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Get Your Fill of Thrills and Chills This Halloween!

October 31st is the one day where (mostly) everyone is ready for a good scare! Whether you’re a true crime fanatic, an armchair detective, a paranormal enthusiast, a creative costume-maker, or an overall devotee of all things spooky – we’ve got you covered!

Creep what we have online and on our shelves to help you have the best Halloween ever:

Horror Movies from Criterion

Watch feature films, from current hits to classic favorites, including films from major producers such as Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox available in the Criterion database.

Browse by genre and select Horror to start streaming scary films such as The Conjuring, Barbarian, Midsommar, A Quiet Place Part II, Scream, Paranormal Activity, Beetlejuice, and many more popular titles!

Supernatural Stories – You’ll Want to Sleep with the Lights On!

True Crime: Because the Truth is Scarier than Fiction

Dress to Impress: Create the Perfect Halloween Party Costume

Stephen King: Terrifying Tales from the King of Horror

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Library, stay spooky!

Six Steps for Successful Research

Does hearing the phrase “research paper” suddenly send you into stress mode? You’re not alone! Many learners feel overwhelmed when assigned such in-depth and detailed assignments. If this is your first time writing a research paper and you’re not sure where to start, we can help make the process less intimidating. If you do have previous experience doing research, it never hurts to acquire new strategies that can help take your skills to the next level.

We believe the easiest way to tackle a large assignment is to break it down into smaller steps. Instead of attacking your research paper head on, we’ve created a plan to help guide you through each stage of the writing process:

Define Your Topic

Picking a good topic is key and can make or break the research process. So, what makes a good topic? We suggest choosing a subject that interests you and will hold your attention. Explore what information is available on that topic to ensure that you can find what you need. If a topic is too specific, you may need to expand your search; if the topic is too vague, you may need to narrow it down. Turn your topic into a question and see if you can argue or prove it. The following resources can help you with this step:

Plan your Search

Once you have spent some time gathering background information on your topic, you should have a decent grasp of some search terms that would be relevant to your subject.

  • Check out the library’s Subject Guides to find resources that would make a good starting point for your research.
  • Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that could help expand your search results, and make sure to record your sources as you go.
  • For further help planning your search terms visit Step 2 of the Research Guide.
  • Register for an upcoming Starting a Paper – Improving Your Search Strategies Workshop to learn how to produce appropriate search terms and find resources using the web and library resources.

Search for Resources

Once you have committed to your topic and know which search terms to use, you can start finding credible and relevant resources. This step will be more time consuming than the first two – just remember to take it all in stride and try not to get overwhelmed. Identify what resources are required for your assignment (type of publication, date range, how many sources you need etc.) and then search across all resources with the help of the library’s Page 1+ search tool. You can also search directly within the A-Z Database list.

For help using Page 1+, check out our related FAQ’s or book a one-on-one research appointment with Library staff. The following resources can also help:

  • Explore Step 3 of our Research Guide to find tutorials, tips for search strategies and in-depth information on evaluating web resources.
  • The Learning Portal’s Fake News Hub will help you to recognize common indicators of fake news, understand the consequences of careless sharing, and learn to become a fact-checker.
  • Check out the Learning Portal’s How to Research module to learn more about the different types of resources and how to search through a library or on the web.
  • Register for an upcoming Evaluating Resources Workshop to find out how to evaluate the quality of resources using the ‘C.R.A.A.P’ test—a guideline for critically analyzing sources—so you can avoid fake news and ensure quality research.

Create an Outline

Once you have found relevant resources, you can use these sources to begin building your argument. To start creating an outline, you want to read all the sources you have collected and take notes as you go; make sure to keep track of your sources in an organized way.

When you are ready to draft your thesis statement, remember that it needs to reflect the main argument of your paper and should only be 1-2 sentences long. It is best to outline the structure of your paper before you start writing it; this will help you to determine your main points and organize your research.

  • Step 4 of our Research Guide will help you develop your thesis statement and create an effective outline of your paper.
  • The Coaching Lab offers free online and on-campus (Ottawa) Coaching in the subject of writing. Coaches can help you with grammar, brainstorming and outlining, preliminary research, thesis development, formatting a paper, and more.

Write your Paper

This is the last step in the research paper writing process! At this point you should have a thesis statement, an outline, and a collection of sources and notes; everything you need to put together your research paper.

