U of G Library Wants You — and Your Book

Campus authors, editors, translators invited to add their works to McLaughlin collection

If you're a member of the University and you wrote, edited or translated a book in 2005, the McLaughlin Library wants to hear from you.

“Each year, faculty, staff, students and retirees produce an impressive number of books that reflect the breadth and diversity of the campus community's personal and professional interests,” says Michael Ridley, chief librarian and chief information officer. “Although we strive to add them all to our collection, some are overlooked because we're just not aware they're out there. We have no means of tracking them in a consistent and comprehensive way.”

Ridley hopes to see that change this year by publicizing the library's desire to acquire all new books written, edited or translated by members of the University community and then by showcasing those works at the library.

“We want to provide systematic campus-wide recognition of U of G's fine publishing record, something that's never been done before.”

The library wants to hear about books regardless of whether they're academic or based on professional interests or expertise, says Lynn Campbell, senior development manager for the library. They'll all be entered in a database accessible through the library catalogue and will be featured in a display in the library foyer throughout the fall semester. In November, Ridley will host a public reception to honour the titles and U of G contributors.

To be eligible for inclusion, a book must have been published in print or electronic format in 2005 as a new edition by a recognized publisher. The book may be solely or jointly written, edited or translated, but the work by the U of G student, faculty member, staff member or retiree must make up a majority of the book. Submissions must be received by June 30 to be considered.

To submit a book title or for more information, contact Doug Horne, head of academic liaison, at Ext. 52322 or dhorne@uoguelph.ca or visit the website www.lib.uoguelph.ca/author.