[TEXT OF AN ARTICLE FROM THE UC NEWS WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER]


A long overdue article on Margaret Fulford, UC Librarian


University College’s Laidlaw Library, with its lofty ceilings, arched windows and cushioned chairs is a bright, comfortable and remarkably quiet haven for serious study. But you won’t find UC Librarian Margaret Fulford shushing patrons. Laidlaw has a self-regulating silence, she explains, pierced only occasionally by the buzz of a mobile phone. Good thing, since Margaret has plenty of work to do managing Laidlaw’s collection, 34,000 books strong.

Margaret has been at the helm of Laidlaw Library since August 2007, but her talent for organizing information and connection to UC were established much earlier. She has always enjoyed research, organizing data and helping people, so a career in information was a natural choice. Originally from Toronto, Margaret moved to Montreal to attend McGill University, where she studied French and History. She returned to her hometown to earn her second degree, living in residence at Massey College.

It was during Margaret’s studies towards a Master in Library Science at the University of Toronto that she first visited UC. Attending a reading at the College by Canadian author Neil Bissoondath, she was struck by the building’s quiet beauty and inspired by the sense of community engendered by the college system. These positive first impressions doubtless figured in her decision, years later, to pursue the role of UC Librarian.

But first, Margaret cut her teeth at the Canadian Women's Movement Archives, the Music Library of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Toronto Reference Library, and the Canadian Health Network. Making the transition from alumna to staff member, Margaret joined the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry as Faculty Librarian in 2001, and remained in that position until 2006 when she took herself out of circulation, as it were, to focus on other projects. She explains that academic librarians, like faculty members, are eligible for a year-long sabbatical after six years of employment.

During her research leave, Margaret undertook a project that drew on her library skills and personal interests. She developed the Canadian Women Film Directors Database, a product of her keen interest in women’s studies, Canadian studies and film. It was during this period that the position of UC Librarian became available. Recognizing that UC’s flagship program offerings meshed well with her interests and professional experience, and given her appreciation of the College, Margaret applied successfully for the position. She started at Laidlaw immediately after her sabbatical, on the agreement that UC share her with the Robarts Library Reference Department, where she spends 25% of her time.

As the head of a small library, Margaret enjoys the opportunity to do a little bit of everything. Each day, she spends some time selecting books to develop Laidlaw’s collection, purchasing 700 to 800 books annually on topics related to UC’s interdisciplinary programs. Procuring titles is her favourite aspect of the job, but she also enjoys the challenge of supervising the 13 library assistants who work at Laidlaw. As UC undergraduates, the assistants work from 2 to 10 hours per week, helping with circulation, shelving, phone inquiries, and providing printing and photocopying support. 

Margaret also deals with many generous donations to the library by sorting through books to determine if they are appropriate for the collection. In fact, many of the most interesting items at Laidlaw were donated by alumni and friends. Titles that do not make the cut are passed on to the UC Book Sale, which in turn supports the library, so donations are always advantageous to the College.

During the summer months (from mid-May through August) Laidlaw Library is closed, but Margaret remains hard at work on special projects and collection maintenance, and continues her work at Robarts Library. She also takes vacation and attends conferences during this time. While the library is officially closed, Margaret will make arrangements to lend books held uniquely at Laidlaw to the U of T community. She also provides a little-known special service to UC faculty and staff, continuing to loan all items and delivering them directly to your mailbox. Margaret encourages UC patrons to take advantage of this service, and more generally to check out (quite literally) Laidlaw’s great titles, reminding us that faculty and staff enjoy six-week loan privileges. 

Under Margaret’s leadership, Laidlaw Library has changed in small but important ways to improve the patron experience. For instance, drinks (with lids) are now permitted in the library, since they do not pose a significant risk to collections. (Food remains banned from U of T libraries.) Margaret also implemented a book-return box to facilitate returns after library hours, and created a new website for the library.

 

Looking to the future, Margaret would like to update the library for the electronic age, with desks and cubby holes that feature electrical outlets and lighting fixtures. Casual study spaces are a trend in library design, so her wish list includes outfitting Laidlaw with arm chairs to create an informal reading area. Similarly, group projects are a trend in education, and Margaret would like to see the creation of spaces to facilitate group study. She envisions separate, soundproofed rooms with transparent glass doors for safety. The UC Writing Centre, whose offices are located within Laidlaw Library, would also benefit greatly from expanded space. There are draft plans for renovation in hand, so rest assured that library improvements will happen with the support of alumni and friends.

Given her passion for research and books, it is unsurprising that Margaret’s work crosses over into her personal life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels and is currently working her way through The Secret River by Australian author Kate Grenville. When pressed to choose her favourite book, she finally settles on A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth. True to type, Margaret is an avid reader, and her recommendations for books and more can be found on her blog. She shares her life with husband Jeffrey Rosenthal, a UC alum, Professor in the Department of Statistics and UC Senior Common Room member. As a librarian and a statistician, the couple make quite the data set, and are active members of the UC community. All things considered, one cannot help but agree with Margaret when she claims she has found the perfect fit here at UC.

 
Written by: Yvonne Palkowski (Tuesday, 26 May 2009)