BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Canadian Association of Research Libraries - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Canadian Association of Research Libraries X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Canadian Association of Research Libraries REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251204T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251204T130000 DTSTAMP:20251203T142621Z CREATED:20251111T205553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T142621Z UID:38653-1764849600-1764853200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:[CANCELLED] National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project: Office Hours DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-office-hours-december/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/concordia-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251203T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251203T150000 DTSTAMP:20251203T142627Z CREATED:20251112T141206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T142627Z UID:38673-1764770400-1764774000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:[CANCELLED] National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project: Office Hours [in French] DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-office-hours-in-french/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230920_SeancePhotoSBA_KC_3962_crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251202T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251202T140000 DTSTAMP:20251105T173654Z CREATED:20251105T173654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T173654Z UID:38353-1764680400-1764684000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Bibliometrics and Research Impact Community of Practice December Call: ORCID Adoption and Integration Panel: Maximizing Research Impact DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/bibliometrics-and-research-impact-community-of-practice-december-call-orcid-adoption-and-integration-panel-maximizing-research-impact/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Bibliometrics & Research Impact ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251127T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251127T140000 DTSTAMP:20251103T234105Z CREATED:20251103T234105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T234105Z UID:38329-1764248400-1764252000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Communications Community of Practice November Call: Continuing the Conversation on Academic Libraries Website Design & Development DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/communications-community-of-practice-november-call-continuing-the-conversation-on-academic-libraries-website-design-development/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Communications ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251124T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251127T235959 DTSTAMP:20251029T171712Z CREATED:20251021T143446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T171712Z UID:38206-1763942400-1764287999@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Evidence Synthesis Institute 2025 (In French) DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/evidence-synthesis-institute-2025-in-french/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:ESI,Workshops & Institutes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uLaval_Photo_bul_Pub_57414.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251117T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251120T235959 DTSTAMP:20251117T175750Z CREATED:20250829T213116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T175750Z UID:37527-1763337600-1763683199@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:2025 Fall Member Meeting DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/2025-fall-member-meeting/ LOCATION:Fairmont Le Château Montebello\, 392 Notre-Dame\, Montebello\, Québec\, J0V 1L0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Member Meetings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PXL_20250529_142023656-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251114T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251114T130000 DTSTAMP:20251023T153517Z CREATED:20251023T153517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T153517Z UID:38227-1763121600-1763125200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Assessment Community of Practice November Call: Library User Surveys & Consortium Participation in Canada DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/assessment-community-of-practice-november-call-library-user-surveys-consortium-participation-in-canada/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Assessment ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251113T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251113T160000 DTSTAMP:20251103T153004Z CREATED:20251103T153004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T153004Z UID:38323-1763046000-1763049600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Open Education Community of Practice November Community Call: Transformation of the OER Landscape: The Role of Artificial Intelligence DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/open-education-community-of-practice-november-community-call-transformation-of-the-oer-landscape-the-role-of-artificial-intelligence/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Open Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251031T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251031T130000 DTSTAMP:20251021T144210Z CREATED:20251021T144210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T144210Z UID:38210-1761912000-1761915600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:CARL Inclusive Collections Webinar Series – Beyond Borders: Reframing Acquisitions for Distinctive Collections DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/carl-inclusive-collections-webinar-series-beyond-borders-reframing-acquisitions-for-distinctive-collections/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Equity Diversity Inclusion ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251030T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251030T140000 DTSTAMP:20251007T134310Z CREATED:20251007T134310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T134310Z UID:38078-1761829200-1761832800@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Canadian Repositories Community of Practice October Call – Repositories in the Age of AI: The Attack of the Bots DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/canadian-repositories-community-of-practice-october-call-repositories-in-the-age-of-ai-the-attack-of-the-bots/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Repositories ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251027T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251028T235959 DTSTAMP:20251029T140815Z CREATED:20251015T144803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T140815Z UID:38163-1761523200-1761695999@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:2025 Canadian Library Assessment Workshop DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/2025-canadian-library-assessment-workshop/ LOCATION:Regina\, Saskatchewan\, Regina\, Saskatchewan\, Canada CATEGORIES:CLAW,Workshops & Institutes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T140000 DTSTAMP:20250918T181249Z CREATED:20250918T181249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T181249Z UID:38040-1761224400-1761228000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Bibliometrics and Research Impact Community of Practice October Call: Unlocking Institutional Insights with Article Processing Charge (APC) Data from OpenAlex DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/bibliometrics-and-research-impact-community-of-practice-october-call-unlocking-institutional-insights-with-article-processing-charge-apc-data-from-openalex/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Bibliometrics & Research Impact ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T160000 DTSTAMP:20251009T140628Z CREATED:20251009T140628Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T140628Z UID:38089-1761145200-1761148800@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Open Education Community of Practice October Call – Open Education Meets AI : The Open GenAI Project from BCcampus DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/open-education-community-of-practice-october-call-open-education-meets-ai-the-open-genai-project-from-bccampus/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Open Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251021T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251021T140000 DTSTAMP:20251020T223909Z CREATED:20251007T175457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T223909Z UID:38083-1761051600-1761055200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project: Office Hours DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-office-hours/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/photos_bul_Pub_57361-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251020T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251020T140000 DTSTAMP:20251007T175846Z CREATED:20251007T175846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T175846Z UID:38086-1760965200-1760968800@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project: Office Hours (French) DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-office-hours-french/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/photos_bul_Pub_57361.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251016T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251016T140000 DTSTAMP:20250912T154038Z CREATED:20250912T153417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T154038Z UID:37602-1760619600-1760623200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Communications Community of Practice October Call – There’s a Method to this Madness: Evidence-based Website Redesign at UVic Libraries DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/communications-community-of-practice-october-call-theres-a-method-to-this-madness-evidence-based-website-redesign-at-uvic-libraries/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Communications ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T140000 DTSTAMP:20251008T141801Z CREATED:20250923T184924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T141801Z UID:38063-1759842000-1759845600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project : Kick Off Webinar [IN FRENCH] DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-kick-off-webinar-in-french/ LOCATION:Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251006T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251006T150000 DTSTAMP:20251008T133755Z CREATED:20250923T184444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T133755Z UID:38058-1759759200-1759762800@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:National DPC RAM Benchmarking Project : Kick Off Webinar DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/national-dpc-ram-benchmarking-project-kick-off-webinar/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251003T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251003T133000 DTSTAMP:20251007T195659Z CREATED:20250912T225852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T195659Z UID:37624-1759492800-1759498200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Assessment Community of Practice October Call: To Survey or Not to Survey\, and Other Stories DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/assessment-community-of-practice-october-call-to-survey-or-not-to-survey-and-other-stories/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Assessment ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250924T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250924T160000 DTSTAMP:20250903T173501Z CREATED:20250903T173110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T173501Z UID:37547-1758726000-1758729600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Open Education Community of Practice September Community Call: Conducting a Program Evaluation of an OER Initiative: Benefits and Challenges DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/open-education-community-of-practice-september-community-call-conducting-a-program-evaluation-of-an-oer-initiative-benefits-and-challenges/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Open Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CoP-Department-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250827T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250827T140000 DTSTAMP:20250806T145722Z CREATED:20250722T185848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T145722Z UID:37200-1756299600-1756303200@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Canadian Repositories Community of Practice August Call – From Campus to Community Researchers: Evolving the Role of Institutional Repositories DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/canadian-repositories-community-of-practice-august-call-from-campus-to-community-researchers-evolving-the-role-of-institutional-repositories/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Repositories ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CoP-Featured-Image-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250724T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250724T143000 DTSTAMP:20250915T135849Z CREATED:20250915T135849Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T135849Z UID:37669-1753362000-1753367400@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Workshop for the Library Community on SSHRC’s Aid to Scholarly Journals Grant Program [French Session] DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/workshop-for-the-library-community-on-sshrcs-aid-to-scholarly-journals-grant-program-french-session/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Library Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250722T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250722T143000 DTSTAMP:20250915T142016Z CREATED:20250915T142016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T142016Z UID:37672-1753189200-1753194600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Workshop for the Library Community on SSHRC’s Aid to Scholarly Journals Grant Program [English Session] DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/workshop-for-the-library-community-on-sshrcs-aid-to-scholarly-journals-grant-program-english-session/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Library Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250709T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250709T140000 DTSTAMP:20250915T144121Z CREATED:20250915T144121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T144121Z UID:37676-1752066000-1752069600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Canadian Repositories Community of Practice July Call: Open Repositories 2025 Recap DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/canadian-repositories-community-of-practice-july-call-open-repositories-2025-recap/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Repositories ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250620T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250620T140000 DTSTAMP:20260318T140233Z CREATED:20250620T210649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T140233Z UID:37092-1750424400-1750428000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Mobilizing Learnings from @Risk North3: Next Steps for Digital Preservation DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/mobilizing-learnings-from-risk-north3-next-steps-for-digital-preservation/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Digital Preservation,RiskNorth ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Webinar-Featured-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250619T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250619T140000 DTSTAMP:20250620T145210Z CREATED:20250528T160722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T145210Z UID:36977-1750338000-1750341600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Bibliometrics and Research Impact Community of Practice June Call: Implementing DORA in Canadian Research Institutions DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/bibliometrics-and-research-impact-community-of-practice-june-call-implementing-dora-in-canadian-research-institutions/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Bibliometrics & Research Impact ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250618T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250618T160000 DTSTAMP:20250528T160240Z CREATED:20250528T160240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T160240Z UID:36974-1750258800-1750262400@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Open Education Community of Practice June Community Call – Sustaining Openness: Navigating Budget Constraints in OER Programs and Grants DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/open-education-community-of-practice-june-community-call-sustaining-openness-navigating-budget-constraints-in-oer-programs-and-grants/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Open Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250526T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250529T160000 DTSTAMP:20251024T143638Z CREATED:20250422T203706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T143638Z UID:36758-1748250000-1748534400@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:2025 Spring Member Meeting DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/2025-spring-member-meeting/ LOCATION:Inn at the Forks\, Winnipeg\, Manitoba\, 75 Forks Market Road\, Winnipeg\, Manitoba\, R3C 0A2\, Canada CATEGORIES:Member Meetings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250522T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250522T133000 DTSTAMP:20250730T211138Z CREATED:20250528T160024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T211138Z UID:36971-1747915200-1747920600@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Join the First Assessment Community of Practice Call DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/join-the-first-assessment-community-of-practice-call/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Assessment ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250521T140000 DTSTAMP:20250528T155200Z