February is Black History Month in Canada, and you are invited to celebrate black Canadians – their experiences, stories, achievements and contributions. Below is a collection of videos from CBC’s Curio.ca and NFB intended to help commemorate Black History Month. (Note: Red River College Library subscribes to NFB Campus and Curio.ca. Log in may be required to view these videos.)

Black Soul (NFB)

“Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip through history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.” – NFB website

Book of Negroes (Curio.ca)*

“Based on the award-winning novel by Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes depicts the extraordinary life journey of Aminata Diallo, an indomitable African woman who cuts a swath through a world that is predisposed to underestimate her. Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate her way through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge given to Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone, before ultimately securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century.” – Curio.ca

*Part of the Black History Month Collection on Curio.ca.

Journey to Justice (NFB)

“This documentary pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took racism to court. They are Canada’s unsung heroes in the fight for Black civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents the struggle of 6 people who refused to accept inequality. Featured here, among others, are Viola Desmond, a woman who insisted on keeping her seat at a Halifax movie theatre in 1946 rather than moving to the section normally reserved for the city’s Black population, and Fred Christie, who took his case to the Supreme Court after being denied service at a Montreal tavern in 1936. These brave pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians. Their stories deserve to be told.” – NFB website

The McCurdy Birthright (Curio.ca)*

“In the 1980s, Howard McCurdy was a feisty Member of Parliament from Windsor, the first black NDP MP and the only black person in the House of Commons at the time. He became known for his interest in civil rights, for people of all races and colours. It’s a passion he inherited from many McCurdys before him. The McCurdys settled in Amherstburg 150 years ago and became leaders in the struggle for equality. Nasa McCurdy Jr. was a church leader and a school trustee, a man at the centre of the oldest black community in Canada. He became an important figure in the Underground Railroad movement, helping black slaves escape from America.” – Curio.ca

*Part of the Black History Month Collection on Curio.ca.

Read more:

• Black History Month: An interview with Lawrence Hill (Canadian Museum of Human Rights)
• Black History in Canada (Canadian Encyclopedia) 

The month of February is all about affairs of the heart. This Valentine’s Day, while you are taking time to remember your sweetheart, always remember February is the month where the Heart and Stroke campaign asks you to remember the perils of heart disease.

February is Heart Month

Heart disease and stroke take one life every 7 minutes, and 90% of Canadians have at least one risk factor. Heart Month is the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s key opportunity to reach millions of Canadians in February and alert them to the risks of heart disease and stroke. Volunteers are the face and the voice of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Heart Month is a critical time when we depend on you to share our message.

In February, the “Heart and Stroke Foundation”  began a national canvassing campaign. The success of this program depends on its 100,000 volunteers, who make friendly, personal requests to their neighbours and online networks. Volunteers canvass for donations through the month of February, to support life-saving research and raise awareness of heart disease and stroke within their communities.

Notre Dame Campus Windows Display

Look for a “Heart” themed display in the showcase window just outside the Notre Dame Campus Library. As well you can check out some related items in our Library Collection. We have placed several of these items in our Notre Dame Campus window display.

With a well-deserved break fast approaching, we at RRC Library want to wish you all of the best in the holiday season and in the new year to come. Below are some highlights of the beautiful Christmas decorations put up by the Library staff this year. Enjoy!

Holiday Wreath at EDC Library

 

Christmas Tree at EDC Library Entrance

 

Christmas Display Behind Circulation Desk at NDC Library

 

Christmas Tree in NDC Library Sitting Area

Polar Bears at NDC Library

Christmas Light Display at EDC Library

 

Book Tree at NDC Library

CBC and NFB produce the best in informative documentaries and news reports that probe deeper into subjects that matter most to Canadians. The flood of Syrian refugees coming to Canada is a recent concern for Canadians. This blog post lists documentaries that provide a thoughtful investigation what it means to be a refugee (Syrian or otherwise).

