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News & Events

Announcing the Recipients of the 2023 OCUL Award
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 OCUL Outstanding Contribution Award.

Two Collaborative Futures project teams are being recognized for their achievements that helped enable the successful implementation of the Omni academic search tool and shared network in partner libraries across Ontario.
Registration Open: National Community of Practice for AI and Machine Learning in Academic Libraries
University library staff and team members from library-adjacent organizations across Canada are invited to sign up for a new Community of Practice on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML) in academic libraries.
Happy Holidays! OCUL and Scholars Portal Office Closures

Happy holidays from your colleagues at OCUL and Scholars Portal!

OCUL will be closed for the holidays starting Thursday, December 21, 2023 and will return on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Scholars Portal will be closed from Thursday, December 21, 2023 and will return on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season and the very best for 2024!

Ontario Council of University Libraries Appoints Task Force on Machine Learning and AI
An Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) task force has started work to explore how the consortium can pilot artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology to advance the objectives and values of academic librarianship.
OCUL Welcomes Blue-Ribbon Panel Recommendation for Collaboration


As part of a comprehensive plan for the financial sustainability of Ontario’s post-secondary sector, a recent Blue-Ribbon Panel report outlined recommendations to achieve a sustainable future for the province’s universities and colleges.

CARL, OCUL, and University of Toronto Libraries Sign MOU Outlining Collaborative Intent to Develop a National Institutional Repository Service

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), and University of Toronto Libraries are pleased to announce their signing of an MOU outlining our collaborative intent to develop a National Institutional Repository Service to be hosted by Scholars Portal.  

Odesi Relaunches October 4th
[La version française suit] 
 
We are excited to announce the new Odesi site will officially go live on October 4, 2023!  
 
New Initiatives Fund Call for Proposals
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is now accepting proposals for New Initiatives funding.

Each year, OCUL provides financial support for major initiatives and projects that align with OCUL’s strategic plan and have a broad impact for all OCUL member libraries’ teaching, learning and research priorities.
Now Available: OCUL Collaborative Futures Impact Report 2021-2022
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is pleased to release the 2021-2022 Collaborative Futures Impact Report.

Over 2021 and 2022, we saw a concerted focus by OCUL members to improve access to collections through the Omni academic search tool, including the new ability to request physical materials from any of the 18 partner universities directly within Omni.
Kate Davis Appointed Director of Scholars Portal

Kate Davis has been appointed as the Director of Scholars Portal, effective July 1, 2023, for a term of five years.

Events