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We Remember Indigenous Veterans

November 7, 2023

Indigenous Veterans’ Day was first observed in 1994 in Winnipeg and has since spread nationally.  It honours Indigenous contributions to service in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all military service. It is observed on November 8 each year

Selected Resources

Learn about Indigenous Veterans through the following suggestions from the Library.

Forgotten Warriors

VIDEO – NATIONAL FILM BOARD

Although they could not be conscripted, when World War II was declared, thousands of Indigenous Canadian men and women enlisted and fought alongside their non-Indigenous countrymen.

With narrator Gordon Tootoosis providing a historical overview, Indigenous veterans poignantly share their unforgettable war memories and their healing process. We join them as they travel back to Europe to perform a sacred circle for friends left behind, but not forgotten, in foreign grave sites.

Bernie Francis reads “In Flanders Fields” in Mi’kmaq

VIDEO – CBC CURIO

For Remembrance Day, Mi’kmaw linguist Bernie Francis reads his translation of John McCrae’s war poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Indigenous soldiers, foreign battlefields

ONLINE PUBLICATION – VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA

Generations of Canadians have served our country and the world during times of war, military conflict and peace. Through their courage and sacrifice, these men and women have helped to ensure that we live in freedom and peace, while also fostering freedom and peace around the world.

Pegahmagabow : life-long warrior

PRINT BOOK

Francis Pegahmagabow was a remarkable Indigenous leader who served his nation in time of war and his people in time of peace — fighting all the way. In wartime he volunteered to be a warrior. In peacetime he had no option. His life reveals how uncaring Canada was about those to whom this land had always been home.

Questions or Comments?

Connect with a Library staff member in person at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus Libraries or through Ask Us Chat at library.rrc.ca. We’d love to assist you!

By Linda Fox – Program Support and Promotion, Library and Academic Services

National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People

October 4, 2023

A vertical shot of a red dress hanging from a branch of a tree.
Image source: Adobe Stock

October 4 marks the Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). While marches and vigils happened in the past, the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission made looking into why violence happens towards this group its 41st call to action, with a final report from the inquiry released in 2019. The introduction from the executive summary of the final report states what has changed regarding attention to the issue:

The fact that this National Inquiry is happening now doesn’t mean that Indigenous Peoples waited this long to speak up; it means it took this long for Canada to listen.

The Library provides books and streaming video to support both formal studies of issues within regular classes and for those wanting to educate themselves about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit. At the centre, now and always, are those individuals who are no longer here, taken too soon, with friends, family, hopes, and dreams.

Browse a range of resources in our updated Guide >> Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S)

Featured Videos

National Film Board (NFB)

The National Film Board continues to provide access to films and documentaries with attention to boosting Indigenous filmmakers.

CBC’s Curio

CBC’s Curio assembles videos from News in Review to The National.

Viewing streaming videos: Click on an image to go directly to a video. You may be required to log in with your RRC Polytech credentials to access it.

Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy. October 2019

Tina Fontaine was just 15 when her body, wrapped in a duvet cover and weighed down by rocks, was pulled from Winnipeg’s Red River. A report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth says in the years since her murder, not enough has changed to ensure other children in circumstances similar to Tina’s are not at risk. But Tina has left a legacy. Her death focused attention on missing, murdered Indigenous women and girls and inspired volunteer groups such as the Bear Clan Patrol to work at protecting vulnerable people on the streets. Warning: This program contains disturbing images and subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.

Public Forum on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

This special edition of The Current is a public forum held at the Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. – the fifth in a series of forums on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). Anna Maria Tremonti and panellists explore the work of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, leadership and reconciliation.

Featured Books

The Library’s newly curated MMIWG2S (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirits) Collection is a great way to explore physical and electronic resources on the topic. Two titles from this collection are featured below.