CREATED:20250528T155200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T155200Z UID:36966-1747832400-1747836000@www.carl-abrc.ca SUMMARY:Communications Community of Practice May Call – Communicating Change: A Discussion About Current Disruptions in Library Operations DESCRIPTION:« All Events\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect Library Communications Virtual Symposium \n \n \n \n \n \n February 11\, 2026\n\n \n\n – \n\n\n11:00\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n15:30\n\n\nEST\n \n \n \n \n \n The Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Communications Community of Practice is pleased to invite you to its first-ever\, free half-day virtual symposium\, CommConnect. This inaugural event brings together communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada to share experiences\, explore emerging trends\, and strengthen our collective practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Symposium \n \n \n \n Keynote \n \n \n \n Program \n \n \n \n Sessions \n \n \n \n Presenters \n \n \n \n About the Communications CoP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommConnect is an initiative of the Communications Community of Practice\, created as a way to further connect\, support\, and engage communications professionals working in academic and research libraries across Canada. Building on the Community of Practice’s ongoing conversations and knowledge sharing\, this inaugural half-day symposium provides a dedicated space to explore shared challenges\, exchange ideas\, and learn from one another. The theme for this year’s symposium is Communicating the Future: Libraries in a Changing Higher Education Landscape. Research libraries are navigating a rapidly evolving higher education and political landscape\, with shifting priorities\, new technologies\, and changing user needs. This symposium invites us to explore how innovative communication strategies\, creative outreach approaches\, and emerging tools are helping libraries to engage with their communities in meaningful ways — ensuring they remain visible\, relevant\, and impactful today and into the future. *Please note that the symposium will be held in English\, with live automated transcription provided in French. There is no cost to attend the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The CommConnect planning group is pleased to welcome Joe Friesen as the keynote speaker for the CommConnect Virtual Symposium. “Joe Friesen is The Globe and Mail’s postsecondary education reporter. He was The Globe’s demographics reporter for six years and formerly Prairie Bureau Chief based in Winnipeg. His work on immigration and population change was nominated for a special project NNA in 2013. His first book\, The Ballad of Danny Wolfe\, is based on a series of articles about the rise and fall of the Wolfe brothers. More recently he covered the tumultuous story of the killing of Colten Boushie.” (Globe and Mail) Joe will join us in conversation with Mark Asberg\, Vice Provost and University Librarian at Queen’s University and Chair of CARL’s Strengthening Capacity Committee. Together\, they will explore key issues shaping higher education and public discourse\, including: National narratives around universities and how they are evolvingUrgent or underexamined storylines in higher educationHow institutions can better support strong\, responsible journalismThis keynote conversation will offer valuable insight into how higher education is reported\, interpreted\, and understood—and how library communicators can engage more effectively in that landscape. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n TimeSessionPresenters\n\n\n\n\n 11:00 - 11:10Welcome RemarksCARL Executive Director\n\n\n 11:10 - 12:10KeynoteJoe Friesen in conversation with Mark Asberg\n\n\n 12:10 - 12:25Break\n\n\n 12:25 - 12:55Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library IdentityMorgane de Bellefeuille\n\n\n 12:55 - 1:10From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection AwarenessAnn Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\n\n\n 1:10 - 1:25Break\n\n\n 1:25 - 1:40A Meaningful Experience: Building Advocacy and Engagement through a Library Student Advisory CommitteeAnna Moorhouse\n\n\n 1:40 - 2:10The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support CommunicationsJennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\n\n\n 2:10 - 2:25If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media ImpactJanice Stockall & Robin Lightfoot\n\n\n 2:25 - 2:40Break\n\n\n 2:40 - 3:10Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library RelocationAmelia Nezil & Julie Mitchell\n\n\n 3:10 - 3:25Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of TransitionGabby Crowley\n\n\n 3:25 - 3:30Closing RemarksLisa Abram & Kristine Power\, Communications CoP co-chairs\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rebranding with Purpose: Fostering Belonging and Connection through Library Identity \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:25 pm – 12:55 pm ETPresenter: Morgan De Bellefeuille\, Université de Montréal Presentation Slides In 2024\, the Université de Montréal Libraries embarked on an ambitious transformation—to evolve beyond being seen solely as a service\, and to embrace a more human-centered\, relational\, and emotionally resonant brand identity. This presentation will share how a comprehensive rebranding process—spanning visual identity\, tone\, website\, photography\, and user experience—helped reposition the libraries as a vital\, human\, and forward-looking presence within the university community. Drawing on this large-scale case study\, I will outline the strategic and participatory approach that guided this evolution: co-design with internal teams\, consultations with diverse communities\, and collaboration with institutional partners. Central to this process was the decision to bring together communications\, engagement\, and outreach within a newly created unit—the Direction de l’engagement et de l’innovation sociale (Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation\, DEIS)—uniting communications\, community initiatives\, and pedagogical engagement under a single\, holistic