Photo credit: pixabay.com

Many Canadians are celebrating today as licensed cannabis stores across Canada open their doors to the public. Recreational cannabis use is now legal, but not without restrictions and potential danger to those who misuse it. Perhaps more than ever we need cannabis awareness – not only of the laws surrounding it, but also the health effects and risks it presents.

The Legalities

The following links provide legal information about the use of cannabis:

• Cannabis on Campus Red River College’s policies on recreational cannabis and impairment
• Cannabis in Manitoba Provincial Cannabis laws and updates from the Government of Manitoba
• Cannabis in Canada Health effects and risks, laws and regulations, and more from the Government of Canada
• Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba Purchasing, licensing and legal information about cannabis in the province

The Risks: Watch and Learn

Cannabis Awareness Video Collection at NDC Library

The Cannabis Awareness Video Collection – now on display at AV Services, NDC Library – will open your eyes with scientific facts and personal stories related to cannabis use. All staff and students at the College have access to the video collection. Please contact us if you have any questions.

View the list of videos here >> Cannabis Awareness Video Collection

Questions or comments? We’d Love to Hear From You!

Library – CM35
Notre Dame Campus
204-632-2231

Library – P214
Exchange District Campus
204-949-8370

–Posted by Linda Fox

Orange Shirt Day occurs annually on Sept 30th and recognizes the harms done to our Indigenous communities, friends and family by the Residential School System.

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It also gives teachers time to plan events that will include children, as we want to ensure that we are passing the story and learning on to the next generations.

Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

Reference: http://www.orangeshirtday.org/ 

Residential Schools Guide

Prepared by Library staff member Joan Boersma the Residential Schools Guide places many “residential schools” resources at your fingertips.

In the guide you will find books about survivors, documentaries and videos, eBooks, survivors stories and links to resources such as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation where the “Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission” may be viewed.

Residential Schools Guide:
https://library.rrc.ca/ResidentialSchools

Notre Dame Campus “Orange Shirt Day” Window Display

Red River College Library has recognized Orange Shirt Day with a window display outside the Notre Dame Campus Library. We have also placed a selection of books in the display. Come by and see what is available. If you see something you like, inquire at the Circulation Desk inside the library.

Orange Shirt Day (September 30) is an official day to honour and build awareness of residential school survivors.

The Original Orange Shirt

Phyllis Webstad describes her first day at the residential school:

“When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.” 

–Phyllis Webstad, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation
(Source: orangeshirtday.org)

Because of this story and the mistreatment it represents, the orange shirt has become a permanent symbol of remembrance for residential school survivors. According to The Orange Shirt Day Act, September 30 now officially bears the name “Orange Shirt Day.”

>> Read more: Phyllis’s Story: The Original Orange Shirt

The Orange Shirt Day Video Collection

AV Services Presents The Orange Shirt Day Video Collection (photo credit: NFB.ca)

AV Services has curated a collection of videos to honour Orange Shirt Day, now on display outside AV Services in the Library. For your convenience, many of these titles are streamed and available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device (RRC staff or student log in required).

View the list of titles here >> The Orange Shirt Day Video Collection

Design in Depth exhibit by Robert R. Reid – RRC Library, Notre Dame Campus

From late June through September, RED RIVER COLLEGE LIBRARY is hosting an evolving exhibition of thought-provoking ‘digital ephemera’ (recently realized) by pioneering Canadian typographical designer Robert R. Reid.

Presented by CAUSA (Collective for Advanced and Unified Studies in the Visual Arts) –in association with the MARSHALL McLUHAN INITIATIVE– the exhibition ROBERT R. REID: DESIGN IN DEPTH presents a vast (purposefully selected) cross-cultural and transgenerational assemblage of literary/philosophical texts (including documents in translation from the Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Welsh). The ‘intermittently appearing’ content of this Red River College library program comprises epigrams and revelatory quotations (from 5th century BCE to 2018), selected by CAUSA Research Curators and typographically designed by Robert R. Reid. Read More →

Red River College has obtained access to “Visible Body – Anatomy & Physiology”, a visually stunning, step-by-step introduction to each human body system from Wolters Kluwer.

RRC Staff and students may now use this resource, by connecting through the library web site. For instructions, please refer to our guide (link is below).

• RRC Libguide: How to use and install Visible Body – Anatomy and Physiology.