Betty: the Helen Betty Osborne story

In the early hours of November 13, 1971, Helen Betty Osborne, a young Aboriginal woman living in La Pas, was walking home alone when she was abducted by four young white men, sexually assaulted, and then viciously beaten and stabbed with a screwdriver. Despite the horrific nature of her murder, and the identities of her killers being known to many in The Pas, no arrests were made until 1986, and the subsequent trial resulted in only one conviction.

Highway of tears: a true story of racism, indifference and the pursuit of justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls

For decades, women–overwhelmingly from Indigenous backgrounds–have gone missing or been found murdered along an isolated stretch of highway in northwestern B.C. The highway is called the Highway of Tears by locals, and it has come to symbolize a national crisis. In Highway of Tears, Jessica McDiarmid explores the effect these tragedies have had on communities in the region, and how systemic racism and indifference towards Indigenous lives have created a culture of “over-policing and under-protection,” simultaneously hampering justice while endangering young Indigenous women.

Questions or Comments?

Library staff love to assist staff and students with our collection! Feel free to connect with us in person at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus Libraries or through Ask Us Chat at library.rrc.ca.

Written by Fatima DeMelo–Reference Technician, Library and Academic Services

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023

September 19, 2023

This year’s TRC Week theme is “Colonization Impacts Everyone” and various books and movies tackle the theme and further number one of the 94 calls to “building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.” A call applying to faculty and staff as well in their daily work. 

The Library continues to add Indigenous resources especially as more and more authors publish works as varied as Swampy Cree author David A. Robert’s graphic novel Sugar Falls to Cree scholar Verna Kirkness’s autobiography Creating a Life’s Work. Bringing these voices to the College community during Truth and Reconciliation Week, the Library is having an “Indigenous Voices” book table during the following dates and times: 

  • Sept. 25, 1-3pm | Exchange District Campus, Atrium 
  • Sept. 28, 11am-2pm | Notre Dame Campus, Library Hallway

Bring your staff/student ID to sign out books and we can recommend more titles from the collection. However, books are not the only formats offered during TRC Week, and the experience of colonization isn’t solely on Turtle Island. 

Featured Titles (And More) 

While the book table will bring a selection of titles, we want to highlight two titles in our collection with more found in the Library’s curated Indigenous Resources Collection.


Decolonizing data: unsettling conversations about social research methods 

(by Jacqueline M. Quinless)

Provides a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of health as applied to Indigenous peoples, who have been historically underfunded and excluded from health services, programs, and quality of care; this has most recently been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this together: fifteen stories of truth & reconciliation

(by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail)

An eye-opening collection of personal essays by Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors from across Canada. Without flinching, the contributors—including journalists, academics, and artists—each explore their own “aha” moments regarding Canada’s colonial past and present to ask how we can all move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and anti-racism. 

Featured Videos

Both CBC’s Curio.ca and National Film Board offer outstanding videos on Indigenous topics. To view a few hand-selected options, click on an image below. (login with RRC Polytech credentials may be required to view online resources).

Guides to Get You Started

Guides are a great place to start on any topic as they highlight resources hand-selected by Library staff. Of particular interest is our Indigenous Health and Well-Being guide.

Colonization Impacts Everyone: Two Notable Titles

While we continue to focus on Canada, colonization has impacted cultures around the world from borders to languages, with the fallout felt across generations. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have continued their own reconciliation journey with two films exploring the impact of systemic attempts to erase Indigenous Cultures: 

Once Were Warriors 

In a poor suburb of Auckland, Jake and Beth Heke live a life defined by drunken parties, unstable friendships, and confrontations with authorities. Jake, a complex man with a rascal’s charm, is weighted down by a quick temper, alcoholism, and an evil streak of male entitlement. Beth’s beauty has been scarred by broken dreams and Jake’s beefy fists. Yet her inner strength and desire to save her family make her the solid center around which this story of tragedy and hope is constructed.

