Explore curated geospatial content, check exam hours, and find out what's happening in April.
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APRIL 2, 2026
Shadrach "Shack" Martin became one of London's most celebrated barbers, operating out of the prestigious Tecumseh House Hotel. His barbershop is one of the sites featured in a story map on places of significance for early Black settlers in Ontario, part of the Western Libraries Geospatial Hub's Black History Collection. Left to right: Will Taylor, Shadrach Martin and Thomas Logan.
Western Libraries' Geospatial Hub has curated a featured collection exploring Black history through the power of digital mapping. Using ArcGIS StoryMaps, these projects combine archival research, biographies, and geographic data to trace the lives, movements, and community connections of Black people across different regions — including the Black Londoners Project, which focuses on Black residents right here in London, Ontario.
Discover how geospatial tools can amplify underrepresented voices and bring overlooked histories to life.
Important Service Announcement
Good Friday - Weldon will be open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. All other locations will be closed.
Exam hours – Extended hours from April 10 to April 23: Weldon will be open until 2 a.m. Taylor will be open until midnight.
Summer hours – Starting April 30 (April 20 for our Music Library), all libraries will have reduced hours. Please check our website for details.
MAY 7
Thu, May 7, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Community Room, Weldon)
Find out at the annual Western Libraries Research Symposium, where librarians, archivists, and library staff share their work through lightning talks, presentations, posters, and more.
This year's program spans AI research tools, digital mapping, data anonymization, GIS pedagogy, and the library's evolving role in academic life.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
WESTERN LIBRARIES WORKSHOPS
May 6 - Conducting Academic Literature Searches (Zoom, 11 a.m. to noon)
May 6 - Finding Statistical Data Sources (Zoom, noon to 1 p.m.)
ANNOUNCEMENT
Do you have students who submitted strong work this term? Encourage them to apply for a Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Award. We're awarding five $1,000 prizes to undergraduates for outstanding course research projects — papers, posters, videos, creative writing, and more. Winners also have their work published in the Western University Open Repository. Applications are open until April 30.
OPEN ACCESS
The revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy has been delayed and is now expected later in 2026. In the meantime, Western Libraries is keeping a close eye on updates — and our librarians are ready to help you navigate the draft policy's key requirements now, from article deposits and open licensing to rights retention and OA fees.
EVENT RECAP
Artist Vanessa Crosbie Ramsay composed a collage of artwork created by pregnant participants in the Art of Creation art workshops and focus groups. (Art of Creation image)
Visit the Art of Creation exhibit, now at Weldon until May 1. Eight Hamilton-based artists spent time inside a McMaster research lab to study the science of pregnancy and fetal development — and what it means for health across generations.