What does Visible Body provide?

“Visible Body – Anatomy & Physiology” provides a 3D introduction to the human body in 50 visual interactive chapters. Anatomy and physiology is presented in 3D model sets, animations, and illustrations.

Each unit presents a body system in a series of chapters, with bite-sized visual interactivities and quizzes. The site also features trackable unit objectives, with multiple-choice and dissection quizzes for assessing self-paced learning.

What units are included?

12 units are included: cells and tissues, integumentary, skeleton and joints, muscle types, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive

What are some of the features?

• The user can view anatomy and physiology of all 12 body systems, and study the detail of the complex physiology by rotating, zooming and dissecting 3D models of bones, organs, and tissues.
• The user can work through a bite-sized presentation of a concept, then use the self-assessment quizzes to assess mastery
• The user can use study tools to reinforce and track learning

Would you like to see a demo?

How do I connect to “Visible Body – Anatomy & Physiology”

RRC Staff and students should refer to our guide:
How to use and install Visible Body – Anatomy and Physiology.

Do you want to increase the effectiveness of your study time? Do better on tests? Join these free brain-based workshops to increase your study skills — and your performance on tests and assignments.

Join these free lunchtime workshops to find out what your brain needs to learn at maximum efficiency.

Library Window Display: Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is a day that was established to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people and also gives a moment when people can stop and memorialize those who have died by anti-transgender violence. (Source: http://www.transgenderdor.org/)

Visit our the Notre Dame Campus Window Display

To increase awareness on this issue, Notre Dame Library Services has set up a window display at Notre Dame Campus where you can find information about Transgender Day of Remembrance.

As well, the RRC Library has many LGBTT* themed items in its collection. Check out some of the items that are currently on display in the Notre Dame Campus window display.

In honour of THRIVE WEEK, AV Services (NDC) has curated a selection of video resources to help you thrive.

Image source: pixabay.com

Laugh Away Your Stress with Richard Condie

One of the best known remedies for stress is laughter. Richard Condie’s award-winning animations are sure to do the trick. These films are available through the Library’s subscription to NFB.ca (RRC network log in required).

THE BIG SNIT (9 min) This poignant and hilarious animated film perfectly captures the intersection of a domestic quarrel and a global nuclear war.

PIGBIRD (3 min) This animated short tells the zany story of a cagey citizen’s success at getting a forbidden “animal” through customs and the disastrous results that follow.

OH SURE (1 min)  Here is a lesson in how to make a fool of oneself easily and effectively. Two gentlemen are involved: one who wishes to read his newspaper and another who insists on performing acrobatic feats.

THE APPRENTICE (9 min) In this animated short, an old fool meets a young fool at a crossroads. The young fool skips blindly down the wrong road, and the old fool must then teach his young apprentice about the consequences.

JOHN LAW and the MISSISSIPPI BUBBLE (9 min) This animated short offers up a history lesson about one of the most sensational get-rich-quick schemes that took place in France over 200 years ago.

GETTING STARTED (12 min) This hilarious short animated film stars a man who procrastinates. Our hero attempts to practice a piece of music on the piano, but distractions get in the way. When he finally sits down to play, pandemonium breaks loose.

LA SALLA (8 min) In this animated short, the classic tale of temptation is revealed in the form of a comic opera. In a room full of wind-up toys, our hero sets a chain of events into motion that ends up disturbing both his own, and the viewer’s, sense of reality.

Videos on Display at NDC Library, AV Services

BEHIND THE MASK Anxiety levels among teens have increased by more than 30 percent in the last decade. The stories told in the video offer a perspective on how to manage the pressure and anxiety in life.

BRAIN GAINS: BETTER GRADES THROUGH FITNESS The National visits an inner city high school in Saskatoon, SK, where one teacher went out on a limb to test the theory that vigorous daily exercise improves academic performance. Also available online.

BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM: YOU’VE GOT THE POWER Good self-esteem gives you the power to deal with changes, pressures and influences in your life. A positive self image also means healthier relationships and better success in school or on the job. Viewers will learn 9 steps to building self-esteem.