Rabbit-Proof Fence


In 1931, Molly and her younger cousins, Gracie and Daisy, were three half-caste children from Western Australia who were taken from their parents under government edict and sent to an institution, were taught to forget their families, their culture, and re-invent themselves as members of “white” Australian society. The three girls begin an epic journey back to Western Australia, travelling 1,500 miles on foot with no food or water, and navigating by following the fence that has been build across the nation to stem an over-population of rabbits.

Have a Question or Comment? Connect with the Library!

Connect with a Library staff member through our Ask Us Chat, our Ask a Question form, or visit one of our service desks during regular Library hours. We would love to hear from you!

Written by Fatima DeMelo – Reference Technician

Know Your Resources! Part 3: Knovel: Aerospace and Radar Technology

June 12, 2023

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful to me? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is that you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest editions to the database collection.

Knovel: Aerospace and Radar Technology

You may have already used or heard of the Knovel database. Knovel is a database of ebooks covering many aspects of the engineering field. Not only does it provide valuable information, but it also has interactive equations, unit converters, and other handy tools for engineering work. Within the Knovel database, we subscribe to different collections. The newest one is Aerospace and Radar Technology. Knovel is intended to be used by professionals and students alike and so a mobile app was created. Having the app on a mobile device offers quick access to the information.

Since there are a variety of collections available through Knovel, check out some tips below for searching this specific collection.

When you first open the Aerospace collection, you’ll notice that there are hundreds of references and equations. Like the previously covered Alexander Street database, RRC Polytechnic has only subscribed to certain portions. To make sure that you’re getting accessible information, click the “My Subscription” tab.

Once you’ve clicked the correct tab, you’ll notice that there are fewer sources you’ll need to comb through.

Like any database, you are able to filter and use search terms. As you type your search terms, the results will automatically start to filter through.

When you have found a book or manual you’re interested in viewing, simply click on the link and the eBook will show up. Once you’re in, more filtering options are available such as searching within the reference text. It’s best to be specific as you may get hundreds of results.  

One of Knovel’s handiest features is “add notes.” By clicking this, you are able to add additional information such as a study note or a read-later note. However, in order to access this feature you will need to make an account with your RRC Polytech email address. It’s very easy to do and this way, your added information has a place to be stored.

You also have the option to save the reference material or the chapter you’re browsing to either your account or your mobile device.

By clicking “My Knovel” on the left, you’re also able to see what other items have been saved for further reading or access, recent searches, and recent views. You can also look at your specific saves under “My folder.”

As you can see, Knovel has a lot of great capabilities for you to access Aerospace and Radar Technology’s content. You have the option to filter inside of materials, add your own notes, save chapters, and easily pick up where you left off. A perfect tool for students and professionals needing quick access to information.

Stay tuned for more of “Know Your Resources!”

Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

The previous edition of Know Your Resources! is available here >> Part 2: Alexander Street Nursing Video Collections

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

Book Tasting: Feast on Words and Ideas from Indigenous Writers Across Canada

May 31, 2023

Photo of an Indigenous person. Text: Book Tasting  - Indigenous Heritage Month. Feast on words and ideas from Indigenous writers across Canada.

A Book Tasting in Honour of Indigenous Heritage Month

You are invited to drop in, sample, and “take out” (sign out) a book with your staff or student ID at the upcoming book tasting in the Library. Our menu will feature a selection of works by Indigenous authors in honour of Indigenous Heritage Month.

When and where?

Exchange District Campus Library

Monday, June 12
11:30am-1:30pm

Notre Dame Campus Library

Monday, June 19
11:30am-1:30pm

Photo Gallery

Exchange District Campus Library – June 12, 2023

Notre Dame Campus Library – June 19, 2023

Sneak Preview: A Book Sampling by Category

The menu will feature five genres of books, such as the sampling you see below. Click on the book covers for more information about each title.

