News from the School of Information Management, Dalhousie University

School of Information Management’s newest cohort 

The School of Information Management welcomed 58 MLIS students in September. 64% hail from Atlantic Canada, 30% of the population is from the rest of Canada and 5% are international.

Progressive Librarians Guild (PLG) Student Chapter at SIM

In addition to CLA, SLA and ACA student chapters, an official student branch of the Progressive Librarians Guild (PLG) has been established at SIM. This branch is the first in Canada and we look forward to supporting the student leaders as they organize events for fellow students, and add diversity of discourse to a wide array of discussions.

More information about the PLG can be found here: http://libr.org/plg/index.php

2008 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient, Ilga Leja

SIM is delighted that the Associated Alumni have elected Ilga Leja as the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award. Retired Director of Library Service at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (now NSCAD University), Ilga drew upon more than 30 years' experience as librarian in both special and academic libraries when she addressed attendees at the reception held 25 September. Ilga explored the enduring role and character of the library and the impact of technology on the delivery of services and operational functions. According to Ilga, libraries, although evolving, maintain crucial responsibilities within the social, cultural, and political spheres.

Launch of the Master of Information Management (MIM) 

SIM launched the first Master of Information Management (MIM) in North America in September. The MIM, a part-time program offered primarily by distance, is a limited enrolment program for professionals from any pertinent field with at least 5 years’ experience in the private, public or NGO sectors. For further information, please visit http://mim.management.dal.ca/. 

New undergraduate major in Knowledge Management

SIM is developing a major in Knowledge Management for the Faculty of Management interdisciplinary Bachelor of Management program. This new major, to be launched in September 2010, will include classes in Knowledge Management and those examining the role of information in the 21st century ("Information in a Networked World"), an analysis of information sources and how to find and evaluate them ("Beyond Google"). Offered as well are elective classes drawn from both Information Management and Dalhousie's Bachelor of Informatics program in the Faculty of Computer Science.

Vivian Howard appointed Director of the Bachelor of Management Program

Vivian Howard, newly appointed to a tenure-stream position in the School of Information Management, has also accepted a three year administrative appointment in the Faculty of Management as Director of the Bachelor of Management program. Professor Howard held an interim appointment as Director of this unique undergraduate program during the past academic year. She has been noted for her highly successful leadership of the redevelopment of the four-year program to include a series of majors.

Fiona Black appointed Associate Dean (External Programs)

Fiona Black, Director of the School of Information Management since 2003, has been appointed Associate Dean of Management (External Programs). This position complements Dr. Black’s role as Director particularly as it relates to the development and launchof the School’s new Master of Information Management (MIM) program. Dr. Black will be working closely with colleagues responsible for the Faculty of Management’s existing and planned mid-career programs: the MBA (Financial Services) and MPA (Management) which are both well-established, as well as the MBA (Health Leadership) and MBA (Natural Resources) both of which are under development.