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News from the Department of Information Science (formerly SIM)

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In Memoriam: Tanja Harrison (MLIS ’96)

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)

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

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

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

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.

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