Welcome from the University Librarian Charles Eckman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to offer a warm welcome to both returning and new students and faculty as the new academic year begins. All of us at the SFU Library hope that you will visit us frequently, in person and online. Here are just a few highlights of the services we provide:

Information Resources. The Library houses a print collection of 2.7 million volumes and 6000 journal subscriptions across its three locations in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. The Library’s rapidly growing electronic collection includes 64,000 journal subscriptions, close to 5 million digital files and the Research Data Library’s expansive collection of maps and datasets.  Special Collections and Rare Books is home to a broad range of unique content, including book arts, print culture, manuscripts and papers of significant literary and public figures.

Teaching and Learning Programs.The Library is an active learning place, with support for the enhancement of writing and learning skills provided through the Student Learning Commons. Library research assistance and technical support are provided through the Information Commons 'Ask Us' desk and through online help. A wide range of individual and group study spaces at all three Library sites is offered to support teaching and learning needs and to enhance the student experience overall.

Research Support. The Library plays a central role in SFU's research enterprise. Liaison librarians provide a broad range of specialized subject support to students and faculty. The Research Commons provides a hub for supporting graduate students and advanced undergraduates pursing research and professional development agendas. The Scholarly Digitization Fund provides support to digitization needs of faculty. And the Open Access Fund provides support to those who seek to publish in OA journals.

Technology Initiatives. SFU Library is also noted for its technological innovation, developing software as reSearcher and the Public Knowledge Project suite and engaging in national initiatives such as Synergies and Canadiana. The latest local developments include the deployment of a Fast Search feature enabling unified searching across all of the Library’s information resources and a specialized New Books search.

Please check out our web site or come into the Library to explore what we have to offer. And feel free to contact me (ceckman@sfu.ca or 778.782.3265 ) or other library staff. We'll be delighted to hear from you.

Charles Eckman, Dean of Library Services and University Librarian