CURIO: Syrian Refugee Crisis: Lessons from Vietnamese Boat People 

CURIO: Syrian Refugee Crisis: Lessons from Vietnamese Boat People

As desperate migrants from the Middle East and Africa make their way across Europe, many in Canada are reminded of another refugee crisis that hit close to home. In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Canada took in 60,000 refugees, at the time often called the “Vietnamese boat people.” CBC reporter Judy Trinh was four years old when her family fled from Vietnam.

CURIO: The Journey from Syria to Canada 

CURIO: The Journey from Syria to Canada

Danny Ramadan fled war-torn Syria in 2011 and eventually came to Vancouver in September 2014.

NFB: Tree That Remembers

NFB: Tree That Remembers

In 1992 a young Iranian student hanged himself on the outskirts of a small Ontario town. Having escaped the Ayatollah’s regime and found a new home in Canada, he could not escape his past. In this film, Masoud Raouf documents the experiences of Iranian-Canadians – former political prisoners like himself – who were active in the Iranian democratic movement and continue to struggle with the past.

NFB: Who Gets In? 

NFB: Who Gets In?

Explores the many questions raised by Canada’s immigration policy in the face of one of the world’s largest immigration movements. Shot in 1988 in Africa, Canada and Hong Kong, the film reveals first-hand what Canadian immigration officials are looking for in potential new Canadians, and the economic, social and political priorities orienting their choices.

“Poppies by Benoit Aubry of Ottawa” by Benoit Aubry  (Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Make remembrance more than something you feel. Make it something you do.

Each year, from November 5 to 11, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans’ Week – this year is no different. During this week, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events will take place across the country to recognize the achievements of our Veterans and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Veterans’ Week, take the remembrance challenge. There are many ways to show that you remember and honour our Veterans. Visit the Veteran’s Week Web site for more information.

As well you can check out some related items in our Library Collection. We have placed several of these items in our Notre Dame Campus window display. Have a look when you come by, or check out the list of items here: http://library.rrc.ca/Search/Window-Display.aspx

In Flanders Fields : the story of the poem by John McCrae

Included in our window display is “In Flanders Fields : the story of the poem by John McCrae”.  In May 2015 the poem “In Flanders Fields,” will mark 100 years since it was written. This special edition book serves to celebrate that anniversary.

Over the years, John McCrae’s poem has been recited by many generations who continue to cherish the underlying message of respect for the fallen and a longing for peace.

In this book, the lines of the celebrated poem are interwoven with fascinating information about the First World War (1914-1918) and details of daily life in the trenches in Europe. Also included are accounts of McCrae’s experience in his field hospital and the circumstances that led to the writing of “In Flanders Fields.”   (Goodreads.com)

Lest we forget.

The EBSCOhost mobile app is made for the smaller screens of mobile devices, and offers the most important EBSCOHost features and functionality right in the palm of your hand.

There is also an added bonus. Once you have successfully loaded a validation key into your mobile device you do not have to enter a username and password every time you use the app.

To get started, follow the instructions below, or check out our “EBSCOHost Mobile” online guide.  You may also inquire at the Library Reference Desk for printed instructions.

 Instructions

Step 1: Get the APP

1. Download the free EBSCOhost app on your mobile device from within your device’s App Store. (Apple and Android only)

Step 2: Get the Validation Key

1. Launch your web browser, from within your mobile device or your computer.
2. Go to http://library.rrc.ca
3. Click on “Search EBSCOhost Articles” in the left-hand menu
4. Log in with your college username and password
5. Click on “Continue”
6. You should arrive at the EBSCOhost Article Search Page. Now, look at the bottom of the page (in the footer) for a link titled “iPhone and Android apps”. Note: if you are using a device that automatically simplifies pages for mobile devices you may need to select to view “full site” in order to see this link at the bottom of the page.
7. A popup will come up, asking you to input an email address.  Be sure to insert an email address that you can access on your mobile device. EBSCOhost will now send a special key to this email address.

Step 3: Load the key

1. On your mobile device, open up the email you receive from ephost@epnet.com and click on the link: “tap this authentication key”.
2. That will launch the EBSCOhost application. You will now have access to EBSCOHost on your device until the key code you’ve received has expired.

