Library Services Fund
Library Services Fund achievements
1. 24/7 access to the Webster Library and the Vanier Library
3. Laptops and tablets available for short-term loan at no charge
- 210 laptops and 95 tablets (iPads) at the Webster Library
- 90 laptops and 30 tablets (iPads) at the Vanier Library
In 2019, the LSFC made the decision to support the adoption of open educational resources (OER), specifically open textbooks. These grants are used to hire students to assist faculty in their OER project. To date, 14 grants have been awarded to Concordia professors to create, adapt, or adopt open textbooks, and 6 open textbooks are already in use for courses in a variety of disciplines. Learn more about OER and open textbook grants on the Library website.
5. COVID-19 Textbook Bursary program
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closed course reserves rooms, the LSFC initiated a textbook bursary program in collaboration with Financial Aid & Awards. The bursary was launched in early winter 2021 and offered students in need a one-time award to help cover the costs of textbooks (or other course materials). In all, 400 bursaries of 250$ each were distributed to students.
6. Accessories for library study
Students are able to borrow universal charging cables (which work with any mobile phone) and headphones equipped with microphones from both the Webster and Vanier Libraries. Headphones were purchased to meet increased student needs for this type of equipment facilitating participation in online classes.
7. Stapling stations
These stations offer several stapling options to meet student demand and are located alongside the multifunctional devices for printing and photocopying on the first floor of the Webster Library.
8. Antidote writing tool
123 licenses of Antidote (French and English language writing tool) were bought and installed on library public computers. Students have access to the tool on all workstations on the LB-3 (Webster) and VL-1 (Vanier) floors of our libraries.
9. Technology Sandbox supplies
Additional supplies for loan through the Technology Sandbox were acquired, including 100 cardboard virtual reality headsets, knitting and crochet kits, podcasting equipment, and gaming laptops.
In addition, plastic filament used for students' 3D printing is covered by the Library Services Fund. This contribution makes it possible to offer 3D printing at no charge to students participating in 3D printing workshops and those dropping into the Technology Sandbox to explore this emerging technology.
10. Wellness initiatives
In addition to numerous plants in the Webster and Vanier Libraries, as well as the living walls described below, the Library offers a number of options which contribute to students' overall wellness: light therapy lamps and portable standing desks (available for loan), a walk station and bike station for study and light exercise (at the Vanier Library, on LB-3). More initiatives are underway!
11. Living green walls to improve air quality in the Webster Library
Leisure and Wellness spaces are available at the Webster and Vanier libraries where you can find books, boardgames, puzzles, and colouring books.
13. ArtVolt Collection at Vanier Library
Artworks from the Art Volt Collection – a rental and sale platform of art by recent alumni from the Faculty of Fine Arts – were added to the Vanier Library.