vision. By aligning brand identity with social impact\, the DEIS fosters a culture of engagement that connects ideas\, people\, and communities. Through this integrated model\, the libraries have redefined what it means to communicate the future: not merely through storytelling and design\, but by embodying values of accessibility\, innovation\, and collaboration in every aspect of their work. This presentation will offer insights\, lessons learned\, and practical takeaways for institutions seeking to integrate brand\, engagement\, and organizational transformation in academic library settings. \n \n \n \n \n \n From Niche to Notable: Community-Driven Collection Awareness \n \n \n \n \n Time: 12:55 pm – 1:10 pm ETPresenters: Ann Liang & Lindsay Stokalko\, University of Saskatchewan Presentation Slides Learn about our strategic community engagement driven approach to promoting the Neil Richards Collection of Sexual and Gender Diversity at the University of Saskatchewan. By monitoring emerging interests in the community and cultivating relationships with individuals whose passions intersect with underexplored areas of the collections\, we created a unique opportunity to produce targeted programming to promote this resource. This intentional outreach has led to meaningful collaborations where experts used the collection for their own projects\, while becoming ambassadors for its existence and value. Some examples of projects that we have put together with community collaboration that we will discuss include Drag History and Queering the Ring: A Slamming History of Diversity in Wrestling. By spotlighting these contributors and their work\, we have fostered a sense of community ownership and pride to encourage further exploration and dialogue around this collection. This model of strategic engagement and content co-creation has allowed us to build a dynamic ecosystem around the collection where it is continually refreshed by new voices and perspectives. \n \n \n \n \n \n “A meaningful experience:” Building advocacy and engagement through a library student advisory committee \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:25 pm – 1:40 pm ETPresenter: Anna Moorhouse\, University of British Columbia Library Presentation Slides Over the past three years\, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Library has reshaped its student advisory committee model to create a more meaningful and accessible experience for student members. The changes have not only increased member engagement and provided a sustainable\, ongoing model for new member recruitment\, but have also transformed the committee into a platform for student relationship-building and authentic feedback. By introducing structural changes—such as improved recruitment methods\, inclusive meeting practices\, and new communication pathways—UBC Library has fostered sustained member engagement and transformed the committee into both a reliable source of qualitative insights and a network of student ambassadors\, excited to amplify the library’s impact across campus. This presentation will share: the specific structural and communication strategies behind the committee’s success\, and why they work;how the committee’s input has directly shaped library services and programs;the value of participation from the students’ perspective\, illustrated through exit survey excerpts and other key touchpoints.As student needs and communication preferences continue to evolve\, we’ll also discuss how UBC Library continues to evaluate and adapt this model each year to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen advocacy\, engagement\, and qualitative feedback within their own institutions. \n \n \n \n \n \n The Library Tarot: Enchanting Research Support Communications \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 1:40 pm — 2:10 pm ETPresenters: Jennifer Robinson\, Alison Pegg\, Simon Court\, Western University Presentation Slides At a time when research libraries must communicate their value in creative and resonant ways\, Western Libraries sought to engage students with research support through an imaginative (and seasonal) lens: a Library Tarot deck. Implemented the week of Halloween in anticipation of students beginning major research assignments\, each card in the deck symbolizes an aspect of the research process. From the Search Strategy (the scholar’s spell book) to The Database (the labyrinth of knowledge)\, the entire deck connects the mystical language of tarot with the tangible supports libraries offer. This session explores how we used visual storytelling\, humor and thematic design to spark curiosity\, lower barriers to engagement\, and reinforce the message that the library is approachable and essential to the academic journey. Participants will learn how the campaign was conceptualized\, designed and implemented\, and how it was received by students. By aligning seasonal creativity with strategic engagement goals\, Western Libraries used playful yet purposeful theming to create an environment where research support feels both magical and meaningful. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If You Gnome You Gnome: How Plant Summer Camp Grows Mount Allison Libraries and Archives Social Media Impact \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:10 pm — 2:25 pm ETPresenters: Janice Stockall\, Robin Lightfoot\, Mount Allison University Presentation Slides Dig into Mount Allison University and Archives’ Plant Summer Camp\, an “outside the [planter] box” program that has refocused and grown our library marketing both on social media and in our day-to-day contacts with the Mount Allison community and beyond. Discover how we made one student’s request to look after their houseplants in the spring of 2023 into an award winning\, creative\, and whimsical social media campaign. Each summer\, student “plant parents” send their plants to camp at the R. P.  