  • Step 5 of our Research Guide will point you towards resources that can help structure your paragraphs, incorporate your sources, and guide you through the editing process.
  • Register for any of the upcoming Research & Writing workshops to find out how to start a paper, how to find academic articles and other resources, and more.

Cite your Sources

You will be required to cite your sources. Citing is an extremely important part of the research paper writing process as it is the best way to avoid plagiarism. It provides credit to the original source, helps prove the legitimacy of your research, and gives professors the ability to find the information used in your work. Fortunately for you, there are several resources that can help you with citation:

  • Check out the Citing and Documenting Sources Guide to find citation style guides and tools.
  • Visit the Learning Portal’s How to Cite module for help understanding the different citation styles and for an explanation on how to cite various sources.
  • Register for an upcoming Cite Right! APA Bootcamp workshop to gain hands-on experience creating references for different types of sources.
  • Also check out the new AI: Generative Intelligence guide to learn more about citing AI tools in your work. Before you cite, confirm with your instructor that the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are allowed for your assignment.

With so many supportive services and resources available to you, research doesn’t have to be stressful! If you have questions, please visit your campus Library in person, or contact us online via our Library Live Chat.

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honors the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Algonquin College campuses (Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth) are located on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today. We take this time to show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water, and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. As a post-secondary institution, we embrace the responsibility to help ensure that the next generations of land stewards are respectful and grateful for the bounty of this land on which we all live, work, play, and study.

We commit to continue to explore and make meaningful contributions to the Calls to Action that result from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).

Algonquin College Campus Events

  • The Ottawa campus Library will be screening several short films about residential schools. This will take place on Friday, September 29th in the Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig, or the Knowledge Keepers Place (Room C350) from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. We also have a new film available in our streaming collection, Colonization Road, can be watched online at any time. We also encourage the college community to explore the books, videos, and other library resources featured on the Aboriginal Studies Guide
Colonization Road
  • Please join President Brulé in Nawapon on Sept. 29 at the Ottawa Campus to listen and learn Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. All Algonquin College employees are welcome to attend. This event takes place at 9:15 AM to 9:50 AM in the Nawapon (C100), Ottawa Campus and livestream via Youtube.
    Please register to attend in-person here.
  • The AC Hub will be decorating orange paper T-shirts and hanging them on windows. Partake in a selection of Indigenous teas, coffee, and foods, and engage with a variety of learning materials and resources as we strive to create a more inclusive and informed future and campus community. You are encouraged to wear an orange T-shirt.
    This event takes place on the 2nd Floor of the Student Commons (E) Building on Friday, September 29 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Click here to learn more.

Indigenous Spaces

Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making Indigenous Knowledge and traditions an integral part of the institution’s culture. Over the years this has included establishing a variety of Indigenous Spaces on Campus. Learn more about these spaces:

DARE District’s three-storey mural

Empower with The Learning Portal’s Maamwi Hub

The creation of the Learning Portal’s Maamwi Hub was inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of both staff and students on Indigenous history, culture, knowledge, and current Indigenous worldviews.

The word “Maamwi” means “Together” in Anishinaabemowin, one of the widely spoken Indigenous languages in the territory currently referred to as Ontario.

Developed in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Education Circle and College Libraries Ontario, and part of the ongoing reconciliation journey, the Maamwi Hub serves as a collaborative pathway to learn and reflect on the past and present impacts of colonial history on Indigenous Peoples. Discover an expansive collection of credible and relevant educational materials, explore ways of connecting and collaborating with Indigenous communities, and become an active participant on the path towards reconciliation.

The Maamwi Hub is made up of 5 major sections: About, Discover, Inquire, Inspire, and Empower. This week, we wanted to focus on the Empower section as it provides users with resources to connect and collaborate, share ideas, learn from one another, and support each other on the path to reconciliation.

  • Expand your understanding: Resources to support with engaging with Truth and Reconciliation, using respectful terminology, and expanding your understanding of stereotypes & racism.
  • Participate: Resources providing an overview of days of significance, events, and Indigenous organizations.
  • Explore & Connect: Provides an overview of Indigenous communities, places, and spaces within Ontario.
  • Learning Resources: A selection of resources which may help broaden awareness and understanding of Indigenous topics within Canada.Maamwi Hub

“Rather than having a single goal related to Truth and Reconciliation or Indigeneity, we must be committed to adapting our processes and practices to honor and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing.” Click here to learn more about what this means for Algonquin College.

