Are the Library’s Lunchtime Mini-Lectures For You?

Do you ever get overwhelmed when looking for materials in the Library’s collection? Do you feel clumsy about research or wish it was easier? If you answered yes, then our lunchtime mini-lectures are for you! At Library Lunch and Learn, you’ll get an overview of our subject-specific databases and learn ways to improve your research and citing skills.

All sessions are half an hour long and free for RRC staff and students!

When is Library Lunch and Learn?

Tuesdays, 12:15-12:45 pm (CT) from Sep 21 – Nov 9, 2021

Where are the sessions? How do I access them?

Sessions are online. A WebEx link is emailed to individuals after they sign up for a session. Links to register are provided in the descriptions below.

How can I contact the Library?

Connect with us by clicking on the Ask Us button at library.rrc.ca. We’d love to hear from you!

Fall Schedule: Session Titles, Descriptions, and Registration Links

Sep 21 | Introduction to Nursing Databases

Click to Register

Presenter: Rosemary Woodby

Knowing which databases are right for your research is important. Get an overview of our most popular nursing and allied health databases in this Library Lunch & Learn. We will briefly look at:

• OneSearch
• CINAHL
• PubMed
• Nursing Reference Center
• UpToDate
• Ovid
• and more
  

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Sep 28 | Crediting Ideas: Resources to Avoid Plagiarism

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Presenter: Fatima DeMelo

Feeling anxious about accidental plagiarism? Need citations tools? Join us for an overview of challenges to crediting ideas in a paper and the tools to help cite your sources during the writing process.

Oct 5 | Business Research Basics: An Introduction to Business Databases

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Presenter: Lynn Gibson

Join us to learn about the many sources of Business Information the Library provides. Explore the Business Source Complete database which contains articles and detailed reports on industries, companies, current trends, news and more; learn to find Canadian Industry statistics and information in IBISWorld, and be introduced to MarketLine for industry and market statistics.

Oct 12 | RefWorks: Reference Management Software

Click to Register

Presenter: Rosemary Woodby

For any person who needs to write and cite!

RefWorks simplifies the process of research, collaboration, data organization, and writing by providing an easy-to-use tool for citation, bibliography, and reference management.

Learn the basics of using this web-based tool and make writing your papers that much easier.

Oct 19 | Introduction to Education Databases

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Presenter: Fatima DeMelo

For individuals who want a more focused approach to education topics, this overview looks at the education databases offered by the library. This session will focus on LearnTechLib: The Learning and Technology Library, Teacher Reference Centre, and ERIC for ways to navigate search interfaces and results.

Oct 26 | UpToDate: Point-of-Care Clinical Database

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Presenter: John Mark Allen

UpToDate is a point-of-care medical and drug database that contains clinical information intended to assist medical professionals in treating their patients.  It is available to students and staff at Red River College from the Library’s website and can be accessed via an app from anywhere and at any time on your own mobile device. The database is intended for use in clinical settings specifically to improve patient treatment by delivering current information at the point of need, supporting timely decision making, and ensuring consistent care. Learn more about what this database has to offer and how to access and use it.

Nov 3 | Knovel: Engineering Database

Click to Register

Presenter: Rosemary Woodby

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS!
Civil Engineering, Construction, Electrical & Power Engineering, Electronics & Semiconductors, Mechanics & Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering & Materials Joining

Knovel is more than a database of e-books covering a variety of engineering subject areas. This unique database also features interactive tools including Properties Materials Search; Interactive Equations, the browser-based calculation software – Equation Solver, detailed Unit Converter, Steam Calculators, Interactive Periodical Table, and the ability to create and share folders of your saved results and work.

Learn the basics of this powerful tool in a quick lunchtime lecture.

Nov 9 | How to Be Info-Savvy: Tips for Navigating Online Information

Click to Register

Presenter: Fatima DeMelo

Finding information online can seem overwhelming. Learn about the challenges to finding credible information on the web. This session also covers three frameworks to build a foundation for thoughtful searching online.

More Information

A calendar view of the Library Lunch and Learn schedule is available here >> Workshops/Events Calendar

Additional Library Lunch and Learn topics, accompanying materials, related guides, and recordings are available here >> Library Lunch and Learn page

All of the staff at Library and Academic Services are happy to extend a warm welcome to everyone returning to campus. We’re looking forward to providing a safe study space and continuing to offer supports to students and staff, both in-person and online.

In-person service now available

Beginning on August 30, the Library at the Notre Dame Campus is re-opening for in-person service (note that our EDC location will remain closed at this time). While we look forward to seeing you, we encourage you to continue to take advantage of our online service desk, which is available during regular Library hours by clicking the Ask Us button at library.rrc.ca.