Memoir and Biography

cover art

My privilege, my responsibility : a memoir
North, Sheila, author.
2021

cover art

Nothing will be different : a memoir
McGowan-Ross, Tara, 1992- author.
2021

Children and Youth

cover art

The trail of Nenaboozhoo and other creation stories
Bomgiizhik, 1975- author, illustrator. ; Belcourt, Christi, illustrator, editor.
2020

cover art

I sang you down from the stars
Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988- author. ; Goade, Michaela, illustrator.
2021

cover art

Fry bread : a Native American family story
Maillard, Kevin Noble, author. ; Martinez-Neal, Juana, illustrator.

Culinary Arts

cover art

A feast for all seasons : traditional native people’s cuisine
George, Andrew, Jr., 1963- author. ; Gairns, Robert, author.
2010

cover art

Tawaẃ : progressive Indigenous cuisine
Chartrand, Shane, author.
2019

Ebooks

cover art

Blue Bear Woman
Bordeleau, Virginia Pesemapeo
2019

cover art

Bones
Pennock, Tyler
2020

cover art

A two-spirit journey : the autobiography of a lesbian Ojibwa-Cree elder
Chacaby, Ma-Nee, author. ; Plummer, Mary Louisa, author.
2016

Literature

cover art

Kisiskâciwan : Indigenous voices from where the river flows swiftly
Archibald-Barber, Jesse Rae, 1972- editor.
2018

cover art

Five little Indians
Good, Michelle, author.
2020

cover art

Tainna = The unseen ones : short stories
Dunning, Norma, author.
2021

cover art

Daughters of the deer
Daniel, Danielle, author.
2022

Non-Fiction

cover art

Indian in the cabinet : speaking truth to power
Wilson-Raybould, Jody, 1971-, author.
2021

cover art

Black Water : family, legacy and blood memory
Robertson, David, 1977-, author.
2020

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or feedback for the Library, come and visit us in person or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to hear from you.

Written by Linda Fox – Library Technician, Program Support and Promotion

Know Your Resources! Part 2: Alexander Street Nursing Video Collections

May 29, 2023

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest additions to the database collection.

Two collections offer over 600 videos on nursing topics

This week’s featured resources are collections within a new database that RRC Polytech’s library has decided to try out. The database itself is called Alexander Street. We have subscribed to two different collections, which are also referred to as channels, within it: Nursing and Mental Health in Video: A Symptom Media Collection and Nursing Education in Video: Third Edition. Together, both collections provide over 600 videos on healthcare topics to help with studying or teaching.

Collection 1: Nursing and Mental Health in Video: A Symptom Media Collection

If you’re looking for information related to mental health, this will be a resource for you. This extensive collection has real case studies of different forms of mental illnesses and their symptoms. The information provided will help to understand patients and key takeaway videos for case studies. 

Collection 2: Nursing Education in Video: Third Edition

Medcom has been providing high-quality, award-winning training videos for healthcare professionals for years. Luckily, all their up-to-date videos can be found within this collection. Useful for professionals and students alike, the training videos are real examples of clinical practice.

Since Alexander Street is a database and there are many different channels, searching for information can be a little overwhelming and even frustrating. Below are some ways to maximize your results and make sure you’re finding relevant content.

When you first open the database, you’ll be on the front page of the collection that you’ve chosen, from the Databases A-Z List, which will look like the image below.

The opening page of the collection within the Alexander Street database.

From the front page of the collection, you can see there are a few ways to browse videos by using a search bar, filtering, or playing the entire channel.


When Using the Search Bar, Filter to “Current Channel”

The search bar of this database is finicky. As mentioned, Alexander Street hosts many different collections/channels. If you search for something incorrectly, it may show you content that you will not have access to. When you begin a search, make sure that the filter is set to “Current channel” (as shown in the image below).

This image shows how the filter beside the search bar is set to “Current channel.”

If you use this filter, you’ll be able to find the appropriate results which you can either filter through or browse through later.

Search results for the keyword “geriatric,” using the “Current Channel” filter.

