Category Archives: Updates

Library Vocab 101: What is a Catalogue Record?

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When using the McGill Libraries, it can be useful to know what the various terms on the website mean in order to become more efficient in your work. However, terms such as “Catalogue” and “Catalogue Record” may come up – but what exactly do these words mean?

What is the library Catalogue?

The library catalogue is the collection of all the materials available through the McGill Libraries, whether it be books, articles, movies, or any other resources. For a better searching experience, the Sofia Discovery Tool allows you to browse the library catalogue for materials in our collection, as well as materials in other libraries worldwide.

What is a Catalogue Record?

Now that we have a better grasp on what the catalogue is, it’s time to turn to catalogue records. When you search something in the catalogue, all the results that come up are individual (catalogue) records.

To see more information on a particular record, simply click on it. This will show you all of the metadata within that catalogue record, such as the author, date of publication, and ISBN number. Each search result is its own individual catalogue record, with information on the selected record stored within it!

If you have any questions about how to use the library or more, contact hssl.library@mcgill.ca

Gifts of Knowledge: McGill University Library’s 12 Days to the Holidays Book Display Recap

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As the winter season unfolds, the McGill University Library welcomed the festive spirit with a delightful book display featuring twelve carefully selected reads. Each book was handpicked by different members of our diverse and passionate library team, creating a unique and thoughtful collection for our readers. Let’s take a journey through the 12 Days to the Holidays book display and explore the literary gifts our staff shared with the McGill community.

Day 1: “A Murder of Quality” by John le Carré

Gifter: Lonnie Weatherby

Kicking off the display, Lonnie Weatherby introduced us to the gripping world of espionage with “A Murder of Quality” by John le Carré. This classic spy novel set the tone for an exciting literary adventure.

Day 2: “A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers

Gifter: Emily Jaeger-McEnroe

Emily Jaeger-McEnroe added a touch of speculative fiction to the mix with “A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers. This thought-provoking novella explores the intersection of humanity and nature, offering readers a unique and imaginative experience.

Day 3: “The Psychology of Time Travel” by Kate Mascarenhas

Gifter: Kristen Howard

Kristen Howard took us on a journey through time with “The Psychology of Time Travel” by Kate Mascarenhas. This novel delves into the complexities of time travel and its psychological implications, making it a fascinating addition to the display.

Day 4: “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner

Gifter: Veronica Bergsten

Veronica Bergsten shared the deeply personal and moving memoir, “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner. This exploration of identity, grief, and Korean-American culture resonated with readers seeking a powerful and emotional narrative.

Day 5: “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell

Gifter: Dawn McKinnon

Dawn McKinnon engaged readers in thought-provoking conversations with “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell. This insightful book challenges our understanding of human interactions, shedding light on the complexities of communication.

Day 6: “Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein

Gifter: Sharon Rankin

Sharon Rankin introduced us to the world of contemporary art and obedience with “Study for Obedience” by Sarah Bernstein. This thoughtfully crafted novel explores the intersection of art, power, and control.

Day 7: “A Place Called No Homeland” by Kai Cheng Thom

Gifter: Hye-Jin Juhn

Hye-Jin Juhn brought attention to the marginalized voices with “A Place Called No Homeland” by Kai Cheng Thom. This collection of poetry and prose offers a powerful exploration of identity, displacement, and resilience.

Day 8: “We Hunt the Flame” by Hafsah Faizal

Gifter: Amanda Wheatley

Amanda Wheatley gifted readers an epic fantasy adventure with “We Hunt the Flame” by Hafsah Faizal. This young adult novel takes readers on a thrilling quest in a richly imagined world.

Day 9: “Man’s Searching for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

Gifter: Geneieve Gosselin

Geneieve Gosselin shared the timeless wisdom of Viktor E. Frankl in “Man’s Searching for Meaning.” This philosophical work continues to inspire readers to find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Day 10: “The Book of Form and Emptiness” by Ruth Ozeki

Gifter: Jane McAslan

Jane McAslan led readers into a world of literary magic with “The Book of Form and Emptiness” by Ruth Ozeki. This novel weaves a captivating tale about the power of books and the human experience.

Day 11: “The Colony” by Audrey Magee

Gifter: Lauren Goldman

Lauren Goldman transported us to a different time and place with “The Colony” by Audrey Magee. This historical novel provided a glimpse into the lives of individuals caught in the midst of World War II.

Day 12: “The Son of the House” by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia

Gifter: Deborah Ahenkorah

Deborah Ahenkorah concluded our 12 Days to the Holidays display with “The Son of the House” by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia. This novel explores themes of family, societal expectations, and resilience in post-colonial Nigeria.

Discovering “Home is Where the Heart is” a Redpath Library Book Display

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Hey book lovers! If you’ve been to the Redpath Library Building recently, you might have noticed a fantastic new book display called “Home is Where the Heart is.” This display is a literary journey into the many facets of home and belonging, featuring some of the amazing titles below.

1. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: A poignant dive into the immigrant experience, unravelling the cultural clashes and familial bonds of Chinese-American women and their daughters.

2. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi: Avni Doshi’s exploration of mother-daughter dynamics weaves through the complexities of memory and identity, delivering a thought-provoking narrative.

3. I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by David J. Cherrington: Cherrington’s honest portrayal challenges perceptions of home, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the homeless and inviting readers to empathize with those on the margins of society.

4. The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel:  A compelling journey through the challenges of war and separation, Danielle Steel’s narrative underscores the resilience of a family and the enduring power of love.

5. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo: Safia Elhillo prompts readers to reconsider the concept of home, exploring the intricate landscapes of identity and belonging beyond geographical boundaries.

6. Our Town by Thornton Wilder: Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic transcends its small-town setting, inviting readers to reflect on the universal aspects of human existence and the notion of home as a place where one truly belongs.

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic celebrates the enduring power of sisterhood against the backdrop of the Civil War, offering a glimpse into the strength and resilience of the March sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

This collection is more than just books on a shelf—it’s an invitation to reflect on what “home” really means. So, next time you’re in the Redpath Library Building, grab one of these novels and scan the QR code to explore the profound concept of home in all its rich, diverse glory. Happy reading!