Services and spaces within the Library

The following spaces and services are currently available at the NDC Library:

• Individual study spaces
• One printer/photocopier
• Three computer stations
• Limited physically-distanced group study space
• Borrowing of Library materials
• Reference services
• A welcoming and safe environment

What to expect when you arrive

Virtual services from Academic Success Centre

As we enter a new academic year, we wish the College community of students and staff an insightful year of learning and discovery.

Over the summer, ASC staff have been hard at work redeveloping and expanding the Academic Success Centre’s study skills workshops into our brand new suite of Academic Skills Workshops:

• Using Academic Supports
  In this workshop, students will learn how to recognize and anticipate when they need to seek learning support, they will become familiar with the available academic supports at the college and online self-directed resources, and hear about key strategies for student success.
• Applying Technology Literacy
  In this workshop, students will be introduced to College-approved programs and applications that will be part of their daily lives as Red River College students. We will review HUB, Office 365 including Outlook and Teams, Webex, and LEARN, along with tips for student success.
• Adapting to Online Learning
  In this workshop, students will learn helpful strategies for learning in an online environment. This includes adjusting study strategies, creating a dedicated home workspace, and connecting with their learning community.
• Managing Time
  Time management is important for attending class, completing assignments well and on time, and optimizing study sessions. When time management is lacking, students can get overwhelmed and frustrated and fall behind in their studies. In this workshop, students will learn about managing their time, making healthy choices, and prioritizing their tasks so they can succeed in their learning.
• Developing Study Skills
  As a student at Red River College it is important to develop successful online and home study skills. During this workshop students will learn how to make the most of their online classes, study successfully at home by using effective learning strategies, and manage their time by prioritizing their academic] tasks.
• Practicing Teamwork
  Team projects have dual goals: for students to complete a project that would not be achievable alone, in a set timeline and for students to learn and practice the skills required for working with others through a collaborative process. This workshop builds on the traits of effective teams as it offers advice on navigating common team conflict issues.
• Student Orientation (10 minutes)
  In this orientation, students will become familiar with the available academic supports at the college and online self-directed resources, and hear about key strategies for student success.

Each workshop will guide students through the active learning strategies needed for success at college. Our workshops are designed to be student-centered and interactive, and are best delivered when modified to suit the specific needs of RRC programs.

To book: Faculty may now start requesting Academic Skills Workshops for their classes by completing the Academic Skills Workshop Request Form. Faculty should book well in advance to ensure ASC staff have time to modify workshop plans to suit your program’s current needs.

Faculty Guide: For descriptions and learning outcomes for each workshop, please consult the Academic Success Workshops – Faculty Guide.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your students. We trust this suite of workshops not only enhances student success skills, but aids in their course success through intentional learning, class engagement, and general desire to learn! If you have questions or would appreciate further details about any of the workshops, please email tutoring@rrc.ca.

At Red River College, we know that every student is different, with unique strengths and challenges. We are dedicated to providing supports that are diverse and inclusive to help students to succeed in their academic goals.

As we get closer to the beginning of the term, we are now planning the upcoming Red River Ready, a variety of orientation sessions to help students get ready for their time at the college, taking place August 23 – September 3.

During the Red River Ready orientation, students will have the chance to join sessions where they will learn about:

• Specialized support for different programs, including math and science tutoring and library research instruction
• Academic supports and accessibility services available to students with disabilities
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) and International Education supports
• Student supports including financial aid, scholarships and awards

What is great about Red River Ready is that it allows students to customize their orientation experience and attend sessions that are most valuable to them.

Also, the Getting Ready for College webpage is also a resource to help students prepare for their Red River College education.

For more information, feel free to connect with us!

Academic Success Centre Staff (Library and Academic Services)

Feeling connected to the College is key for student success, and during a time where course delivery is mostly online, having regular and accessible communication with other students, tutors, and academic coaches fosters a feeling of connectivity and softens the pandemic phrase “being alone together.”

As we get closer to the beginning of the term, we are now planning the upcoming Red River Ready, a variety of orientation sessions to help students get ready for their time at the college, taking place August 23 – September 3.

During the Red River Ready orientation, students will have the chance to join sessions where they will:

• Meet peer tutors and ask them about their student life experiences at College
• Find out about the supports and events from the Students’ Association and ways to participate in Students Clubs
• Hear about opportunities to engage with the Indigenous Cultural Centre, the Global Connections Centre, and The Spectrum Room
• Learn about how you can contribute to our diverse college community and how we can all work towards Truth and Reconciliation

What is great about Red River Ready is that it allows students to customize their orientation experience and attend sessions that are most valuable to them.

