Library Vocab 101: What is a Catalogue Record?

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

PressReader: A New Way To Access News!

In recent years, the digitizing of content has become more and more popular. Although newspapers and magazines can still be purchased and read as physical copies, many people have been turning to electronic formats of these sources instead. With new content and stories coming out daily, it can be challenging to keep up with everything. Luckily, PressReader has made this easier by creating an all-you-can-read service containing thousands of reading options.

With a catalogue of over 7000 online newspapers and magazines, PressReader gives you access to content on various topics worldwide! The best part? You can access it all for free using your McGill email and password!

Not sure how to get started? This Tip Sheet can help you get started with your account!

Introducing Veronica: Liaison Librarian for Kinesiology and Physical Education, Linguistics, and Philosophy

Our Passionate Liaison Librarian with a Knack for Connecting People and Information

We are delighted to introduce our newest team member, Veronica Bergsten to the Humanities and Social Sciences Library as the new Liaison Librarian for Kinesiology and Physical Education, Linguistics, and Philosophy. Veronica is a dedicated librarian with a passion for serving the community and a love for all things music. Her journey into the world of libraries began with a deep-rooted desire to help others and an insatiable curiosity for information.

Veronica Bergsten is a young woman with long dark brown hair and glasses. She is smiling widely with bright red lipstick. She is seen from the chest up, wearing a dark blue shirt.

Veronica’s pursuit of a career in libraries was motivated by her innate love for finding information and connecting with new people. After completing her undergraduate degree, she was drawn to the idea of a profession that would allow her to continuously search for knowledge while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Little did she know that librarianship perfectly encapsulated both of these passions.

As Veronica delved deeper into the profession, she discovered the incredible potential to utilize the skills she had acquired while working in a university setting. Her experiences at the University of Alberta, from her role as a student worker at the University of Alberta Libraries to supervising the ONEcard program, cultivated a service-oriented mindset that became the cornerstone of her professional practice.

During her Master’s of Information Studies program, Veronica further honed her expertise as a Graduate Student Reference Assistant (GSRA) at McGill Library. Here, she had the opportunity to answer reference questions and collaborate with other librarians to conduct workshops. Upon graduation, Veronica embraced the role of a Teaching & Research Librarian at Concordia University Library, where she fostered connections with students, faculty, and researchers across various disciplines. Notably, she played an instrumental role in creating an educational mini-series that explored emerging trends and technologies in the realm of information.

Now, with an array of rich experiences under her belt, Veronica is thrilled to return to McGill and embark on new endeavours in her latest role. Her past experiences have shaped her into a librarian who is committed to helping users on their academic and lifelong journeys. She finds immense joy in teaching users the skills and resources they need, and this unwavering motivation propels her to continuously strive for excellence.

Outside of her professional life, Veronica is a true connoisseur of music. Her free time is often spent attending concerts and scouring record shops in Montreal, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene. Whether it’s discovering new artists to see live or expanding her eclectic vinyl collection, Veronica’s love for music knows no bounds. She even enjoys knitting while listening to her favourite records, creating a harmonious blend of relaxation and creativity.

As our readers appreciate getting to know the individuals behind the library services, Veronica’s diverse range of interests and hobbies truly adds depth to her character. She eagerly welcomes recommendations for record stores and concert venues, always seeking new avenues to explore the world of music:)

We are delighted to have Veronica join our library team, bringing her passion for serving the community, her wealth of experience, and her vibrant personality. Her dedication to connecting people with the information they seek is bound to enhance the services we provide. Let’s give Veronica a warm welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter in her journey as a librarian!