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In the past, a member of the public could access an academic library's collection simply by visiting the library in person and browsing the shelves. However, now that online resources are prevalent and represent the majority of collections budgets and current collections, public access has become more complicated. In Canadian academic libraries, licences negotiated for online resources generally allow on-site access for walk-in users; however, access is not granted uniformly across libraries. The goal of this study was to understand whether members of the public are indeed able to access online resources in major Canadian university libraries, whether access to supporting tools is offered, how access is provided, and whether access is monitored or promoted. The study used an online survey that targeted librarians responsible for user services at Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) member libraries. The survey results indicated that some level of free access to digital resources was provided to walk-in users at 90% of libraries for which a survey response was received. However, limitations in methods and modes of access and availability of supporting resources, such as software and printing, varied between the institutions. The study also found that most libraries did not actively promote or monitor non-affiliated user access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library date due slips can potentially contain personal information (e.g., names) that compromises patron privacy. A survey was conducted of fifty-five Canadian English-language public library systems to determine what information is being printed on date due slips. While it was discovered that personal information was sometimes included, it was most often in the form of the borrower’s library card number, an almost anonymous identifier. The most commonly included information related to library services, such as the name of the library, the titles of items borrowed, and the due date. Respondents cited patron privacy as the main reason for not including personal patron information. It appears that Canadian public libraries are aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality in regard to library user records, at least in terms of the content of date due slips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries can, and should, challenge and aid their users in being more informed about the world and their place in it. This process is supported by collections that not only introduce new knowledge and ideas but also reflect back to the user their life in a realistic and affirming way. This paper will outline some of the arguments for developing a core collection of work for, and about, Aboriginal women in Canada that explores and celebrates the diversity and complexity of Aboriginal women's lives. In addition, this paper will suggest some criteria and selection sources critical to ensuring that this collection reflects the well established strength of the scholarship and creativity in this area, while highlighting the emerging trends in research, publishing, film and music. . In an attempt to keep the paper focused and succinct, international material (except from the United States) that would be of significance and interest to Canadian Aboriginal women has been excluded. For this paper, Aboriginal women in Canada includes any woman who self identifies or has been identified as First Nation, Inuit Metis, Native or Indian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]