Also, the Getting Ready for College webpage is also a resource to help students prepare for their Red River College education.

For more information, feel free to connect with us!

Academic Success Centre Staff (Library and Academic Services)

We understand that new students may be feeling uncertain about the move to online learning for most of the classes, and wonder how they could be prepared and organized to make the most of their studies at the College during the pandemic.

As we get closer to the beginning of the term, we are now planning the upcoming Red River Ready, a variety of orientation sessions to help students get ready for their time at the college, taking place August 23 – September 3.

During the Red River Ready orientation, students will have the chance to join sessions where they will learn:

• Learning technologies that we use for learning at the College
• Strategies for adapting to online learning and how to get your study space ready for success
• Ideas for managing your time and planning your study schedule
• Study skills that will help you identify how you learn best

What is great about Red River Ready is that it allows students to customize their orientation experience and attend sessions that are most valuable to them.

Also, the Getting Ready for College webpage is also a resource to help students prepare for their Red River College education.

For more information, feel free to connect with us!

Academic Success Centre Staff (Library and Academic Services)

Pride Month is a celebration and a remembrance of LGBTQ2+ accomplishments. It’s also a reflection on how much further to go before the world recognizes that ‘love is love.  To supplement the college’s  Pride Week Activities, including self-guided courses, the library has several resources depending on the format or looking at one aspect of the community.

Start Here

One place to start is the Gender & Sexual Diversity section of the Intercultural Competency & Diversity Guide for resources about the Transgender community or coming out in general. Place a request for a title or head to the website section for various websites devoted to organizations like Winnipeg’s own Rainbow Resource Centre or a media arts collective known as Love Intersections bringing an intersectional lens to the community.

Streaming Videos

A film can provide an intimate look into the lives of individuals within the community with titles looking back on history or looking at present concerns. The National Film Board features many documentaries as part of its LGBTQ2+ channel. Below are three of the many titles making up the channel:

First Stories-Two Spirit 

From the summary:
This short documentary presents the empowering story of Rodney “Geeyo” Poucette’s struggle against prejudice in the Indigenous community as a two spirited person (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender). Geeyo registers as a dancer in the Kamloopa Powwow under the Jingle Dress category (normally reserved for women). Deeply humiliated by a misguided elder, Geeyo is reminded by his grandmother that two spirited people were once respected and honoured for their spiritual gifts. Geeyo eventually makes a triumphant return to the powwow arena, realizing that the only way to change people’s minds is to walk proudly while being true to one’s spirit. 

Reviving the Roost

From the summary:
Filmmaker and bestselling author Vivek Shraya’s ode to a popular Edmonton gay bar that closed in 2007. With pulsating neon-light animation, Reviving the Roost is a story about community complexity and longing, and an elegy to a lost space.

Standing on the Line

From the summary:
TRIGGER WARNING: This film contains the following subject matter: Suicide and self harm.

In both amateur and professional sports, being gay remains taboo. Few dare to come out of the closet for fear of being stigmatized, and for many, the pressure to perform is compounded by a further strain: whether or not to affirm their sexual orientation.

Breaking the code of silence that prevails on the field, on the ice and in the locker room, this film takes a fresh and often moving look at some of our gay and lesbian athletes, who share their experiences with the camera. They’ve set out to overcome prejudice in the hopes of changing things for the athletes of tomorrow.

Are you an instructor in an academic program that is being highly impacted by COVID-19… and you need some new supports and resources to address your students’ learning needs online? 

Are you an instructor in a course that is being offered across academic programs… and you would like supports in different student cohorts?

Are you an instructor with students that despite all their efforts fall behind in their coursework… and you are looking for options that support the students while they do not affect your work time?

Join us at Red River College’s RED Forum on Thursday, May 20 at 3:20 p.m.

Staff from different units in Library and Academic Services will be presenting a panel session designed to share scenarios that will underscore the intersection of faculty instruction with library and academic services at the program, cohort and individual level.

The panel will share the suite of student supports that we have continued to develop over this past year in an engaging and interactive way, contextualizing the resources and services to situations you may have now, or may encounter in the future. The presentation will incorporate time for a Q&A section at the end of the session.

Please come to the session reflecting on areas where your students’ academic needs have changed during this past academic year. It is our intention that you will leave the session with a bank of resources that will help you in your everyday work with your students at the College.

For more information about this panel session, contact Dayna Graham at dagraham@rrc.ca.
 

What is Mental Health Week?  Why do we need a week to focus on this?  I don’t have mental health problems, so why make a big deal out of it?

