Ever since the new Burman University Library opened its doors in 2021, staff members have continued to spread the word about the many services.
And it’s not just for those on campus, said head librarian Sheila Clark.
“We welcome the community. And we are part of the Alberta library, which includes most academic libraries and I think all of the public libraries in the province,” she said.
“Once you are a member of one, you can borrow at any of these libraries. Anyone who has a public library membership can come here, too. They can bring their card, and we will create a record for them.
“It’s not even limited to just those people. Anyone can come in here and also ask to be an external member,” she explained.
“We will create a card for them that will give them borrowing privileges at other NEOS libraries.”
NEOS is a group of Alberta libraries including the University of Alberta, MacEwan, Red Deer Polytechnic, Lakeland College, the Newman Theological College library, Concordia University libraries, Olds College, Kings College, and Grande Prairie Polytechnic, among others.
“We operate together, and we have a common database,” she said.
Clark noted that really, the range of books and materials at Burman is wider than many people might think.
There are theological books, children’s books, and novels, for example — maybe not to the extent of a typical public library, but there is still much to explore, she added.
“We also have databases which people are welcome to come in and use,” she said. “We have a guest password, so they can come in and find resources that they won’t find at a public library.”
Databases included newspapers, and both popular and scholarly areas, said Clark.
There is almost no limit to what is available to check out. She also pointed out that she is more than happy to point visitors to where they will find the resources they need in the library.
It’s certainly the ideal role for Clark, whose enthusiasm for the library also stems from her roots in the institution, having received part of her education there.
She began her post as a librarian at Burman in 2007, and was thrilled to be back in the community.
“I couldn’t decide what to do in graduate school, and somebody said, ‘Be a librarian! You can dabble in everything’. And so I am in the ideal position.”
She said she is passionate about the sheer variety the library has to offer.
“Learning about all of these different disciplines, be they theology, biology, chemistry, music, the arts and sciences, or psychology — I am constantly learning.”
Another huge and very fulfilling highlight was seeing the brand-new library constructed in 2021.
“That is a highlight of any librarian’s career — to be involved in a new building,” she said.
The sophisticated, modern look and feel of the building is striking, and as Clark said, had it been built even 10 years ago, it would have been markedly different.
“I love the variety of spaces,” she said, adding that she also made sure there were lots of cozy spots near the front of the library included for guests to settle in for study periods or a visit.
“We have those spaces where you need to be quiet, but we also have those conversational and social spaces, and group study spaces, too.
“We also have the Makerspace,” she said, adding this spot downstairs comes complete with a 3-D printer among lots of other creative tools.
These of course open the door to all kinds of creative and learning ventures, she noted.
The main floor was also designed with three sound zones.
The first part, nearest the entrance, is where more lively conversation and activity are welcome.
Heading further in, visitors will find an area naturally designed for more quiet conversation.
“And at the very back of the library, we have individual study carrels where the noise is blocked from,” she said.
Architecturally, the building enhances these various levels of ‘quiet’ through its features, down to where the elevators are situated, which in turn act as a kind of noise barrier.
Ultimately, it was a team effort in bringing the project to fruition, she said, adding it was completely in 2021.
“There were so many people involved, and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get everyone involved, because everyone has a piece of the puzzle.”
For more information, visit www.burmanu.ca/library