Instructions on how to use the EBSCOhost mobile application may also be be found on the EBSCOHost website, or by doing a web search for “EBSCOhost Mobile Access”.

Check out the window display at the Notre Dame Campus Library.

Ally Week is a national youth-led effort empowering students to be allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) bullying, harassment and name-calling.

It is usually held in September or October, often coinciding with National Coming Out Day on October 11, and October also being LGBT History Month. The event started in October 2005 and has grown since. This year Ally Week takes place October 12-16, 2015.

The goal of Ally Week is to diminish stereotypes and exclusion while highlighting that peer support for LGBT students is stronger than the students themselves may have thought existed. People across the country can engage in a national dialogue about how everyone in and out of school can work to become better allies to LGBT youth.

Visit our the Notre Dame Campus Window Display

To increase LGBTT* awareness Library Services set up a window display at Notre Dame Campus where you can find additional information about the LGBTT* initiative at RRC. 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.

List of Items: http://library.rrc.ca/Search/Window-Display.aspx

Please note: In this year’s art contest, unfortunately no entry met the criteria listed. As a result, we have not awarded a prize. We hope for a better outcome next time! (Updated 7 Dec 2015)

October is Canadian Library Month. Show off your artistic talent by creating a Library poster or bookmark!

The poster or bookmark should represent one of our many services such as the Library databases, reference help, etc. (See the guidelines below for complete details). Need ideas? Unsure what we have? Ask our staff! They would be happy to show you anything from how to log into databases to requesting books from Exchange District or Notre Dame Libraries.

Please make your entry colourful, creative, and be sure to include one of our organizational logos: (Library Wordmark Image | Red River College Logo Image) If you can free hand the logo with colored pencils have fun, or dust off Photoshop/Publisher for those with digital wizardry. If going the digital route, make sure anything used conforms with copyright restrictions. In other words, images must either be original or in the public domain.

Keep in mind the winner(s) may find their creation is actually used by the Library for promotional purposes!

Contest Rules/Guidelines

• Open to all students
• Size
  • 11 X 17” full colour poster,
    AND/OR
  • 5 X 8.5”  2-sided, full-colour bookmark
• Topic: pick one of the following themes:
  • Extensive E‐book collection
  • Online Full-text Databases
  • Streaming Videos
  • Great Reference Desk help
    e.g. one-on-one research assistance; tutorials, etc.
  • Library (general ‐ must be specific to the RRC Library)
    e.g.  “Did you know our library offers …”
• Use any media (i.e. coloured pencils, digital media, mulmedia, etc.) and style of art
  MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL ART WORK – NO CLIPART
• Write your name, student numberand email or phone number clearly on the back of your poster or on the envelope for bookmarks.
• All submissions must be turned in to either Library location by:
  4:30 pm on Friday October 30^th, 2015.
• Entries will be judged on:
  1. Quality of work
  2. Creativity
  3. Use of chosen topic
  4. Accuracy and clarity
• Winning artwork and honourable mentions will be displayed in the Library and on our website. They may also be used for future promotions.