The Library & SLC: Here to Support Your On-Campus & Online Learning!

A big welcome to all our new and returning students! Whether you’re taking classes on-campus or online (or both!) we want to assure you that the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) have a variety of services available to support your learning.

*Please note, some of our online resources will require you to login with your College Network Account.

Explore our list of services and resources:

  • Library Space:
    The Library space at the Ottawa campus is open 24/7 and features a silent study room and a bookable meeting room (more meeting rooms are available on the 2nd floor of C Building). The Library help desks are available to assist you during business hours.
  • Library Live Chat:
    Our Library Live Chat service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you require more in-depth, one-on-one research help, please book an online or in-person Research Appointment with our staff.
  • Borrowing Books:
    If you would like to borrow a book from your campus Library, you can request the item online using Page 1+ or you can visit your local campus Library in person. You will need your AC card to borrow books. Click here for more information on how to request items.
  • Returning Books:
    Books may be returned to your campus Library drop box.
  • Digital Resource Collections:
    Access the library’s A-Z digital resource collections, this includes databases, eBooks, online videos, journals, and more. Digital resources are available 24/7 and require you to login to your College Network Account.
  • eBooks and Audiobooks Collections:
    Access electronic books on a wide variety of subjects. Find instructions on how to locate, use and download eBooks to different devices in our eBooks Guide.
  • Essential Skills Guides:
    Explore a variety of online guides that cover essential skills such as citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, research, math, English communication, technology, study skills, and much more.
  • FAQ’s:
    Find answers to commonly asked questions.
  • Coaching Lab:
    The Coaching Lab offers all Algonquin College students individual and small group coaching, both online and on-campus, at no charge. The areas of coaching offered are computer, math, writing, ESL, study skills, presentation skills, research, and anatomy/biology.
    *Pembroke students can also visit the Pembroke Campus Student Support Lab page to book an appointment with a Pembroke Campus Coach.
  • Peer Tutoring:
    If you’re a student who finds themselves experiencing difficulties in a course or are struggling to understand a concept being covered in class, Peer Tutoring can help. This service matches you with a trained student tutor for one-on-one tutoring. Tutors are students who graduated from the class before and did well in it. The fee for tutoring is $8.00 per hour. Peer Tutoring appointments are offered online and on-campus.
  • Skill-building Workshops:
    Students can participate in workshops to develop and strengthen fundamental skills such as research, writing, digital skills, and study skills to help you succeed in classes. These workshops are offered both online and on-campus, and are free to attend.
  • Online Video Collections:
    Access multiple online video collections on a wide variety of topics. Find instructions for finding, using, downloading and embedding online videos in our how-to guide.
  • Page 1+:
    Meet the Library’s new resource search tool. Research more effectively and discover access to industry-relevant resources.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER):
    Find free, openly licensed images, videos, icons, course material, textbooks and more within our Open Educational Resources Guide.
  • Subject Guides:
    These are curated guides for specific programs and areas of study. This is a great starting point for new students and for those doing preliminary research!
  • The Learning Portal:
    The Learning Portal provides shared access to resources from all Ontario Colleges. Explore modules related to learning online, study skills, digital skills, writing, research, math, career exploration, and more.

    • Maamwi Hub: The Maamwi Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of staff and students on the diverse Indigenous histories, cultures, and current Indigenous worldviews. We hope that the Maamwi Hub will be a part of your ongoing reconciliation journey.

For more information, please visit us in-person or connect with us online. Have a great first week!

Join Us for AC Day 1 on September 5th!

Autumn is in the air and with it comes a fresh start to the school year! Join us for all the activities happening on September 5, 2023 for AC Day 1 and discover how the Library and Student Learning Centre (SLC) can support you in your journey towards academic success this semester and beyond.

Library Tours

This short walk through our beautiful library will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources; such as the silent study area, collaborative learning spaces, and helpful staff. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and find out how to borrow laptops from our new 24h laptop lockers! You’ll also learn about our Coaching and Peer Tutoring Services and meet Page 1+; – it’s a lot like Google, but instead of searching the web, it searches the library’s online and in-house collection!