EXPRESSION AND HEALING THROUGH ART The Seekers explore what arts and culture mean to them and all Aboriginal people. Regardless of the medium, art has the power to heal us socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

GOOD NIGHT: WITH THE SLEEP DOCTOR Dr. Michael Breus explains how genes, environment, job habits, and physiology may hamper sleep and thus dramatically affect waking life. He shows that getting proper quality and quantity of sleep can help rejuvenate the mind and body, improve sex life, increase energy, and help a person lose weight and look younger.

HAPPINESS Go on a journey of joy! Learn how contentment contributes to obesity and yet, is the one sentiment that motivates us to live. Discover the results of a World Happiness Report, which offers insight into the age-old question: are poor people happier than rich ones? Behavioural experts explain how we can be trained to experience happiness. Also available online.

PREVENTING AND MANAGING STRESS Learn from experts about the causes of stress and how to lessen its negative impacts.

SLEEPLESS EPIDEMIC: PRACTICAL STEPS TO HELP ADOLESCENTS GET THE SLEEP THEY NEED This program, hosted by Sleepless in America author Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed. D, helps teens identify sleep deprivation and understand its risks while providing strategies for getting more sleep.

STRESS: PORTRAIT OF A KILLER Stanford University neurobiologist, Robert Sapolsky, has been advancing our understanding of stress – how it impacts our bodies and how our social standing can make us more or less susceptible. Understanding how stress works can help us figure out ways to combat it and how to live a life free of the tyranny of this contemporary plague. Also available online.

TIME MANAGEMENT Over the course of this three-section program, viewers will learn to side-step common time-management errors and plan out their semesters so they can take control of their time and enjoy a healthy work/life balance.

UNSTRESS FOR SUCCESS  A little bit of stress has positive effect… high levels of continued stress is quite harmful. Discusses the implications of stress on health and disease. Provides hilarious ways to reduce stress in your daily routine. Also available online.

VALUES AND GOALS This three-section program combines commentary from educators and students with in-class exercise segments to explore the meaning of values and goals and illustrate how they steer and shape a person’s life–in college and beyond.

WIRED DIFFERENTLY Current studies show that approximately 20 percent of all students suffer from a mental, emotional or behavioral health issue. The insights in this 15 minute video will help you and your staff adopt these five keys to working with students with mental wellness challenges.

Need Assistance?

For assistance with the Library’s video resources, please contact AV Services at 204-632-2231 or media@rrc.ca.

Veterans know the price paid for our freedom and they want all Canadians to share in this understanding. They are passing the torch of remembrance to us, the people of Canada, to ensure that the memory of their efforts and sacrifices will not die with them, and that an appreciation of the values they fought for will live on in all Canadians.

100th Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele

The Battle of Passchendaele raged in Belgium in the summer and fall of 1917. The Canadian Corps joined the fighting there in October and would overcome almost unimaginable hardships to triumph on a brutal and muddy battlefield. This victory only came at a high price, however, as over 4,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives and almost 12,000 more were wounded.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. The service and sacrifice of the Canadians who fought there will never be forgotten.

Reference: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/first-world-war/passchendaele

Acts of Remembrance – Social Media

Every year in November, we stop to remember, salute and honour Canada’s Veterans and active duty personnel. This year, we hope that Canadians from coast to coast to coast will join us to pay tribute to our heroes for their service and sacrifice. Let’s start a social media movement that tells our Veterans that #CanadaRemembers.

You can even dress up your online profile with social media ready pics and graphics:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/remembrance-day/social-media/acts-of-remembrance

Notre Dame Campus Window Display

Check out the Notre Dame Campus Library window display, which highlights books and materials chosen to help you to learn more about this topic. To view a complete list of books in the window display click here: http://library.rrc.ca/Search/Window-Display.aspx

Norman Beattie, one of the College’s longest serving staff is retiring from his position as Coordinator, Reference and Public Services effective October 31, 2017.

Norman Beattie, one of the College’s longest serving staff is retiring from his position as Coordinator, Reference and Public Services effective October 31, 2017.

Norman joined the College in 1981 as Reference Librarian and also served as Acting Director from 2015 to the summer of 2017. During Norman’s years of service the Library’s services have transformed from a paper based catalogue and collection to a predominately electronically accessible world of information. Throughout all the technological changes Norman has maintained the highest level of service to innumerable students and staff over the years. From serving as a reference librarian at the information desk to instructing groups of students in research methods, Norman has shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with tens of thousands of learners.

We wish Norman a well-deserved retirement!