Bell Library where\, under the guidance of their camp counselor Vincent (aka Vinny) Van Grow\, they have a different activity in the library\, on campus\, or in the community that is posted to our social media account. (Find us on Instagram mta_libraries) Vinny and the plants have become celebrities in the Mount Allison community with many followers eagerly waiting for the weekly activity posts. Since the start of Plant Summer Camp\, our followers have more than tripled\, and we are harvesting thousands of views and hundreds of likes on individual posts. Our first Plant Summer Camp post in April 2023 had 199 views. In the summer of 2025\, our Plant Summer Camp “Dance Party” post had 5729 views. Beyond social media\, the camp’s location in the library is also a featured stop on the recruitment and student familiarization tours of campus\, which allows the library to be part of a student’s academic journey from the beginning. Please join us to discuss how we are cultivating the seeds of Plant Summer Camp’s success as we continue to grow this fun and informative social media engagement at a critical point in our Library’s journey “down the garden path\,” moving towards the completion of a major renovation in 2030. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Confident in the Face of Change: Communications Insights from UBC Library's Education Library Relocation \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 2:40 pm — 3:10 pm ETPresenters: Amelia Nezil\, Julie Mitchell\, University of British Columbia Presentation Slides As library communicators\, we know we play a significant role in leading change across our organizations. But how do we shift out of a reactive mindset to one where we feel prepared and flexible enough to respond with confidence to the unexpected? With effective planning\, we have an opportunity to craft communications strategies that are proactive\, empathetic and—perhaps most importantly—adaptable. Amelia Nezil\, Director\, Library Communications & Marketing\, UBC Library and Julie Mitchell\, Associate University Librarian\, UBC Library will share a case study on their experience communicating through the relocation of UBC Library’s Education Collection and the closure of the Education Library branch. More broadly\, they will share insights and lessons learned\, as the library continues to navigate the budget challenges that led to the relocation. Areas of discussion will include: The importance of establishing and reinforcing foundational change messaging\, especially for ongoing challenges like budget.How to carefully sequence messaging\, prioritizing audiences by level of impact.The power of harnessing internal and external partnerships for effective audience targeting.Insights from Julie and Amelia into how communications can successfully partner with library leadership.Strategies to navigate common challenges\, like aligning messaging across leadership or combatting misinformation.Attendees can expect to come away with practical tools and strategic insight to help them develop a communications approach that is consistent yet also adaptable to the needs of employees\, faculty\, students and researchers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Whose Job is it Anyway? Internal Communications Strategies for Developing Sustainable Communications Workflows in Times of Transition \n \n \n \n \n \n Time: 3:10 pm — 3:25 pm ETPresenter: Gabby Crowley\, Scholars Portal Presentation Slides Amidst staffing changes\, a shifting social media landscape\, and evolving needs of the Canadian data community\, communications strategies for Borealis\, the Canadian Dataverse Repository have been continually in flux. In the past two years\, the Borealis team has navigated a number of staffing transitions which impacted capacity for a robust communications plan. With new staff joining the Borealis team\, the need arose for additional internal coordination of communications goals and workflows to match the fast pace of the Borealis service and initiatives from the broader Canadian data community. This presentation will discuss strategies the Borealis and Scholars Portal teams are exploring to better organize communications priorities and responsibilities for a relatively new and geographically widespread team. In particular\, this presentation will look at using a communications calendar model to improve workflows\, capacity\, bilingual support\, and community outreach and engagement for the service moving forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Morgane de Bellefeuille (Université de Montréal) \n \n \n \n \n Morgane De Bellefeuille is a cultural manager and strategic leader in the fields of social innovation\, communications\, and organizational transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University\, a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Enterprise Management from HEC Montréal\, and a Certificate in Archives and Records Management from the Université de Montréal. She currently serves as Associate Director and Director of the Direction of Engagement and Social Innovation (DEIS) at the Université de Montréal Libraries. In this role\, she leads strategic initiatives in social innovation\, community engagement\, and institutional transformation—helping to redefine how libraries connect with their communities and communicate their mission. Her work bridges communication strategy\, brand identity\, and collective engagement\, fostering a human-centered culture that aligns institutional purpose with community impact. Prior to joining the Université de Montréal\, Morgane held leadership roles in several cultural organizations\, including Director of Services at La Machinerie des arts\, Director of Administration and Development at SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art\, and Marketing and Commercialization Manager at La Guilde. She has also taught at HEC Montréal as a lecturer in cultural management. An active contributor to Montréal’s cultural ecosystem\, Morgane was selected in 2022 for the Réseau des jeunes femmes leaders of Concertation Montréal and was a finalist for the 2018 ARDI Award recognizing innovation in cultural philanthropy. She served for over seven years as Co-Chair of the HEC Montréal Management & Culture Alumni Committee\, five years as President of the Board of Théâtre La Bête Humaine\, and as a mentor for Affaires/Arts’ Artvest program supporting Canadian arts organizations. She has also completed executive certifications in Environmental\, Social\, and Governance (ESG) Management and in Communication and Marketing from HEC Montréal’s School of Executive Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Ann Liang is the Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan where she teaches marketing research and hunts the next big tech trend. With a B.Sc. in Biology\, a B.A in Archaeology she dreamed of running Jurassic Park or becoming Indiana Jones\, but when that didn’t pan out\, an MLIS from Western and librarianship provided the best of both worlds. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko (University of Saskatchewan) \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Stokalko is the Archives Specialist in the University Archives and Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan. With a B.A. Honours and M.A. in Archaeology\, her fascination with old gossip runs deep. She has extensive experience working with memory institutions on the Western Prairies and is dedicated to locating all the historic hunks lurking within. \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Moorhouse is a Communications and Marketing Manager at the University of British Columbia Library in Vancouver\, Canada. As a marketing professional\, she brings more than 13 years of experience from roles in financial services\, the technology sector and higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Biology\, followed by a MA in English Literature at Queen’s University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer Robinson is a User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) at Western University where she develops and delivers user-centred services and programs that foster student engagement and inclusion. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Pegg is a User Services Manager at Western University with accountabilities for reference service provision and operationalizing outreach and engagement activities with and for the Western community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court (Western University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Simon Court is Library Assistant (Engagement and Outreach) at Western University. He focuses on connecting a diverse campus community with library services\, spaces\, resources\, and collections. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Janice Stockall is the Manager of Access Services at Mount Allison with over 25 years experience working in libraries. She has also worked at UNB Law Library. She has been part of the Plant Summer Camp team since it start in April 2023. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot (Mount Allison University) \n \n \n \n \n \n Robin Lightfoot is a graduate of the LIT program from Mohawk College and joined MTA as the Assistant Manager of Access Services in 2024. With her degree in Fine Arts(photography) she has quickly become an essential part of Plant Summer Camp and our Social Media team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Amelia Nezil is the Director\, Communications & Marketing at University of British Columbia Library\, where she oversees internal and external communications strategies for the library system. Amelia previously spent 10 years working in health-care communications\, including managing communications for 11 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic\, where she honed her change management expertise. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell (University of British Columbia) \n \n \n \n \n \n Julie Mitchell is the Associate University Librarian\, Teaching\, Learning and Engagement and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia Library. Julie provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and is also responsible for the Music\, Art & Architecture Library\, David Lam (Business) Library\, Education Library and Xwi7xwa Library at UBC. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley (Scholars Portal) \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabby Crowley is the Client Services Librarian at Scholars Portal – the service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries. She is responsible for consortial information sharing about Scholars Portal services through library communications\, documentation\, reference support\, webinars\, and more. She has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University and a Master of Information (MI) from the University of Toronto\, with concentrations in Library & Information Science and Archives & Records Management. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Established in 2022\, the Communications Community of Practice (CoP)\, also known as the CommUNITY\,   brings together library workers and other colleagues from Canadian academic institutions working or interested in communications. The goals of the CoP are to connect\, provide information sharing\, and grow expertise and capacity across Canada. The CoP is managed by a Steering Committee of individuals from the community who meet on a monthly basis to organize community calls\, roundtables\, workshops\, and/or other forms of community engagement. They also create and provide access to resources for the community of practice as related to their activities (e.g.\, links to presentations\, shared resources\, etc.).  Steering Committee Members: Lisa Abram\, University of Victoria (co-chair)Kristine Power\, Memorial University (co-chair)Ann Liang\, University of SaskatchewanKristy Read\, Dalhousie UniversityTrent Warner\, Mount Royal UniversityLarysa Woloszansky\, University of TorontoLara Wright\, Vancouver Island University \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Visit the Communications CoP webpage URL:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/event/communications-community-of-practice-may-call-communicating-change-a-discussion-about-current-disruptions-in-library-operations/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Communications ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.carl-abrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NewsFeaturedImage-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR