Michael Ridley's blog

Information and information technologies are core elements in the University's Integrated Plan (IP). As the University moves towards the new 5 year IP, I thought it would be helpful to frame a few issues and opportunities in a discussion document. 

Happy to hear your comments, suggestions, additions and/or concerns. 

...Mike

Original enclosure (IT-DiscussionPaper-2011.pdf)

After over 15 years as Chief Librarian and more than 6 years as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the University of Guelph, I have decided it is time for a change - for Guelph and for me. My current term for these roles ends effective January 1, 2012 and I will not be seeking re-appointment.

I’m not retiring but going on administrative/sabbatical leave. Starting January 2012 I will be focused on a number of things: further graduate studies, finishing a book (or a “book like thing”) on literacy, exploring some new ideas, assisting colleagues, and doing a bit more teaching. I will return to the University in January 2014 in another capacity to be determined by the Provost.

In due course the Provost will announce plans to seek a successor as CIO and Chief Librarian.

My new blog, Exploring the Information Ecology, is an opportunity for me to investigate and discuss some of the issues that are important to me: libraries, literacy, information technology, and higher education. It will also allow to me reflect on my transition to new professional challenges.

I am very excited about embarking on this new stage in my career. Change is good.

…Mike

The plans to renovate Archival and Special Collections were unvieled recently. The University of Guelph Library has world class archives and collections; with this renovation we will finally have a world class facility to steward them and to provide access for users. It is going to take a number of years to complete and it will require the support of many of our devoted friends, but the result will be exceptional.

Many thanks to Kathryn Harvey for her vision of how this project could change the Library , to Kelly Bertrand for the extraordinary effort to coordinate all the planning, and to the many others who contribued ideas and encouragement.

Floor Plan

Reading Room 

Exhibition Space

Study Space