Contest frequently asked questions

• How many posters/bookmarks can I enter?
  • One poster, one bookmark (total of 2 entries)
• How big can the poster / bookmark be?
  • Posters are to be 11×17” (tabloid)
  • Bookmarks are to be 2.5×8.5” and should have a front and a back.
• Do I have to use the RRC or Library logos? If so, where can I get them?
  • It’s encouraged. The logos can be downloaded here:
    (Library Wordmark Image | Red River College Logo Image)
• Can my entry be black and white?
  • We prefer full colour – unless your artistic vision says black and white!
• Will I get my project back?
  • We have kept all entries in the past. If you would like your entry returned to you, please say so on the back of the poster or on the bookmark envelope. Please note that winning entries will be kept for some time regardless.
• Can I make a poster on a topic not listed?
  • If it fits within the rules (our decision), then it’s OK.
• Can I ask staff about the different services for more information?
  • Absolutely!
• What goes on my entry?
  • Your name, student number, phone or email. If you want your entry back you should state this as well.
  • Please print clearly. If we can’t read it, we can’t contact you.
  • Information for bookmarks can be put on an envelope so that the original art isn’t damaged.
• Do you have envelopes for posters?
  • Nope, put your information on the back.
• Do you have envelopes for bookmarks?
  • Ask us.
• Does my bookmark need to be printed double-sided?
  • It can be submitted in two parts (front and back) on paper as long as it conforms to the size specified.
• Can I use 3-dimensional media?
  • The winning entries may be reproduced into promotional materials for the library. To do this we need to be able to make copies. 3D may limit our ability to do this at a reasonable cost. We won’t say no, but you should also submit a 2-dimensional print of your entry.
• When does the contest close?
  • Oct 30 at 4:30 – nothing will be accepted after that.
• When will we learn who won/honourable mentions?
  • A week or two after the contest ends.
• Who will judge the contest?
  • Library staff will be the judges.
• What are the prizes?
  • Tim’s card, Red card, or Bookstore credit for $50.
• Do we supply paper? Anything else?
  • Supplies are on you.
• What do you mean by copyrighted material/clipart?
  • Anything that someone else has created – e.g. downloaded from the internet, clip art from MSWord, photocopies, etc. Your entry must contain only original art created by your hand.
• What materials can I use to create a poster?
  • Pencil crayon, pencil, ink, digital media, multimedia, etc.
• Where can I find information on Canadian Library Month?
  • cla.ca

Do you want to know if the RRC Library has access to a certain online journal?   Start with the Library’s Full Text Finder!

Just type in the title of a journal and Full Text Finder will tell you if the Library has the journal and where you can find it. In 2015, the Library added new electronic journal databases including ScienceDirect which provides access to many additional full text electronic journals.

If you are searching for articles in Ebscohost it will no longer let you know all the journals the Library subscribes to. If you find an article in Ebscohost you would like and it does not indicate the Library has access to the journal you need to check the Full Text Finder before requesting it through Interlibrary Loan.

Want to learn how to search in Full Text Finder?  Let’s search for the June 2014 issue of the journal Early Human Development to see if we can access the full text of an article.

• Start at the Library Home page.
• Click on Find E-Resources (Full Text Finder) link. (Log in using your RRC username and password.)

Click on the image to see larger version.

• Type the journal title in the Search Box and click on Search.

Click on the image to see larger version.

• Click on the plus sign under the title Early Human Development (or click directly on the title). This journal is available in ScienceDirect College Edition – Health & Life Sciences Journal Collection – 1995 to present.
• Click on the ScienceDirect link and you will be taken directly to the online journal.
• Search the Open Access Articles to locate the June 2014 issue and click on it to find the article you want.

Click on the image to see larger version.

Questions?

Stop by the Library for a demonstration or to ask questions.

• Notre Dame Campus
  Email Library@rrc.ca
  Phone: 204-632-2233.
• Exchange District Campus
  Email: pscref@rrc.ca
  Phone: 204-949-8371

Are you searching EBSCOhost and can’t find an article on the topic you are looking for? Do you have a paper to write for class and don’t know where to start? Are you unable to log into EBSCOhost  or one of our other databases?

For these and many other questions the staff at the Library Information Desk can help you. They are able to answer your questions about library research; including teaching you how to do an effective search and helping you find relevant materials. They can also help you solve problems you may be experiencing with our online resources.

You may stop by either the Notre Dame Campus, or Exchange District Campus Libraries and ask for help in person, or you may contact the staff by phone, email and through the website.

No question will remain unanswered!

Notre Dame Campus

• Website: E-mail Notre Dame Reference Staff (Form)
• Email: library@rrc.ca
• Phone: 204-632-2233

Exchange District Campus

• Website: E-mail Exchange District Campus Reference Staff (Form)
• Email: pscref@rrc.ca
• Phone: 204-949-8371