LAW LIBRARY level 3: K5015.4 .C67 2025
K. Ambos et al, eds, Core Concepts in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice:Volume III (Cambridge University Press, 2025).
LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE1217 .M38 2026
K. McGuinness, The Law of Guarantee, 4th ed (LexisNexis Canada Inc., 2026).
LAW LIBRARY level 3: KE9348 .J647 2024
M.A. Johnston, The People's Champion: Trial by Jury (LexisNexis Canada Inc., 2024).
X̱wi7x̱wa Archives has added the Verna J. Kirkness Fonds to Explore Archives, UBC’s descriptive database of archival materials, making this unique collection more accessible to scholars and researchers.
Verna J. Kirkness is a member of the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, an associate professor emeritus at UBC and a renowned educator and Indigenous education advocate. She holds a Master of Education from the University of Manitoba and was awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from UBC in 1994. She holds five honorary doctorates from other Canadian institutions, has written and edited nine books, and has received numerous awards in recognition of her work. She is a member of the Order of Canada (1998) and the Order of Manitoba (2007).
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” says Dr. Kirkness, who began her career in 1954, teaching grades one to eight at Patterson School in Reedy Creek, a Métis settlement in Manitoba.
Left: Audio cassettes of Dr. Kirkness’ recorded speeches. Right: Formal invitation and program for the Order of Canada ceremony held on April 14, 1999.
The Verna J. Kirkness Fonds chronicles Dr. Kirkness’ career from the early 1960s onwards, starting when she worked as a counsellor for the Department of Indian Affairs in Winnipeg.
Dr. Kirkness is known for her work on several milestone publications, including the education section of Wahbung: Our Tomorrows, a position paper developed by the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood (MIB), now the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, in collaboration with Indigenous experts in 1971.
“After that I was invited to work for the National Office in Ottawa,” says Dr. Kirkness. ”We put together all the education positions from across the country, and we made a policy paper that we called Indian Control of Indian Education, which meant no more government [control].”
“We wanted to do our own education, so that was a powerful paper,” says Dr. Kirkness.
A photograph of the policy paper, “Indian Control of Indian Education” (1972), in Xwi7xwa Archives, beside a copy of an annotated speech by Dr. Kirkness.
In 1981, she joined UBC as the director of NITEP (1981-1984), the Indigenous Teacher Education Program in the UBC Faculty of Education, where she established the Ts’kel Graduate Program. As the inaugural director for the First Nations House of Learning (1984-1993), she was a key proponent in the construction of the First Nations Longhouse, which opened in 1993, alongside X̱wi7x̱wa Library in the adjacent building, Kekuli House.
The materials in the fonds were donated to UBC Library by Dr. Kirkness in multiple accessions, starting in 2012. The archives include publications, written and recorded speeches, photographs, audio cassettes and VHS tapes, and other materials created by Dr. Kirkness throughout her career.
Learn more about Dr. Kirkness’ life and archives, in her own words:
Today we are highlighting a new and exciting collection on Open Collections. The Periódico Unión Cívica collection is a rare Spanish-language periodical that offers rich insights into the politics of the Dominican Republic in the immediate aftermath of the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship.
Physical copies of this newspaper are also held at the National Archives of the Dominican Republic.
After the fall of the Rafael L. Trujillo dictatorship in May 1961, the Dominican Republic entered a new era: newly acquired freedoms led to an explosion of political parties and publications. The Unión Cívica Nacional movement was the first and most powerful political organization in the fraught transition period that culminated with the first free elections held in the Dominican on December 20th, 1962. Through the publication of its newspaper, the Unión Cívica movement forcefully intervened in the country’s political debate and shaped public opinion.
The collection includes 126 issues of the Unión Cívica newspaper spanning August 1961 to November 1962. We hope this collection will allow researchers and historians to trace the transformation of Unión Cívica Nacional from a movement to a full-fledged political party that participated in a contested election, as well as to take note of the political and social climate of the Dominican Republic in the immediate aftermath of dictatorship.
Con la caída de la dictadura de Rafael L. Trujillo en mayo de 1961, la República Dominicana entró en una nueva era: las libertades recién adquiridas provocaron una explosión de partidos políticos y publicaciones. El movimiento Unión Cívica Nacional fue la primera y más poderosa organización política en el tenso periodo de transición que culminó con las primeras elecciones libres celebradas el 20 de diciembre de 1962. A través de la publicación de su periódico Unión Cívica el movimiento intervino con fuerza en el debate político en el país, moldeando así la opinión pública.
Esta colección presenta 126 números, desde agosto de 1961 hasta noviembre de 1962, lo que permitirá al público y a los investigadores rastrear la transformación de Unión Cívica Nacional de un movimiento a un partido político plenamente consolidado así como tomar nota del clima político y social de la República Dominicana en el periodo inmediato posterior a la dictadura.
See a selection of pages from the collection below:
Explore the Periódico Unión Cívica collection.
The UBC Undergraduate Prize in Library Research is a way to showcase students’ effective and innovative use of library services, information experts and resources provided by the UBC Library. Applications for these prizes also provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their information-seeking experience, showcase their research beyond the classroom, and promote scholarship excellence at the undergraduate level at the University of British Columbia.
The Prize was established by UBC Library to encourage more and deeper use of its resources and collections, to advance information literacy at UBC, and to promote academic excellence at UBC.
Project title: To the Moon and Away from Home: The Cost of a National Dream
My project compares how different newspapers covered the Apollo 11 moon landing, focusing on The New York Times and The Chicago Defender, a newspaper that served African American communities while critiquing government priorities and racial and economic injustice. While The New York Times presented the moon landing as a unifying triumph and proof that America could achieve the impossible, I used The Chicago Defender’s lens to examine who bore the cost of this achievement.
Although The Chicago Defender acknowledged the success of the moon landing, it questioned whether it reflected misplaced priorities, especially given ongoing issues like racial inequality and poverty in the United States.
Ultimately, my project challenges the idea of the moon landing as an unquestioned success by highlighting whose perspectives were left out. More broadly, it shows that what is often remembered as a great success can come at the expense of others, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when interpreting historical events.
Winning the Undergraduate Prize in Library Research means a lot to me personally, but I also see it as recognition of something bigger. This project taught me how important it is to look beyond what is commonly accepted as success and to take the time to understand the perspectives of those who are often left out. I feel like this is where the true value of research really lies, and receiving this prize is a meaningful reminder of that.
I recently applied for my major in International Relations, and I hope to pursue a career in global affairs. I’m particularly interested in human rights and diplomacy and in continuing my analytical and research skills to better understand complex global issues from different perspectives.
As an international student, studying at UBC has been a great adventure, and I feel very lucky to be part of such a multicultural campus. For now, I’m excited about the next two years and to continue to build on what I’ve learned, exploring new opportunities, and deepening my understanding of the world around me.
I really enjoy studying in IKB and spending time in the library because it offers a quiet space where I can focus. My favourite spot is by the large windows overlooking the clocktower and the fountain. I find that I work best in a calm environment, and the natural light makes it an ideal place for research.
It’s also nice to have a view and when I need a break from my computer, I can just look outside and watch other students pass by, which makes the space feel both peaceful and connected to campus life.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Have you recently published a paper, or are you planning to submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal? Many publishers allow authors to deposit a version of work into their institution’s repository. Green open access, or self-archiving in an institutional repository like cIRcle, provides authors with an avenue for sharing their work openly, without any fees.
If you’ve recently published an article and want to make it freely available via cIRcle, the following resources and guides can help you get started:
Publishing grant-funded research articles in cIRcle : The Green Open Access Route : this blog provides an overview of the Green Open Access framework, considerations for Tri-Agency funded research projects & outputs, and detailed instructions about how to prepare your publication for deposit to cIRcle.
UBC Library’s Author’s Guide to Self-Archiving, Publication Versions and Permissions: this two-page quick reference guide outlines key components of the publication process, from figuring out which version of your work can be shared and when, to instructions onhow to locate a publisher’s self-archiving permissions.
Copyright & Permissions for Faculty & Staff: our Faculty & Staff submissions page offers additional information, instructions, and links to resources that can help you get started with exploring options for sharing your work open access, based on where and when your work was published.
Ready to make your publication openly accessible to all? Follow the Submission instructions that align with your current UBC affiliation. Still have questions about how Green Open Access works? Contact us!
UBC Library is excited to announce the installation of the George Bowering Modernists and Postmodernists Collection. The new collection is housed permanently inside the Reading Room at Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) and University Archives (UA). The Reading Room recently reopened to the public following extensive renovations at RBSC and UA that included upgrades to the teaching and learning spaces and primary storage vault.
Poet, novelist, essayist, editor, teacher and more, George Bowering is one of Canada’s most influential writers. He has published over 100 books and chapbooks, is a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Award and has been short-listed for the Griffin Prize for Poetry, the BC Book Prize, the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour and the BC National Non-Fiction Prize. In 2002, he was named Canada’s inaugural Parliamentary Poet Laureate and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
George Bowering holding his baseball mitt, and photos of the Bowering Collection installation in the Reading Room.
The George Bowering Modernists and Postmodernists Collection consists of more than 5,000 items. Included are Bowering’s personal library and the books that defined his writing life; first and early editions of works by other renowned authors, from Fred Wah to Allen Ginsberg; the artwork that hung on the walls of Bowering’s home office; and a wide assortment of memorabilia from his diverse interests, collected over decades.
These materials are a resource of immense value to scholars of Bowering’s work and Canadian literature, and modernist and postmodernist literature more broadly.
George Bowering speaking and signing copies at the launch of his new book, Barefoot Gringo.
“We are proud to display this important collection in a way that honours George’s legacy, as well as his sensibilities as an author, teacher and collector,” says Dr. Susan E. Parker, University Librarian. “Thank you to George and Jean for this wonderful gift and for their incredible advocacy on behalf of bringing this collection to the UBC community.”
The collection was donated to UBC Library in 2022, following years of discussions with Bowering and his wife, Jean Baird. From the beginning, their vision was to create an immersive learning space to house the collection at UBC Library, which would reflect Bowering’s life and his many inspirations.
“It is very important to me that these books are all together rather than being scattered among libraries,” says Bowering. “I sincerely wish that I could sit in the room with these shelves and books and art, working to further my argument, but being comparatively mortal, I must only offer a lifetime of thanks to the librarians who have taken on such a task as to arrange a living space for my books.”
Event speakers, from left to right: Dr. Susan E. Parker, Douglas Hildebrand, Jean Baird and Linda Crosfield.
Katherine Kalsbeek, Head of RBSC, and the UBC Library Development team worked with Baird to partner with more than 30 donors to gather the funding for this project.
“From our very first conversation ten years ago, George and Jean envisioned a space where this remarkable collection could inspire future generations. It has been a privilege to help bring that vision to life with the generosity of so many donors and supporters,” says Katherine Kalsbeek, Head, Rare Books and Special Collections and University Archives.
The collection was unveiled at a special event held on Thursday, June 4, at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus, where Bowering also launched his newest book, Barefoot Gringo (UBC Press).
The event was attended by George Bowering and Jean Baird, their colleagues, notable donors and other guests from across the UBC community. Guests were invited to tour the George Bowering Collection in the Reading Room before the formal program and reception.
View of the Bowering Collection installation in the Reading Room.
The UBC Undergraduate Prize in Library Research is a way to showcase students’ effective and innovative use of library services, information experts and resources provided by the UBC Library. Applications for these prizes also provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their information-seeking experience, showcase their research beyond the classroom, and promote scholarship excellence at the undergraduate level at the University of British Columbia.
The Prize was established by UBC Library to encourage more and deeper use of its resources and collections, to advance information literacy at UBC, and to promote academic excellence at UBC.
Project title: Resilience in Motion: Understanding the Antidepressant Effects of Exercise in Individuals with Adverse Childhood Experiences
This project was conducted as part of my junior honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Joelle LeMoult and Dr. Eli Puterman. The ACE-EX project investigated the effects of a six-week at-home exercise intervention on the stress reactivity and mental health outcomes of individuals who had experienced childhood adversity. I had the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful research from conception to completion. I began as a research assistant and lead session facilitator for the ACE-EX study and, following data collection, chose to pursue my honours thesis using the collected data. By integrating my passion for clinical psychology with my interest in exercise and fitness, I investigated the impact of a six-week exercise intervention on depressive symptoms in a vulnerable population.
Winning this prize was deeply meaningful to me as I prepare to pursue an academic career in Clinical Psychology beginning in September 2026. This recognition affirmed the value of the time, care, and curiosity I invested in my undergraduate research and reinforced my confidence as an emerging scholar. Being acknowledged by the UBC Library felt particularly significant, as it highlighted the importance of research that extends beyond the classroom. This award not only validated my commitment to research with real-world impact but also motivated me to continue contributing thoughtfully and rigorously as I move forward in my academic training.
In September 2026, I will begin my combined MSc and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Victoria. In this program, I will continue my research on health behaviours and exercise, with a particular focus on investigating the relationship between mental health and physical activity among youth and adolescent populations.
I really enjoy studying at Woodward Library, particularly on the upper floors. Compared to other libraries on campus, Woodward has always stood out to me for its quiet atmosphere and relaxed pace, while still offering an excellent and extensive collection of books.
LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE9260 .T73 2026
B. Trask, The Essential Guide to Prosecutions in Canada (LexisNexis Canada, 2026).
LAW LIBRARY reference room (level 2): KE444 .B69 2024
N. Boyd, H. Love & T. O'Doherty, Canadian Law: An Introduction, 8th ed (Emond Montgomery Publications, 2024).
On June 24, 2026, UBC Library came together to celebrate Dr. Susan E. Parker’s retirement and honour her nine years of leadership as the University Librarian.
At a reception held at Cecil Green Park House, Susan spent time with colleagues and friends, reflecting on the many milestones from her long career in academia and sharing memories of her time at UBC Library. Excerpts from her address at that event are included below, along with her fond farewell to the UBC community.
I started my career 46 years ago, in 1980, when I graduated library school. As a librarian, I have had the privilege to stand at the forefront of our changing information landscape for almost 50 years.
I was trained on card catalogues, print indexes, and searches coded on punch cards. It was a world where your computer was hardwired to a central database; reference requests required courier deliveries between libraries; and sometimes you simply needed to know who to call at which institution for a specific knowledgebase.
But libraries have always been among the first organizations to adopt new technology.
I saw the shift from print indexes to the relatively futuristic use of DOS, WordPerfect and DIALOG. At the time, academic search methods were highly specialized, often expensive, and centered librarian expertise.
“As a librarian, I have had the privilege to stand at the forefront of our changing information landscape for almost 50 years.”
Then the widespread use of the internet pushed us forward again. The ability to search became more democratic, and many people believed Google would be the end of librarians as intermediaries altogether.
But those of us in this profession know that librarians are still intermediaries. In fact, the need for information literacy makes our work more important than ever.
With the dawn of AI, we are at a turning point again; another moment of evolution. Librarians are well positioned to provide the guidance needed for this moment. Our licensing and copyright expertise is more critical than ever for untangling ownership, as is our ability to determine provenance, and archive materials in the face of digital precarity.
Having seen librarianship through the past 50 years, my vision for our future is the same as what it was in our past: we must be a source of truth; determine what is true and reputable; preserve what exists for the future; and help others find, interpret and use information and technology.
Amid all this change, my years at UBC were a deeply rewarding way to cap off a long career. From developing UBC Library’s Strategic Framework to opening new spaces like the Chung | Lind Gallery and even spearheading an undergraduate research prize, my time at UBC was varied and exciting.
This work is only made possible through the incredible partnership of hundreds of people working across UBC Library. I also could not have done it without the support of UBC leadership and a strong collective of peers at research libraries across Canada. Thank you for all of your remarkable collaboration over the last nine years.
“UBC Library will continue to evolve, but it’s the same work it has always been; it’s really just the tools that change.”
I am optimistic about the future of UBC Library, and I wish all of the best to both University Librarian pro tem Julie Mitchell and incoming University Librarian Dr. Dale Askey in their continued leadership of the library’s next chapter.
UBC Library will continue to evolve, but it’s the same work it has always been; it’s really just the tools that change.
Sincerely,
Susan E. Parker