Without the “Current Channel” filter

What happens if you forget to do that and you search in “All videos” or “All channels?” Then your results are going to be skewed, as shown in the image below.

This search didn’t filter to “Current Channel,” and produced results with irrelevant topics and videos that aren’t available to us.

Return to the Nursing Video Channels

You can get back to the channels owned by RRC Polytech by clicking the menu bar on the upper left corner of the page (shown below).

From here, select “Collections”

You will be taken to this page where you can go back to browsing our subscriptions.


Filtering results in conjunction with a keyword search

You can use filtering alongside search terms, as shown below searching with the keyword “depression.”

Filtering results without a keyword search

Generally, when you’re searching through databases the filters go alongside a search term. However, in this database filtering can be used on its own without having to use search terms. It’s very convenient because it lets you see what kind of options are available to browse and you’re able to narrow down your results significantly.


With your new knowledge of Alexander Street, you’re now ready to look at these resources on your own. Keep your skills fresh and expand your existing knowledge by looking at these great healthcare resources.

Stay tuned for more of “Know Your Resources!”

Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

The previous edition of Know Your Resources! is available here >> Part 1: SafetyHub

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

Know Your Resources! Part 1: SafetyHub

May 8, 2023

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful to me? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is that you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest editions to the database collection.

Featured database: SafetyHub

If you haven’t used SafetyHub yet I highly encourage you to check it out. The database is composed entirely of videos on (you guessed it) safety. There is a wide range of safety topics. Whether you’re in skilled trades, health services, or in any general workspace there is content that is beneficial for you.

Three ways to navigate

Safetyhub is a simple video database and incredibly easy to navigate. On the home page, you have three options:

  • Use the search bar and search for keywords or topic.
  • Choose one of the safety categories.
  • View all videos in the database.

1. Conduct a keyword search

Using the search bar, you can do a simple keyword search and anything related will pop up, if you want to make sure that you’re getting the best results, use quotations around the keywords.

Using quotations will filter the videos to get exactly what you’re looking for.

Example: Searching “ladders” will narrow your results significantly.

2. Select a category

Another alternative to getting specific content is to choose one of the many video categories. Each of these categories has related videos neatly grouped together so you don’t need to worry about what search terms to use.

Video categories in SafetyHub.
Example: Videos in the “Manual Handling” category.

3. View all (in alphabetical order)

If you’re interested in viewing all the videos that SafetyHub offers you can choose the “view all” category. All available videos will be provided in an alphabetical list which you can scroll through.

Videos appear in alphabetical order in the “View all” option.
Current content for professionals

Now that you know more about SafetyHub, take the time to browse through it. All the videos are current and up to date and any professional can benefit from the content here. Not only that, but it is a great way to brush up on your current knowledge.


Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

Louis Riel, Founder of Manitoba, Brought to Life Through Books and Videos

February 15, 2023

Louis Riel the founder of Manitoba was a lifelong advocate for Métis rights. He shaped the future of Manitoba and was an important figure in Canadian politics.

Did you know?

  • As a young man he was educated in Montreal at a junior seminary.
  • Was head of the provisional government set up in 1969 to govern what was to become Manitoba.
  • Negotiated the Manitoba Act in 1870, making Manitoba a province of Canada.
  • Twice elected in 1873 and 1874 to the Canadian Parliament in the federal riding of Provencher, but unable to take his seat due to hostile feelings in Eastern Canada.
  • Officially exiled from Canada in 1875 for his political activity.
  • A husband and father of two children.
  • Executed by the Canadian Government in 1885 for his participation in the Métis demands for rights and resistance in what was to become the province of Saskatchewan.

Discovery more about Louis Riel through our Library collection!

Louis Riel Books

Click a book cover to discover its location and availability.

