
The 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Fiona Black. Dr. Black shared some special career memories and gave incoming students some tips for “a joyous life as an information professional”. Those tips are: 1. Aim for excellence, and help others to join you, 2. Be inclusive, walk the walk, and make the right things happen, and 3. turn a potential whine on its head, think constructively about a resolution – all important tips for everyone to keep in mind! Dr. Black also gave special thanks to her colleagues in SIM, Dr. Bertrum MacDonald (who kickstarted her life as an academic) and to her MLIS and MIM students throughout the years.
SIM is proud of the legacy of our programs, and the connection we continue to have with our alumni. This event is always a wonderful opportunity for SIM alumni, students, faculty and staff to catch up and network.
Cheers to all alumni and friends who joined us on September 24th – we hope to see you again soon!
(Perhaps during our 50th anniversary celebrations?!)
Job Posting: Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (SIM)
School of Information Management
Dalhousie University
Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor
The School of Information Management (SIM) invites applications for a probationary tenure-track, tenure-track or tenured position at the rank of Lecturer, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor commencing July 1st 2019 (negotiable).
The Faculty of Management is developing a new Masters program in Digital Innovation jointly with the Faculty of Computer Science. Positions relating to this new program are being advertised in the Faculty of Computer Science, Rowe School of Business, and School of Information Management. It is an occasion to join a strong and diversified team, in an environment where new programs are being introduced. Please see also the Rowe School of Business posting (https://blogs.dal.ca/academiccareers/2018/09/21/rowe-school-of-business-career-stream/) and Computer Science posting (https://blogs.dal.ca/academiccareers/2018/09/21/faculty-of-computer-science-career-stream/) for details on those positions and how to apply. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications to more than one competition.
This position combines teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. The School seeks candidates with a strong interest in, and capacity for, interdisciplinary research. Candidates will be expected to teach in at least two programs at the graduate or undergraduate levels. Professional information management experience will be an asset.
The successful candidate will have a PhD (or ABD status) in information management or a related discipline, with research expertise and/or teaching experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Data management, including analytics, visualization, curation, and preservation
- Information systems
- Information risk management
- New and emerging media and/or technology, including digital transformation
- Other relevant areas including organizational learning, collaboration, user experience, or knowledge management
The SIM (http://sim.management.dal.ca) offers two graduate programs: the American Library Association-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program, and the mid-career blended learning Master of Information Management (MIM) program. At the undergraduate level, the School provides core and elective courses in the Bachelor of Management program, delivered collaboratively with the three other schools in the Faculty of Management. The School also participates in Dalhousie’s Interdisciplinary PhD program.
The SIM is part of the interdisciplinary Faculty of Management (http://www.dal.ca/faculty/management.html), which also includes the School of Public Administration, the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, and the Rowe School of Business. The Faculty of Management’s mission is to collaboratively advance management knowledge and practice, and its vision is inspiring managerial solutions to transform lives. We seek an additional colleague who will contribute to, and thrive in, this environment.
Dalhousie University (http://www.dal.ca/) is one of Canada’s leading teaching and research universities, with four professional faculties; a Faculty of Graduate Studies; and a diverse complement of graduate programs. Inter-faculty collaborative and interactive research is encouraged, as is cooperation in teaching. Dalhousie University inspires students, faculty, staff and alumni to make significant contributions regionally, nationally, and to the world.
Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Halifax is a vibrant capital city and is the business, academic, and medical centre for Canada’s east coast.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.
Review of applications will begin on October 22, 2018. To receive full consideration, please submit your application by this deadline. Applications received after October 22 may also be considered.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of past teaching evaluations, and statements of teaching philosophy and of research interests. (Each statement should be approximately one page.) Applications must also include a completed Self-Identification Questionnaire, which is available at www.dal.ca/becounted/selfid.
Applications should be directed to:
Ms. Kim Humes
School of Information Management
Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue, Suite 4010
PO BOX 15000
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
sim@dal.ca
Fax: 902-494-2451
Voice: 902-494-3656
Electronic applications are preferred.
MLIS Alumna Appointed CEO/Chief Librarian, Brantford Public Library
Rae-Lynne Aramburo (MLIS ’02) has been appointed the new CEO/Chief Librarian at Brantford Public Library. Congrats Rae-Lynne!
From the media release:
“After a meticulous and thorough search process, the Library Board determined that Rae-Lynne’s leadership style, focus on customer-service excellence and broad-based experience make her the ideal candidate to lead Brantford Public Library into the future,” said Brantford Public Library Board Chair Marion McGeein.
Aramburo joined the Brantford Public Library in November, 2015 as Manager, Customer Engagement and has been Acting CEO/Chief Librarian since former CEO Kathryn Goodhue retired at the end of May 2018.
“We’ve selected someone who will be able to guide important initiatives currently underway, while creating new opportunities that build on the Library’s vision and strategic plan,” said McGeein. “Rae-Lynne’s strong relationship-building skills, her proven ability to turn plans into action – most recently with responsibility for implementing the new service delivery model – coupled with her enthusiasm for gaining understanding of the community and its needs, equip her to move into this leadership role.”
