Ep. 4 From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus

About this episode

Host Jesse Carliner explores how the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto evolved from an intimidating “Fort Book” into a more welcoming, student-centered hub through architectural changes, service innovations, and shifts in engagement culture. Retired U of T Libraries manager Gabriela Bravo describes efforts to improve navigation, promote reference help and instruction, and build a stronger service culture through staff training and morale initiatives. Retired reference librarian Eveline Houtman recounts how digital tools and end-user searching reshaped reference work, reducing reliance on imposing service desks and repositioning librarians as educators. Former head of user services Lari Langford highlights accessibility advances, from physical upgrades and a relocated entrance to the ACE accessible content ePortal and collaborative alternate-format services. Professor Emerita Lynn Howarth reflects on Robarts becoming a safe, inclusive space supporting students’ academic, physical, and emotional wellbeing, including 24/7 exam access. 00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 4: From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus 01:29 Introduction 02:19 Interview with Gabriela Bravo 10:49 Interview with Eveline Houtman 15:22 Interview with Lari Langford 25:45 Interview with Lynn Howarth 30:47 Conclusion To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. Additional Information: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility_for_Ontarians_with_Disabilities_Act Accessible Content e-Portal (ACE): https://ace.scholarsportal.info/ Theme music: Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication Sound credits: analogue_phone_ring_004.flac by lorenzosu -- https://freesound.org/s/72064/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 moretube.wav by NoiseCollector -- https://freesound.org/s/65325/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.