Event Location: Attendees to meet at the Library main desk in Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

  • 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm

On-Campus Workshops (Ottawa Campus)

Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom
In this workshop, you’ll get to know Brightspace, the online platform for your courses. You will learn how to access your course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about Zoom, including how to set up your Zoom account, adjust your account settings for security, schedule your own zoom meetings, and work with your classmates.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 9:00am – 10:00am

Getting Started with Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft 365
In this workshop, you will find out how to sign in and navigate Brightspace, the online platform for your courses, so you are comfortable using it. The workshop covers how to access your course material, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about your student email and some of the Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Teams, that you can access through your email account and that can help you in your studies.
*Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-serve due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 10:00am – 11:00am

Can’t attend a session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre‘s workshops running daily from August 21 to September 8.

Introduction to the Library
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to search through the library website to find ebooks, videos, articles, tutorials, statistics, and more! You’ll also learn new strategies for navigating our online resources and digital collections to easily find the resources you are looking for. *Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-served due to limited spaces.

Event Location: Library Learning Lab (Room C263, 2nd Floor, C Building)

  • 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Online Workshops

Introduction to the Library
In this workshop, you will learn how to search through the library website to find eBooks, videos, articles, tutorials, statistics, and more! You’ll also learn new strategies for navigating our online resources and digital collections to easily find the resources you are looking for.

Event Location: Virtual Event via Zoom. To join the session, click here.

  • 10:00am – 11:00am

Can’t attend this session? Library workshops will be running weekly throughout September. Visit the Workshops website to view the monthly schedule and sign up.

Getting Started with Brightspace & Zoom

In this virtual workshop, you’ll get to know Brightspace, the online platform for your courses. You will learn how to access your course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades, and more. You will also learn about Zoom, including how to set up your Zoom account, adjust your account settings for security, schedule your own zoom meetings, and work with your classmates.

Event Location: Virtual Event via Zoom. To join the session, click here.

  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out the Student Learning Centre‘s workshops running daily from August 21 to September 8.

To View the full schedule of AC Day 1 activities and events please click here.

New Database Alert: ACM Digital Library

The AC Library now provides access to ACM Digital Library!

ACM Digital Library (Association for Computing Machinery) is a comprehensive collection of full-text articles and bibliographic records covering the fields of computing and information technology. The full-text database includes the complete collection of ACM’s publications, including journals, conference proceedings, magazines, newsletters, and multimedia titles and currently consists of:

  • 407,367 Full-text articles
  • 2.0+ Million Pages of full-text articles
  • 18,000+ New full-text articles added each year
  • 44+ High Impact Journals with 2-3 new journals being launched each year
  • 275+ Conference Proceedings Titles added each year
  • 2,000+ Proceedings Volumes
  • 8 Magazines (including the flagship Communications of the ACM, the most heavily cited publication in the field of computing according to Thomson-Reuters)
  • 37 Technical Newsletters from ACM’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
  • 6,500+ Video files
  • 594 Audio files

In addition to the full-text database, the ACM Digital Library is heavily integrated with and includes unrestricted access to the Guide to Computing Literature bibliography.

The ACM Digital Library includes reference linking though CrossRef, integration with the ACM Computing Reviews database, index terms using ACM’s 2012 Computing Classification Scheme (CCS), alerting and TOC services, and all export formats including BibTex, Endnote, and ACM Ref, as well as OpenURL compliance, and COUNTER III and SUSHI Compliant usage statistics.

To start exploring the ACM Digital Library, visit the Library homepage and click on the Databases A-Z button found under the Page 1+ search bar. If you are asked to login, please use your College Network Account information.

*Note: This package does not include access to books.

Welcome to Maamwi

The Learning Portal has officially launched the Maamwi Hub; inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of both staff and students on Indigenous history, culture, knowledge, and current Indigenous worldviews.

The word “Maamwi” means “Together” in Anishinaabemowin, one of the widely spoken Indigenous languages in the territory currently referred to as Ontario. The Maamwi hub comprises of 5 major sections (About, Discover, Inquire, Inspire, and Empower) with each section categorized thematically.

Developed in partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Education Circle and College Libraries Ontario, and part of the ongoing reconciliation journey, the Maamwi Hub serves as a collaborative pathway to learn and reflect on the past and present impacts of colonial history on Indigenous Peoples. Discover an expansive collection of credible and relevant educational materials, explore ways of connecting and collaborating with Indigenous communities, and become an active participant on the path towards reconciliation.

