Hi everyone,

My name is Colin McLeod (he/him), and I’m writing to you from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I work at a university library here in Ottawa in the Access Services department, primarily performing course reserves and interlibrary loan duties. I love working in an academic library environment — working alongside students as they strive to achieve their academic goals creates a fulfilling work environment. That being said, I’m also a passionate supporter and frequent user of public libraries, and I am always interested in learning more about all types of libraries and information institutions. I’m nearing the end of my part-time studies in the San Jose State University MLIS program, and I’ve enjoyed learning about many different facets of information professions.

When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our spoiled cat, Henry (pictured). I’m an avid reader (current read: Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt), and while I often

get my books from the library, I have a tendency to collect copies of books I’ve enjoyed, and my bookshelves are reaching critical capacity. I’m a huge hockey and baseball fan (Ottawa Senators and Toronto Blue Jays, respectively), and love jazz, folk, and hip-hop music. I’ve also recently been learning the ups and downs of gardening and lawn care, having recently moved to a place with a bit of green space. I enjoy amateur photography, and like to unwind with a good video game, movie, or tv show when I can as well.

I elected to take this class because I think looking inward at our practices and beliefs and looking forward to emerging techniques and technologies are both of vital importance to librarianship. Libraries are facing strong cultural and budgetary pressures, and we must be ready to engage in critical self-reflection to face them. I’m looking forward to learning more and working alongside all of you this summer!