NRC Research Press news

I can’t believe it.  NRC Research Press has announced that after 8 years of providing free access to NRC Research Press journal titles (such as Canadian Journal of Forest Research and Canadian Geotechnical Journal), this free electronic access will cease soon, likely in 2011.  I find this very discouraging.  When I spoke with NRC Press representatives approximately 8 years ago (when they first launched the free online versions of their journals), they assured me the plan was to provide this free access forever.  When I spoke with them a few years later, they said they hoped they would be able to continue to provide free access … at this point I became worried.  Now, a few years later, my fears have been realized.  No more free access to these valuable journals for Canadians.

As a librarian I find this disturbing on many fronts, the two main fronts being:

• First, patrons in my library will find their access to vital information is reduced when this change in access is implemented
• Second, as Open Access journals are growing internationally, it is sad that these vital Canadian research journals are moving in the opposite direction.

Tower for goats!

One of the many things I love about working in a library is that I never know what wonderful information will fall into my hands … and today the prize goes to“31 Ft. Goat Tower keeps animals fit, happy” from Farm Show Magazine.  As the library I work in provides information services related to natural resources … including agriculture … we subscribe to a number of agriculture journals.  Farm Show Magazine is, for me, the most interesting of the agriculture journals as it features amazing and innovative “made it myself” inventions … and the goat tower is one of the most interesting “made it myself” creations I have seen to date.  Having spent some time around goats (a friend had goats as pets), I am sure that goats must love this tower.  Goats seem to enjoy both exploring and venturing upwards …

I love my job and the fascinating tidbits of information I come across each day!

Teslin Public Library to re-open

The Teslin Public Library has been closed since early Dec. 2008 due to mould.  According to a Government of Yukon news release, the library will be re-located to another building in Teslin (former Nisutlin Trading Post building) and will open in April.  After months without their library, I am sure Teslin residents are very happy about this!