Louis Riel Videos

Riel Country

Riel Country

The great possibility : Louis Riel & the Métis resistance

The great possibility : Louis Riel & the Métis resistance

The Mystery of the Bell

The Mystery of the Bell

Discover More Louis Riel Resources

Click the OneSearch link below to browse “Louis Riel” related items in our collection:

Written by Bettina Allen, Reference & Circulation Coordinator (Library and Academic Services)

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022: Selections from the Library’s Collection

September 22, 2022

RRC Polytech’s fourth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, with activities scheduled throughout the week of September 26-29, 2022. This event is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous cultures, and sparking a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation at Library and Academic Services

Library and Academic Services is actively responsive to Truth and Reconciliation, diversity, inclusion, and equity, through our work, policies, and engagements. One way we do this is by building a collection that is rich in resources about Truth and Reconciliation, Residential Schools, and Indigenous Experiences. Through these books, videos, guides, and other resources, we all have the opportunity to increase our understanding, which leads to healing and strengthened relationships. This week and always, we invite you on a Truth and Reconciliation journey through the Library’s collection!

Guides to Get You Started

screenshot of the residential schools guide

Guides are a great place to start on any topic as they highlight resources hand-selected by Library staff. Of particular interest is our Residential Schools guide.

Noteworthy Books

Below is just a sample of our noteworthy books about Truth and Reconciliation. Click on a book cover to learn more about and request an item.

Outstanding Videos

Both CBC’s Curio.ca and National Film Board offer outstanding videos on this topic. To view a few hand-selected options, click on an image below. (note that login may be required to view online resources).

Questions or Comments?

We welcome questions and comments from the College community! Feel free to connect with us in person at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus Libraries or through Ask Us Chat at library.rrc.ca.

Written by Linda Fox – Library Technician, Program Support and Promotion

How to be an RRC Polytech Library Power User

September 20, 2022

It’s a few weeks into the school year, so it’s time to get to know all the awesome services, spaces and resources the Library offers to help you achieve your academic goals.  

Whether you’re coming into the Library for the first time, you haven’t been to a library in a while, or you’ve never used the library as a post-secondary student, find out all the ways you can be an RRC Polytech Library power user.

1. Find your spot and get comfortable
Use the Library’s spaces when on campus

First, find the Library, and get to know the space. We recently posted a great virtual tour of the NDC Library space, give it a read-through and you may feel more prepared to come in for the first time. Get comfortable using the space to meet your needs; study independently, attend your online classes (using one of the available headsets or webcams), and meet with classmates to work on projects. The Library has two locations, one each at the Notre Dame and the Exchange District campuses, both with great study spots to discover and settle into.

2. Ask Questions!
There are no silly questions, and we offer lots of ways for you to ask them!

Come find us at the front desks in the Library, a Reference Technician is ready to help you figure out anything from printing, finding your way around campus, using the Library website, to getting started with an assignment and better understanding the information resources involved in academic research. Not on campus? You don’t need to come in person, there are lots of ways to connect with the Library! Call us (204) 632-2233. Text us (204) 400-2463, or find us on the Library’s web pages during open hours by clicking the Ask Us bubble to start a chat. After hours? No problem, email library@rrc.ca.

3. Get to know OneSearch
Found on the Library homepage, OneSearch is how to search the Library’s many physical and online resources.

The Library has an ever-expanding digital and physical book and media collection which can be searched using our OneSearch system. If you’ve heard an instructor tell you to search the catalogue or search for articles, this is what they mean.

Getting started is very easy, using searches that resemble how you use google. Once you have started with some search terms and you are viewing the search results, you can take different steps and adjust settings to create more accurate results. Find out more about navigating OneSearch, the basic and advanced search options, as well as the use of Boolean operators and filters to amp up your searches.

4. Find the Guide you need
Starting a research project or program of study and unsure where to get started?

The Library has Guides that can help you, ranging from Guides to your school or programs main subjects, and Guides for specific research topics. There are also Academic guides for writing, and citation styles.

Interested in broader topics and just areas of interest? There are Student Success Guides on topics including intercultural competence, employment Skills, and using Statistics Canada.