MLIS Alumna Appointed New Scholarly Communications Librarian
Re-posted from LibVine (the Dalhousie Libraries blog):
We are pleased to announce Melissa Rothfus (MLIS ’13) is the new Scholarly Communications Librarian for the Dalhousie Libraries.
Melissa worked both as an intern and as a term librarian for the Dalhousie Libraries and we are thrilled to be welcoming her back. In addition to her work with the Dalhousie Libraries, Melissa has been a research associate with the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation and with CNODES (Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effectiveness Studies).
Melissa comes to us with an extensive teaching and research background. Prior to becoming a librarian, she obtained a PhD in Classics and worked as a Classics professor at several universities in History and Classics departments.
As the Scholarly Communications Librarian, Melissa will focus on programming that promotes education throughout the community on issues such as open access publishing and methods of tracking research impact.
In addition, Melissa will also be the subject liaison for the School of Nursing. She is based at the W. K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library.
Fiona Black: The 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award Winner
Dalhousie University’s School of Information Management (SIM) Alumni Association is pleased to recognize Dr. Fiona Black of Dalhousie University with the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award. This annual award honours a member who has made an outstanding contribution to Library and Information Management.
Dr. Black graduated with her MLIS from Dalhousie in 1993. Subsequently, she completed her PhD at Loughborough University in the UK, graduating in 1999. After two years as an International Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida she returned to Dalhousie as a tenure stream faculty member in SIM. She was appointed Director of the School in 2003, a position she held until 2010. During her tenure as School Director, Dr. Black led the School through a period of growth and change. Most significantly, Dr. Black championed the development of a mid-career blended learning graduate degree, the Master of Information Management (MIM), which has been a significant factor in SIM’s increased national profile.
From 2008 to 2010, Dr. Black was also Associate Dean External Programs for the Faculty of Management, and in 2012 she became Associate Dean Research for the Faculty. In 2013, her leadership and administrative talents were recognized by the President and Provost, and she was appointed Associate Vice President, Academic, and became a vital member of Dalhousie University’s senior administrative team.
Dr Black’s research has consistently involved two distinct threads: the history of print culture, for which she was awarded several team and individual research awards by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; and, professional issues for librarians and other information professionals. With both of these threads, Dr Black speaks of her joy in working with, and learning from, many superb graduate research assistants and thesis students.
In addition to her demanding role at Dalhousie, Dr. Black has been an active contributor to professional associations, including service to the accreditation arm of ALA. Prior to her career as an academic, Dr. Black was a reference librarian at Regina Public Library, specializing in business and in Prairie History. She often credits this experience with developing her service-oriented approach to collaboration, her patience, and her sense of humour when dealing with challenging circumstances.
In the words of one of her supporters, “Fiona is a gifted instructor who is able to empower students to achieve high academic standards, while at the same time imbuing them with a strong appreciation of the importance of professional competencies for the variety of career paths that the information management field offers.”
Many of her nominators and supporters spoke of Dr. Black’s “generosity with time and advice, even when busy with her administrative duties for the university,” and remembered how she inspired them with her trademark statement, “information managers are going to take over the world.”
SIMAA invites you to join us in congratulating Fiona on her award at the SIMAA Welcome Reception on September 24th, 2018 at the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, Rm 3087/3089. An invitation with RSVP will follow.
MLIS Alumna Appointed New Interim AUL Resources & Head of Sexton Library
Congrats to Michelle Paon (MLIS ’98), who has been appointed Interim Associate University Librarian and Head of the Sexton Design & Technology Library.
From the Dalhousie Libraries blog:
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Paon as Interim Associate University Librarian and Head of the Sexton Design & Technology Library. As Associate University Librarian – Resources, she oversees the Libraries’ acquisitions budget, and works closely with the Resources Management Librarian and library staff across the system who select, acquire and provide access to relevant scholarly resources in a variety of formats. As Interim Head of the Sexton Library, she oversees the provision of library resources and services to faculty and students in the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning.
Michelle Paon has been a science librarian at the Dalhousie Libraries since 2002, supporting faculty and students in the study of biology, the environment, oceanography, and marine management, and for shorter periods, psychology and neuroscience, sustainability, and Indigenous issues.
Michelle was actively involved in the establishment of the DalSpace online research repository and the Killam Library Learning Commons – at the time, both ground-breaking projects for a Canadian research library. She has served on the Curriculum Committees of the Dalhousie Faculty of Science and College of Sustainability. In recent years, she has partnered with colleagues at the Dalhousie Writing Centre to provide integrated research-writing services for students and to conduct related research. Michelle has also provided mentorship and inspiration in the Dal Libraries as a leader in the delivery of effective liaison librarian services.
Michelle holds a Master of Library and Information Studies from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from St. Francis Xavier University. She is a member of the Atlantic Provinces Library Association and is a past President and life member of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science. Her researchinterests include collaborative service initiatives, open access, information literacy, and environmental history.