SIMSA would like to direct students’ attention to two new additions to our website. First, on the homepage of the SIMSA website in the “About SIMSA” section, readers will find a Digital Land Acknowledgement, inspired by Data & Society. Additionally, on the “About SIMSA” drop-down tab, SIMSA’s official EDIA Policy can be found between “Positions” and “Social Media Policy”.
These additions are part of ongoing efforts to embed EDIA policies, language, and considerations in all of SIMSA’s programming, events, and official records to work towards prioritizing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, and decolonization in our organization.
Please get in touch if you have any suggestions, questions, or wish to discuss these additions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with SIMSA at simsa@dal.ca.
Happy 2023, all! We are kicking off the new year with a First-Year Student Spotlight on Naomi Richards! Naomi describes her journey into the MI program and how her interests have diversified as she entered the world of Information Science. We appreciate your enthusiasm for exploring all the possibilities and opportunities this program has to offer, Naomi – we can’t wait to see where your path leads!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi, my name is Naomi and I’m a first-year student in Dal’s MI program! I’m originally from London Ontario but I did my undergrad at UBC in Vancouver. I majored in Biology and minored in Classical Studies. I really enjoyed studying such a wide variety of subjects and I honestly love learning! During the pandemic I had lots of time to think about what I wanted to do as a career and decided to pursue information science after watching a lot of Youtube vlogs by an Archivist about her career and daily work life!
What is your favourite thing about SIM so far?
I’ve loved getting to know everyone in the program! I really like that we all take the same four core classes the first semester of the program because it allows us to really get to know one another. I’ve really liked getting to know the profs too! They’re all so knowledgeable, and approachable – same with my fellow students! It’s so fascinating to hear advice from people who’ve been in the industry for some time about their work, their job hunting advice etc.
What about Information Management interests you the most? What are you looking forward to learning more about?
There are so many things that interest me about Information Management that I can’t describe them all! I’m still interested in archives (I’ll be taking Archives I next semester) but now I’m also intrigued by law librarianship and data librarianship! I want to try and explore those areas through courses where possible. Mostly I’m just taking this time to try as many new things as I can! I want to explore all the possibilities that the program offers through courses, the practicum, and internship opportunities!
SIMSA wishes all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members a very happy and restful holiday. The fall saw many challenges which impacted the normal flow of the semester, including the CUPE strike and Hurricane Fiona. From these events we witnessed peers encouraging one another, faculty and staff working to support students, and the remarkable resilience found in community. SIM welcomed a new cohort of students, and second years continued forging their individual paths into the world of Information Management.
As we look forward to the winter term, many exciting programs and initiatives are being launched and continued at the School of Information Management, including:
As always, check back here and on our social media for details on upcoming programs and events and see you in the new year!
Below are a few photos from December’s Waffle Wednesday (which featured a Hot Chocolate theme) and our Holiday party! Thanks to all who joined us for a festive evening to round out the fall term!
Our next feature in our First-Year Student Spotlight is Mercy Chikezie! Mercy reflects on what she has learned in the MI program so far and her goals as she progresses into the field of Information Management. Thanks so much for sharing a bit about yourself with us, Mercy!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Mercy Chikezie and I’m from Nigeria, West Africa, I will say the flexibility of the SIM program at Dalhousie University captured my interest, more profoundly because of the curriculum that is people-oriented and exposes students to the realities of information management. I was also endeared by the research interests of the MI program particularly data, information and knowledge management with the emphasis on open data.
What is your favorite thing about SIM so far?
The interactive character of the professors and their willingness to assist and encourage students has so far been my favorite aspect of SIM. The lecturers are always willing to assist and are aware of how challenging graduate school can be. They want the process to be simple for the students, which is both intriguing and a cultural shock for me coming from a place where this is not obtainable. I really like it here.
What about Information Management interests you the most?
For me the most interesting thing is that the SIM program provides a diverse selection of courses for instance, the advanced technology courses, as well as management-style courses like records and knowledge management, also offers electives outside of the curriculum and the opportunity to take a reading course on a topic of your choice. I like how the program will allow me to create the exact experience I want as a student of School of Information Management.