Having trouble figuring out how to use a specific database in your research? The Library’s Database Instruction Guides have step-by-step instructions for how to use many of the different databases subscribed to through the Library.

5. Use the right Database
The Library subscribes to different databases that support the colleges many schools and programs.

Available databases range from software tools, searchable collections of codes and standards within an industry, and other reference collections, diagrams, and industry reports.

When looking at the A-Z list of databases, remember that databases marked with the OneSearch icon, are searched collectively when you use OneSearch. Databases missing that icon, need to be searched and used individually.

6. Discover Academic Success Centre supports
Find the Academic Success Centre in the top banner of the Library homepage.

The Academic Success Centre’s services make up a big part of the academic support’s the Library has available to students, and is where students can access a variety of services including:

At the NDC campus, the Academic Success Centre has a new tutoring space called ATLAS – an acronym for Active Tutoring and Learning Achievement Space

Find the Academic Success Centre when entering the NDC Library by taking a right and following the signs for ATLAS.

At EDC you will also find the Academic Success Centre inside the library, when entering through the northern entrance of the Library, the ASC is located through the opening in the wall to the right.

7. Book Equipment before you need it
The Library has an assortment of equipment available from both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Libraries.

Need an adaptor to connect with the projector in a classroom? A camera for a photo or video project? A portable battery charger for your phone? A temporary laptop while your own is being repaired or replaced? A light therapy lamp for working from home on short winter days? All Library equipment can easily be booked online through the Library website, just look for the book equipment icon, or check out the Equipment Borrowing Guide.

8. Use streaming video services
Videos are a great tool in online learning and instruction, and the right videos from the right sources can be cited and used as resources in your academic writing.

The Library’s licensed streaming databases, CBC Curio, National Film Board: Campus, and LinkedIn Learning offer thousands of educational videos, documentaries, and feature films.  

Find out more by checking out our Streaming Video Guide.

9. Export citations and keep them organized with RefWorks
RefWorks streamlines research, data organization, and academic writing by providing an easy-to-use tool for citation, bibliography, and reference management.

RRC Polytech has integrated RefWorks with Office 365, it can easily be accessed and used by students alongside the exportation tools within OneSearch. If you are new to using Refworks, the Library has you covered with our Refworks Guide, and our recorded Lunch and Learn tutorial.

10. Know about academic integrity and how it affects you
Academic integrity hinges on six fundamental values, as defined by the International Center for Academic Integrity: Honesty, Trust, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Courage.

As a critical piece of the learning environment and a fundamental core value of any academic institution, academic integrity directly links the credibility of an institution’s scholarship, research, certificates and diplomas. Academic integrity is essential to ensure students’ investment in their education is protected. To find out more, check out the Academic Integrity Guide for Students.

11. Explore other eLearning resources
The Library website offers many types of online learning resources that you can access and use as study aids, or in your own supplemental learning.

Check out Hybrid LEARNing Modules, a suite of self-directed tutorials housed in LEARN that provides relevant and helpful resources.

The Lunch and Learn program is a series of uploaded video tutorials covering our most popular Library subjects, including OneSearch, Nursing Reference Centre Plus, and APA 7th Edition Citation style.

Find videos and solutions on different math and science topics offered by the Academic Success Centre’s Math and Science Centre.

The Academic Success Centre has compiled the review materials for specific business math and accounting courses into one central location to help you easily access these resources at any time: Business Math & Accounting Review Self-Enroll LEARN Courses

…And finally: Follow the Library on social media
Stay up to date on the latest by following the Library on Social Media!

The Library is on Twitter and Instagram with daily tips, study hacks, events and other great need-to-know information.


Have Questions or Comments?

Library staff love to hear from the College community about our collection! Feel free to connect with us in person at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus Libraries or through Ask Us Chat at library.rrc.ca.

Written by Artemis Hedrich – Library Technician, Information and Program Delivery

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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