Start exploring the following modules:

  • About: Project background, user feedback, and other information
  • Discover: Learning resource on the history, culture, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples
  • Inquire: Learning resources on conducting research respectfully and responsibly
  • Inspire: Resources to support curriculum development that promotes Indigenous awareness
  • Empower: Resources to connect, collaborate, and support each other on the path to reconciliation

Get Ready to Spring Into a New Semester by Signing up for a Math Readiness Workshop

Ready to refresh your math skills before the start of the 2023 Spring Term? The Student Learning Centre (SLC) has you covered! From April 24-May 5, the SLC is offering various math workshops, at no cost, to help you succeed.

Register here. Find the workshop you would like to attend and click on it. Select “Begin Registration,” fill in all required information, and then click “Register.”

Workshop Date and Time Description
Fractions Monday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Review how to simplify fractions and perform operations with fractions, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
Decimals, Rounding, and Order of Operations Monday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Review place value, rounding, operations with decimals, and the order of operations to follow to simplified expressions.
Percent Applications Wednesday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Review how to convert between a fraction, decimal, and percentage. There will also be a review on applications of percent, including sales tax, discounts, simple interest, percent change, and commission.
Ratio, Rate, and Proportion Wednesday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Define ratios, rates, and proportions and review how to solve problems using proportions, such as unit conversions or dosages.
Exponents Friday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Review the properties used to simplify expressions containing exponents. There will also be a review on how to express numbers in scientific notation.
Algebra Basics 1 — Polynomials Friday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Review how to simplify algebraic expressions called polynomials. You will review how to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
Algebra Basics 2 — Solving Equations Tuesday, May 2

from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

 Review how to rearrange and solve single-step and multi-step algebraic equations and how to solve systems of linear equations using substitution and elimination.
Algebra Basics 3 — Factoring Tuesday, May 2

from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 Review how to factor algebraic expressions using the greatest common factor, how to factor quadratics, how to solve quadratic equations using factoring, and the quadratic formula.
Trigonometry Basics Thursday, May 4

from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

 Review angles, the properties of triangles, and how to solve for missing angles or sides of a right-angle triangle using the Pythagorean theorem and the primary trigonometric ratios.
Graphing Thursday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Review how to graph a function using a table of values. You will also review how to graph a line using the slope and y-intercept and explore real-world applications of linear functions.

Say Yes to Less Stress

School. Work. Social life. Juggling all of our responsibilities and commitments can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we we want to help you get through the rest of the semester in the healthiest and most positive way possible! Keep reading to discover AC services, strategies, tips, and techniques to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Managing Stress

Sign up for an upcoming Stress Management Workshop. These sessions are led by an Algonquin College counsellor and will help you learn more about practical strategies to help with stress management so that you can better focus on your learning!

*This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.

  • Thursday, March 16, 2023 / 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023 / 3:00pm – 4:00pm

For more self-guided stress management strategies, we recommend exploring the Essential Study Skills Guide. Here you will find modules covering:

  • How to cope with stress
  • Changing your perception of stress
  • Problem solving to manage stress

The Learning Portal

The Well-being hub was designed to help develop strategies to improve your overall state of happiness and health. Complete the Well-being Assessment to determine the areas of wellness where you are thriving and the ones that may need greater attention or explore these eight modules to find tips and techniques for improving wellness in different areas of your life:

Finding Support

You don’t have to do it alone! If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed by stress, we encourage you to reach out and connect with the services and resources available to help.

It’s Not to Late to Participate in Procrastination Awareness Week 2023!

Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW) is a cross-institutional collaboration that invites students to learn more about procrastination, develop effective habits, and connect with one another. Students are invited to attend remote workshops to learn strategies related to focus and concentration, motivation, time management, writing, studying, and exam preparation. The PAW programming will feature remote workshops to help students learn strategies related to focus and concentration, motivation, time management, writing, studying, and exam preparation as well as a virtual study hall for students who are looking to work alongside others and make progress on their end-of-term to do lists. The event is free, open, virtual, and inclusive and features some of the best procrastination-related programming from across participating institutions.

The goals of PAW include:

1. Increasing awareness about procrastination (what it is, how it happens, and how to work with it)

2. Supporting students to set achievable learning/study goals

3. Supporting students to develop effective academic habits

4. Supporting students to make progress on their end-of-term to do list

5. Connecting students with one another so that they can exchange tips and tricks

All students are invited to register, for free, here: https://bit.ly/3KIuaFQ
Please note, all events will take place on Zoom.