As a professional in the field of Information Management, my goal is to express and promote the principles and ethics of using information assets in an ever-changing context; identify and weigh the various challenges that arise when people engage with information, information systems, and technology; and employ a wide range of data visualization tools and approaches to make data more accessible, and understandable. Having started my studies two months ago in the School of Information Management, I have been able to experience experiential learning through reflective writing, critical analysis, and synthesis which are all important parts of the process. As a student, I have been able to participate in activities that are intellectually, creatively, socially, and physically stimulating.
What are you looking forward to learning more about?
Being accepted into this wonderful (SIM) Master of Information Program was a dream come true and I look forward to learning so many different things from this program, building a new platform for professional growth, embracing technology, science, and the art of communication of SIM. I strongly believe that exposure to diverse concepts and ideas in this vigorous academic environment and through extra-curricular activities is beneficial to the development of my independent opinions and decisions.
At the end of my studies, I want to gain good academic values, professional development, and the ability to think conceptually and globally about a broad range of issues and to proffer innovative solutions. The information and the digital age present us with tremendous possibilities and this is a very exciting time to build a career in the information sphere.
With almost an entire semester under our belts, SIMSA is looking ahead to what we have planned for December!
Coming up we have a hybrid lunch and learn featuring SIM alumna Annalise Benoit! We are excited to have Annalise speak with current SIM students about her work with the law firm Pink Larkin. This Lunch and Learn will be held on November 25thfrom 12-1pm in the SIM Meeting Room (4025) and over Teams
SIMSA will also be attending the annual Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting in Grand Parade on November 26th at 6pm. Join us to start getting in the Holiday spirit!
To round out the last few weeks of November, SIMSA is excited for the very first meeting of our new book club put together by Janine McGregor! The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman will be discussed on November 29that 5:30pm in the SIM Common Room. The second meeting will occur in the winter term, book choice TBD, keep an eye out for more details!
To kick off December, we have another hybrid Lunch and Learn on the 2nd from 12-1pm in the SIM Meeting Room (4025)! This session will be on working in Archives and feature Emily Plemel!
Waffle Wednesday will be held on Wednesday, December 7th from 12-2pm in the common room. All are welcome to join for a festive version of this breakfast tradition.
SIM’s annual Holiday party will be held on December 8th at The Brewery by Quinn’s on Quinpool Road. Food will be provided, drinks will be available for purchase, good times will be had, and memories waiting to be made! Please RSVP by December 4th using the Microsoft Form circulated by email. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Each year SIMSA includes a fundraising initiative at its holiday event. We will be collecting book donations for Books Beyond Bars. Please bring your donations to The Brewery by Quinn’s on December 8th. You can find more information about book requests and preferred categories here: https://booksbeyondbars.wordpress.com/most-requested-donations/ We thank you in advance for supporting this effort.
That’s all for now! As always, keep an eye on our social media and Teams space for more details on events, and don’t hesitate to reach out to any SIMSA exec with questions!
For this month’s First-Year Student Spotlight, we are highlighting MI student Cat Gracey! Cat discusses her interests in Information Management, and what she loves about the School of Information Management so far! Thanks so much for sharing, Cat, we are happy to have you in the program!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Cat, and I’m a first year in the SIM program. I just moved to Halifax from Hamilton, Ontario and am loving the East Coast! During undergrad, I studied Nutritional and Nutraceutical Science with a minor in International Development, and so when it came time to apply for grad school, I wanted to look for something interdisciplinary. My parents are both librarians, so they planted the idea and after looking into it more, it ended up being a good fit!
What is your favourite thing about SIM so far?
I really appreciate how SIM allows us to learn about a variety of Information Settings, although I do have an idea of what I’d like to do after school, it’s awesome to have options to explore. I also love that the program is small, which encourages us to get to know each other and foster community.
What about Information Management interests you the most? What are you looking forward to learning more about?
I’m really interested in science communication, misinformation and disinformation, and data management. I’d like to work in Health Librarianship, so I’m hoping to take that course in my second year and gain some work experience during the practicum. I’m also looking forward to taking more technology-based courses starting next semester.
