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An aggregation of UBC Library blogs that highlight the Library’s collections, services, spaces and events.

March 2025
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Giving Day 2025

By Anna Moorhouse on March 26, 2025

On UBC Giving Day, April 3, we invite you to help keep UBC Library a vibrant hub of knowledge and inspiration. Join us in fostering a strong library that will continue to serve the UBC community and beyond for generations to come.

Posted in Carousel, General | Read More | No Comments

Introducing the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection!

By elizabeth edgerton on March 25, 2025

We are excited to announce the launch of a long-awaited addition to our Open Collection: the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection!

Donated to the UBC Library in 2020 by UBC alumnus Philip B. Lind, the collection is an extraordinary collection of photographs, maps, books, artifacts, and other unique materials that document the events and experiences of the Klondike Gold Rush period.

The Argonaut Brand high grade evaporated vegetable, sliced onion.

The Digitization Journey

Digitization of the collection began in spring 2022, marking the start of a two-year effort to process over 3,000 items. Our team worked meticulously to digitize a wide array of materials, such as stereographs, sheet music, souvenir playing cards, and even coins.

A personal favourite to digitize was the 1943 movie poster for Columbia Pictures’ “Klondike Kate—Queen of the Gold Rush.” The vibrant colours were a welcome surprise after boxes of black and white photographs! However, movie posters posed unique challenges: their large size meant they required two people to safely move onto the bed of the TTI (learn about how we digitize with the TTI). One was so oversized that it did not fit on the scanning table,  requiring careful maneuvering and extra support to ensure a successful capture.

Klondike Kate—Queen of the Gold Rush.

Collaboration with RBSC and the Chung | Lind Gallery

Throughout the digitization process, we worked closely with Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) in coordinating digitization of the items with construction of the Chung | Lind Gallery. Materials selected for display in the gallery were prioritized for digitization, and this also provided an opportunity to digitize additional gallery items from the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection.

One particularly exciting project involved preparing photo albums for the gallery’s digital touch table. Balancing visual appeal and authenticity within technical specifications was a rewarding challenge, and we look forward to seeing visitors engage with these materials in an interactive format.

John G. Lind in front of cabin with dog. (Frame cropped out.)

A Milestone for Open Collections

The debut of the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection in Open Collections marks another milestone: it is the first collection to be uploaded directly to DSpace, the new backend digital repository for UBC Library. The Digitization Centre has been in the process of migrating collections from CONTENTdm, and the Lind Collection provided an invaluable opportunity to test the integration of DSpace into the Open Collections infrastructure. As with any new system implementation, there were challenges along the way, but the experience has been a valuable learning opportunity for our team.

Explore the Collection

After 3 years of careful digitization and preparation, it is very exciting to see the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection live in Open Collections. We invite you to explore the collection and discover the stories captured in these fascinating historical materials!

A Yukon dog team.

Posted in Carousel, Digitizers' Blog, Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection | Read More | No Comments

New Books at the Law Library – 25/03/25

By elimwong on March 25, 2025

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE850 .K25 2024 B. Kain, Good Faith in Canadian Contract Law (LexisNexis Canada, 2024). LAW LIBRARY level 3: KE3365 .K435 2024 N. Keith, Safety on Trial: Understanding and Improving Workplace Safety Law in Canada (LexisNexis Canada, 2024). LAW LIBRARY level 3: KEQ723 .P7713 2023 M. Provost, Youth Protection Law […]

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UBC Library digitizes the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection

By Anna Moorhouse on March 24, 2025

A person writing in a notepad with a pencil, next to an open book on a red fabric cushion.

UBC Library has made the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection openly accessible through Open Collections, publishing a digitized version of the collection online. Donated to UBC Library in 2020 by UBC alumnus Philip B. Lind, the Lind Collection is an unparalleled rare book and archival collection of materials dating from the Klondike Gold Rush. The library began planning for the digitization of the collection soon after its donation, to facilitate scholarly and public access to the materials.

Larissa Ringham, Digital Projects Librarian, managed the digitization project, working closely with Elizabeth Edgerton, Digital Initiatives Assistant, who digitized the majority of the items in the collection over the 2-year span of the project.  “I feel like the digitized Lind Collection is such a valuable component, a corollary to the Chung|Lind Gallery,” says Ringham. “I’m excited for people who go to the Gallery and discover our Open Collections, and vice versa. There may be people who have never heard of the Gallery who stumble across an item in Open Collections through a Google search and learn about the Gallery.”

Claire Malek, RBSC Archivist, and Jacky Lai, Archives and Circulation Assistant, organized the materials and created archival descriptions for each of the collection’s approximately 1,400 items, which include books, photographs, postcards and printed textual records. Through the digitization process, more than 6,500 images were scanned.

Since the Lind Collection first arrived at UBC Library, Malek has begun building relationships and connecting with organizations and community members in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

“I know [these organizations] are also very excited for the Lind Collection to be digitized and to have it be available online rather than needing to come to Vancouver—come out to UBC—to see it in person. It’s really exciting for us to be able to share it both up north and all around the world,” says Malek.

The digitization of the Lind Collection and its distribution on UBC Open Collections heralds another long-awaited achievement for UBC Library’s digitization team. Over the last several years, the team has been working to migrate the library’s digital collections to DSpace, one of the most-used open source digital repository software in the world. The Lind Collection is the first UBC Library collection to be migrated and represents a new era for UBC Open Collections.

“The Lind Collection is going to be one of the crown jewels of UBC Library’s Open Collections,” says Mimi Lam, Digital Projects Librarian. “We have this amazing physical collection that has now gone through all these digitization steps, and we can now share it with the world. It’s been an amazing thing to witness and be a part of for sure.”

 

View the collection

 

Posted in Carousel, General, open collections, Phil Lind, Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection | Read More | No Comments

New French language resources at Education Library

By Anna Moorhouse on March 20, 2025

A library sign reads "Le français - langue, culture, pédagogie" next to a shelf filled with books and orange magazine holders.

UBC Education Library’s collection of French-language resources underwent a significant revitalization this year, with the addition of many new titles, the removal of outdated materials, and an expanded collection of French-language board games.

For students in the Faculty of Education’s Language & Literacy Education (LLED) program, the collection is an essential lesson-planning resource.

“The French collection includes materials for teaching French immersion, intensive French, or French as a first language in a Francophone school, along with games and juvenile literature,” says Jennifer Fairchild Simms, Head of Education Library. “A good deal of the juvenile literature was older, and it has been a goal of mine to update the offerings. With input from the LLED faculty, we retained children’s and teen literature that was relevant to their curriculum needs and added new literature.”

Library bookshelves with assorted books and a staircase in the background.

“The LLED faculty provided suggestions, and I selected materials based on their feedback. I also focused on purchasing Indigenous fiction and non-fiction to create a more robust selection in French. When possible, I selected bilingual and trilingual Indigenous materials,” notes Fairchild Simms.

In August, the Education Library also received a generous donation of French-language board games for a wide array of age ranges and language proficiency levels. All board games can be used in the library as an interactive way to practice French through memory and matching games, storytelling, strategic challenges and more.

In total, 300 new items were added to the collection, which now includes close to 3,000 items, from picture books to juvenile fiction, teacher guides and educational board games.

Various colorful board games displayed on a shelf in a library setting with a focus on titles like "Memo Rush," "Relève le Défi!," and "Master Word."

Books continue to be added to the French collection, including new titles added in January such as La voix de la nature by Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay, India a un prénom bizarre by India Desjardins, and Comme un ouragan by Jonathan Bécotte.

For teacher candidates enrolled in practicums, contact the Education Library about borrowing boardgames for use in the classroom.

Learn more about the French collection on the branch website. 

Close-up of children’s books on a library shelf, showing colorful spines.

Posted in Carousel, Collections, Education Library, General | Read More | No Comments

Reading at the Seed Library: Creativity in the Garden

By epederso on March 17, 2025

Blog written by Rachael Huegerich
March 17, 2024

Art, play, and imagination flourish alongside seedlings in the garden! Cooking, dyeing, crafting, game playing, and daydreaming are only some of the possibilities. Find creative inspiration at the seed library display at the Education Library. You can find the seed library just past the reference desk—or learn more about UBC Library’s seed lending libraries here. Feel free to “borrow” some seeds, or some of the books on display now.

Natural dyeing with plants: glorious colors from roots, leaves & flowers

By Franziska Ebner & Romana Hasenöhrl

TP919 .E26 2018

The fascinating luminosity of colours from plants can be easily transferred to wool, silk, or other materials at home.

Necessary materials, pickling, the preparation of fibers or substances, and different dyeing methods are described in detail.

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Plant, cook, eat! : a children’s cookbook

By Joe Archer & Caroline Craig

TX801 .A73 2018

For beginners and green-thumbed foodies, this unusually all-inclusive garden-to-kitchen cookbook is part lesson in gardening and part collection of healthy, delicious, kid-friendly recipes.

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Let’s get creative: art for a healthy planet
By Jessica Rose; illustrated by Jarett Sitter

N8217.E28 R67 2024

There’s no question that creating art makes our lives better.

Just think about how happy you feel when you’re dancing, singing, painting or crafting.

But have you ever stopped to think about how creating art might make the world better, too?

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The garden classroom: hands-on activities in math, science, literacy, and art
By Cathy James

SB457 .J36 2015

Packed with garden-based activities that promote science, math, reading, writing, imaginative play, and arts and crafts, The Garden Classroom offers a whole year of outdoor play and learning ideas—however big or small your garden.

Posted in Featured, Seed Library, Slideshow | Read More | No Comments

After 64 years, book finally returned to UBC Library

By phoebe chan on March 17, 2025

In January, UBC Library received an unexpected package containing a 1931 edition of the book Camping and Woodcraft, a letter explaining the borrower’s tardiness and a $100 cheque.

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Celebrating New Year Traditions at the Asian Library

By phchow on March 14, 2025

On Sunday, February 16th, the UBC Asian Library welcomed children and families for Kids Take Over UBC 2025. This year’s theme, “Bridges Across Time, Seasons, and Cultures in Asia,” was presented in collaboration with Nitobe Memorial Garden and Chung | Lind Gallery. As part of this theme, the library has created a special display showcasing various holidays and festivals across Asia.

The Asian Centre foyer features a New Year Celebrations in Asia display, highlighting Nowruz, Diwali, and Lunar New Year, their cultural significance, and associated traditions. Additionally, on the main floor of the Asian Library, an extended display presents storybooks on various holidays and festivals from China and Korea, along with specific celebrations such as Hinamatsuri (Japan), Tanabata (Japan), and Lohri (India).

This exhibition underscores the diverse ways communities across Asia mark the passing of time and the changing of seasons, emphasizing renewal, unity, and cultural heritage.

Explore More at the Asian Library

We invite you to visit the Asian Library to explore our carefully curated collection of books and resources on these and other cultural celebrations. As we prepare to celebrate Nowruz, we encourage everyone to learn more about the diverse traditions that mark the start of a new year across different cultures.

We hope this display serves as an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of New Year celebrations and the shared values of renewal, unity, and hope that connect us all. The display will be up until early April.

Nowruz: The Persian New Year

The display features a Haft-Seen table, an integral element of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, heralds the arrival of spring and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across regions influenced by Persian culture. The Haft-Seen table is adorned with seven symbolic items, each beginning with the letter ‘S’ in Persian:

Sabzeh (sprouts) – Symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
Samanu (sweet pudding) – Representing affluence and prosperity.
Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – Signifying love and compassion.
Sir (garlic) – Denoting health and well-being.
Sib (apple) – Representing beauty and vitality.
Somāq (sumac) – Symbolizing the sunrise and the triumph of good over evil.
Serkeh (vinegar) – Denoting patience and wisdom.

Accompanying these are a mirror (self-reflection), candles (light and warmth), and decorated eggs (fertility and new beginnings). This arrangement offers a glimpse into traditions cherished by communities for millennia.

For those interested in learning more about Nowruz, we recommend:

Khorram, Adib. Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story. Illustrated by Zainab Faidhi. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2021. This heartwarming children’s book explores the meaning of the Haft-Seen table. More information about this book’s availability at UBC can be found here.

Boyce, Mary, A. Shapur Shahbazi, and Simone Cristoforetti. “Nowruz.” In Encyclopaedia Iranica Online. Brill, 2020. This comprehensive academic resource details the history, evolution, and cultural significance of Nowruz. Access it here.

Lazarghulāmī, Ḥadīs̲. Amoo Nowrouz and Naneh Sarma [in Persian]. Iran: [Publisher not identified], 2015. This Persian-language children’s book narrates the traditional story of Amoo Nowrouz and Naneh Sarma. More information about this book’s availability at UBC can be found here.

You can also visit our Nowruz blog post for further insights.


Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Prosperity and Tradition

Although Lunar New Year has already passed, our display continues to highlight its symbolic decorations and cultural significance. Widely celebrated across China, Korea, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia, the festival welcomes the lunar calendar’s new year with joy, family gatherings, and traditional customs. Lunar New Year also marks the transition into a different Chinese Zodiac animal, following the cycle of twelve animal signs. This year is the Year of the Snake, associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation in Chinese culture.

Our display features key elements of the celebration:

Firecracker Decorations – Firecrackers are traditionally set off to drive away evil spirits and bad luck while welcoming a prosperous new year. The red and gold decorations symbolize joy, wealth, and good fortune.

Lion Dance Head – The lion dance is a lively and energetic performance that brings luck and prosperity. The lion’s movements, often accompanied by drums and cymbals, are meant to chase away bad spirits and usher in happiness.

Lunar New Year Books – Our display includes several books related to the Lunar New Year, covering different cultural perspectives and traditions surrounding this important celebration.

  • Zhang, Lizhang, comp. The Year of the Snake. Beijing: Hua Yu Jiao Xue Chu Ban She, 2019. This book explores the cultural significance and stories surrounding the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. More information about this book’s availability at UBC can be found here.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, celebrated primarily by Hindus, is observed according to the Hindu calendar, in the month of Kartik, on the day of Amavasya (new moon). This corresponds to October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Diwali is associated with Lord Rama, celebrating his return from exile after defeating Ravana, the ten-headed king of demons. It is also a time for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom.

Our display features key elements of this celebration:

Diyas (Clay Oil Lamps) – Traditional diyas are lit to invite prosperity and remove darkness, symbolizing hope and positive energy.

Candles – Alongside diyas, candles illuminate homes and public spaces, adding to the festive atmosphere.

3D Diwali Pop-up Card – A decorative display featuring “Shubh Deepavali” (Auspicious Diwali) along with sacred symbols like “Shri” (श्री), a Sanskrit term denoting wealth and prosperity, and “Om” (ॐ), a sacred syllable in Hinduism regarded as the greatest of all mantras.

Diwali Books – Our display includes several books related to Diwali, covering different cultural perspectives and traditions surrounding this important festival.

  • Kumar, Manisha, and Monica Kumar. Diwali, A Festival of Lights and Fun. San Jose, CA: MeeraMasi, 2006.
    This lively book introduces children to the excitement and traditions of Diwali. Through rhythmic storytelling and colorful illustrations, it follows a family as they bring the festival of lights to life, making the customs and joy of the celebration accessible to young readers. More information about this book’s availability at UBC can be found here.

Posted in Carousel, Chinese culture, Collections, Displays, Diwali, Featured, Festivals, Library display, Lunar New Year, Nowruz, Persian culture, South Asian festivals | Read More | No Comments

Kids Take Over UBC 2025: Event Recap

By phchow on March 12, 2025

On Sunday February 16th, the UBC Asian Library welcomed kids and families to campus for Kids Take Over UBC 2025! This year’s theme was Bridges Across Time, Seasons, and Cultures in Asia, in collaboration with the Nitobe Gardens and the Chung | Lind Gallery. We had approximately 520 guests visit us between 11am-4pm to participate in a wide array of programming and fun, which included Japanese woodblock printing, henna, origami, colouring, solving riddles, playing Asian games, and Storytimes in Korean, Japanese, Persian, Punjabi, and Mandarin.

Storytimes

Throughout the day, librarians, students, and volunteers read stories in our Storytime corner, reading in Asian Languages with English translations. These storytimes are designed for all ages and are meant to bridge the gap between languages through story, teaching important cross-cultural lessons along the way!

Crafty Fun

There was a wide variety of crafts for all-ages during Kids Take Over UBC, including a custom-made Asian Centre colouring sheet and supplies for making bookmarks and cards. Origami paper was also available for kids to get creative with, or to fold a ttakji and play the Korean game of ttakjichigi.

Japanese Woodblock Printing

A popular activity during this year’s Kids Take Over UBC event was Japanese woodblock printing. Using a specially designed woodblock from artist David Bull, children created their own print of the Catbus from Studio Ghibli’s Totoro to take home. The process involved preparing ink on the woodblock and then spreading it evenly over a moistened piece of paper in three stages. Kids and youths of all ages were able to enjoy this unique experience!

Asian Games for the Family

A rotating selection of games from different regions in Asia were available throughout the day for kids to explore and play! These included sabangchigi (Korean hopscotch), solving Chinese riddles hanging off lanterns, Yunnori, Go, and many more.

Henna

Henna artist Sumeet Grewal provided henna art for little hands in the Asian Centre auditorium later in the afternoon. Kids learned about carefully allowing the henna to dry, and were excited to have beautiful designs to take home and show off!

Photo credits: Shirin Eshghi Furuzawa

Posted in events, Featured, Kids Take Over UBC, Library event | Read More | No Comments

New Books at the Law Library – 25/03/11

By elimwong on March 11, 2025

LAW LIBRARY level 3: HD7658 .D93 2023
D.E.G. Dyck, Occupational Health & Safety: Theory, Strategy & Industry Practice, 5th ed (LexisNexis Canada, 2023).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): HV7936.P75 P37 2024
J. Pardy, Conflict Management in Law Enforcement, 5th ed (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): HV8073 .W38 2025
K. Watkins, G.S. Anderson & W. Bulmer, Evidence and Investigation: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom, 3rd ed (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2025).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): HV9960.C2 G75 2025
C.T. Griffiths, Canadian Criminal Justice: A Primer, 7th ed (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2025).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: K94 .B67 2024
D.L. Borman, A Short & Happy Guide to Legal Writing, 2nd ed (West Academic, 2024)

LAW LIBRARY level 3: K552 .V44 2024
Y. Vega C̀rdenas, Methodology and Epistemology of Comparative Law: A Variety of Methods and Schools (LexisNexis, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): K1401.A41994 G47 2021
D. Gervais., The TRIPS Agreement: Drafting History and Analysis, 5th ed (Sweet & Maxwell, 2021).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: K3240 .E87 2024
M.R. Bueckert & D.B.M. Ross, Equal and Inalienable Rights: Essays on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (LexisNexis Canada, 2024)

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): K3400 .M67 2024
K. Yeung, S. Ranchordás & L.G. Carli, An Introduction to Law and Regulation: Text and Materials, 2nd ed (Cambridge University Press, 2024). Online access: https://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=13675977

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD1369 .T47 2024
D. Campbell, T. Austen & S. Baran, Terrell on the Law of Patents, 20th ed (Sweet & Maxwell, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD1554 .L49 2024
K. Lewison, The Interpretation of Contracts, 8th ed (Sweet & Maxwell, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: KD1641 .K4 2025
V. Ramsey, S.Hughes & P. Stansfield, Keating on Construction Contracts, 12th ed (Sweet and Maxwell, 2025).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD2051 .L5 2022
R.I. Banks, Lindley and Banks on Partnership,21st ed (Sweet & Maxwell, 2022).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD2051 .L5 2022 suppl
R.I. Banks, Lindley and Banks on Partnership First Supplement to the Twenty-First Edition (Sweet & Maxwell, 2022).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD7519.A77 P37 2024
C. Passmore, Privilege, 5th ed, Sweet and Maxwell, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KD7644 .F67 2024
D. Foskett, Foskett on Compromise, 10th ed (Sweet & Maxwell, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE452.C6 L58 2021
J.R. Presser, J. Beatson & G. Chan, eds, Litigating Artificial Intelligence (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2021).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE539.2 .C66 2024
R.M. Halpern, ed, Contracts for the Family Law Client (LexisNexis Canada, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE1259 .P86 2024
G.S. Pun, M.I. Hall & I.M. Knapp, The Law of Nuisance in Canada, 3rd ed (LexisNexis Canada, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: KE1462 .O46 2024
D.M. Olofsson et al, The Practitioner's Guide to Privacy in M&A (LexisNexis, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: KE1462 .P75 2024
P. Blyschak, Private M&A in Canada: Transactions and Litigation (LexisNexis Canada, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9260.A62 G64 2024
A.D. Gold, The Practitioner's Criminal Precedents, 7th ed (LexisNexis Canada, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9265 .G37 2025
D.M. Garg, A. Kapoor & B.H. Greenspan, Detention, Arrest, and the Right to Counsel (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2025).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9270 .F66 2024
J.A. Fontana & D. Keeshan, The Law of Search and Seizure in Canada, 13th ed. (LexisNexis Canada, 2024).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9355 .K68 2023
G. Koturbash, A Guide to Conducting Sentencing Hearings in Canada (LexisNexis Canada, 2023).

LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9375 .H34 2025
J. Dawe et al, eds, Criminal Appeals, 2nd ed (Emond Montgomery Publications Limited, 2025).

LAW LIBRARY level 3: KJE5461 .B75 2024
M. van den Brink, Legislative Authority and Interpretation in the European Union (Oxford University Press, 2024).

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