All good questions with some very important answers.

Mental Health Week helps to break a long-standing veil of secrecy about this important part of our lives.  Talking about mental health destigmatizes it and brings awareness to the fact that no one is immune to mental health issues, be they short or long term, mild or debilitating and that yes, there are resources and treatments available.  In short, this week endeavors to provide information, increase awareness, end stigma and promote treatment.

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s 2021 theme is “#GetReal about how you feel. Name it, don’t numb it”, and in this time of Covid-19, mental health is increasingly being talked about.  We are more anxious, isolated and lonely, and more unsure of the future.  It’s important to give names to our feelings and emotions; the good ones and the difficult and challenging ones too.  Naming your emotions is the first step in dealing with them and recognizing they are normal and we all deal with them.

Mental Health Supports at RRC

Red River College has supports available.  These include the Healthy Minds Healthy College initiative, Mindfulness training through the MindWell platform, Counselling Services, College Athletics programs, an Employee and Family Assistance Program, Mental Health Workshops for students, and more.

RRC Library has many valuable resources also, such as a guide about the Healthy Minds, Healthy College initiative which contains links to print and electronic books, videos and relevant external websites. We also have Light Therapy lamps available to borrow, to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Selected Resources

Below are just two of our many print and electronic resources; please email library@rrc.ca for more resources, or contact us via our Online Chat Service available on our Library Homepage.

Everyday self-care for educators : tools and strategies for well-being

Tantillo Philibert, C., Soto, C., & Veon, L. (2020). Everyday self-care for educators : tools and strategies for well-being. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

What to do when college is not the best time of your life

How is your mental health? If you have concerns remember, help is available and you are not alone.

Written by Emilie Jackson; introduction by Stephen Sawchyn, Academic Success Centre

Introduction

The Academic Success Centre has been helping EAL students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program prepare to serve tables in Jane’s Restaurant since 2016. With COVID-19 restrictions keeping Jane’s closed to the public in fall 2020 and uncertainty around when students would be able to use the space again, the program decided to suspend language training until the winter term. Read on to hear how EAL Tutor Emilie Jackson successfully moved the language workshop series online, providing 25 students with virtual table-side service opportunities and gaining accolades from students, faculty and senior leadership.

Emilie’s Success Story: Moving the Language Workshop Online

This term I worked with four groups of EAL students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program to help them prepare for the Restaurant Service Practical course, where students work in Jane’s to learn about fine dining. Three mornings a week for three weeks before their course, we met online to build their language skills. Our goals for the language support sessions were:

• Learn how to interact with a guest at Jane’s, including greeting the guest, taking their lunch order, serving the meal, and more, which we called the “Server Expectations Script”
• Become familiar with Jane’s lunch menu, including being able to make recommendations to guests and answer questions about menu terms and items

Our focus was learning the script and menu, but each student brought their own language needs to the sessions. While some students were confident enough in their language skills to jump right into the script or unfamiliar menu terms, others needed to focus on pronunciation, intonation, speed, or overall clarity. Students were aware that once they were on-site at Jane’s, they would be required to wear masks and socially distance, making clear speech even more essential.

Due to various language needs, I provided additional one-on-one tutoring to a few students in each group. These one-on-one sessions were student-led, and we were able to focus in on the phrases, words, or skills that needed special attention. We sang, flapped our arms, stretched out rubber bands to practice word stress, stood up and sat down, learned tongue twisters, and even practiced with masks – anything to build their skills and confidence!

Throughout the sessions, students had access to a Learn course that included materials used in sessions, as well as additional materials to assist in their independent practice.

At the end of our three weeks, the students and I hosted a Virtual Lunch. For this final session, I invited RRC staff and faculty from the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, Academic Success Centre, as well as a few members from the College leadership team to our online meeting to be “served lunch” by the students. Each student ran through the script from beginning to end with a new guest each time, which provided the students the opportunity to interact with new English speakers, receive in-the-moment feedback, and show off their hard work! It is something to be invited to lunch without food, so thank you to all the guests that have joined us over the last few months!

I was continually impressed by the students’ willingness to give their best, make mistakes, learn from each other, practice independently, and ask questions. It was a lesson in adapting to online learning, but the fantastic students made it a worthwhile challenge!

Feedback from the Hospitality and Tourism Management program:

I have been receiving glowing reports about the work Emilie Jackson has been doing with our students in Hospitality. Both our online instructors, and the restaurant instructors tell me the great job Emilie has been doing with supporting our students with language development in our program. The activities and instruction have been excellent.  (Karen McDonald, B.Ed., Chair, School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts)