DIScussion Time!

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IM Public Lecture Series: “Choosing Food: Exploring Consumers’ Use of Ingredient Information”


Presented by Mark McCumber (New Brunswick Public Library Services)

*embedded in the class INFO 6750: Health Sciences Literature and Information Sources

Abstract:
Food labelling is designed to help consumers make better food choices. Understanding how this information is used becomes increasingly important as relationships between diet and diseases are recognized. Research on food label use has left the list of ingredients under-explored, despite its identification as an important component of the food label. As an internal cognitive process, information use during food choices is difficult to measure without influencing behaviour. This lecture will present the results of mixed-methods research designed to gain insight into cognitive and behavioural aspects of food choices. A survey measured self-reported nutrition behaviours of 518 university students. A screening tool identified surveyed volunteers likely to use ingredient information, 11 of which completed a simulated shopping task that produced rich qualitative data relating to food label information use. A theoretical approach to thematic analysis revealed that participants focused on avoidance of negatives when making food choices, employing various strategies to accomplish this goal.

Bio: 
Mark McCumber graduated from the MLIS program at Dalhousie in 2015. For a devoted vegetarian and conscious consumer who is eternally suspicious of our food production industries, it was the natural choice to incorporate some aspect of food security into his pursuit of the MLIS. Having become intrigued by the study of information seeking behaviour, he determined to combine this field with his natural interests, designing a study intended to explore how people use food label information when making food choices. Mark currently works for New Brunswick Public Library Services as the Public Services Librarian for the York Region. Residing in Fredericton, New Brunswick, he still reads every food label of products that he’s considering purchasing, as well as many that he is not, and is somewhat dissatisfied that he can only wear denim on Fridays and weekends.

Lecture Details
Thursday, February 25th, 2016 from 5:35-6:35pm
Room 3001, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue

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IM Public Lecture Series: “Designing Virtual Environments for Children and Teens: Challenges and Opportunities”

Presented by  Dr. Jamshid Beheshti @ McGill University

Abstract:
Virtual environments (VEs) provide the unique experience of a sense of being within a 3D space, where the user is involved by interacting with objects. In education, immersion and presence can have strong motivational impact for students, who can actively be engaged in building their own internal models of the world. VEs may also be used as an alternative information retrieval tool by presenting a more engaging browsing environment for children and teens. Creating informational and educational VEs, however, can be perplexing, requiring multitudes of experts, advanced technologies, funds and time. In this presentation the challenges and opportunities in the design process of two different VE projects will be discussed.

Biography:
Jamshid Beheshti, in collaboration with his colleagues, has produced more than one hundred publications, and has obtained close to three million dollars in research grants from SSHRC and other organizations over the past two decades. His research has focused primarily on investigating the information behavior of children and youth, and on designing and developing tools to assist them in their information seeking in the academic milieu. The culmination of his experience has led to the publication of two books on the topic of information behaviour. He served for five years as the Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, and for six years as the Director of the School of Information Studies at McGill University.

Lecture Details:
Monday, February 22nd, 2016 from 2:30-3:30pm
Room 3001, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue

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2016 Horrocks Lecture Recording

If you missed the 2016 Horrocks Lecture given by Dr. Ingrid Parent, don’t worry, there’s a video! Click Here.

There’s also a great write-up by one of our own, Domenic Rosati, on the SIM blog.

Lecture details:
Driving Influential Leadership in a Global Context in the Information Profession
Dr. Ingrid Parent (University Librarian, University of British Columbia)

Abstract: Librarians on the leadership track are encountering a fast-paced and changing landscape. UBC’s University Librarian and former President of the International Federation of Library Associations, Ingrid Parent, shares her insights on how today’s librarians can become influential leaders, drawing from her international perspective and leadership style.

Dr. Ingrid Parent, speaking at a podium at Dalhousie on Feb 4th, 2016

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IM Public Lecture Series: Bridging the Gap: The Communication of Information in Complex, Multi-sectoral Networks – Recording Available!

*****Edit: Recording of this lecture is available here!*****
Presented by: Lee Wilson (Dalhousie University)

Abstract:
Research has shown that the development of strong communication and information-sharing networks is essential to the success of natural resource developments, particularly those taking place in highly active, and often hotly contested, coastal areas. In the Bay of Fundy region, tidal power offers a source of clean, renewable energy, as well as a means to strengthen local economies. The implementation of tidal power affects many stakeholders, e.g., municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); environmental groups; industry both domestic and foreign; universities; and community groups, including First Nations communities. This lecture will present the results of a mixed-methods case study that used Social Network Analysis (SNA) and semi-structured interviews to examine tidal power stakeholder communication networks operating in the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia. Understanding how, and indeed if, stakeholder organizations are communicating yields insights into how communication channels may be improved, which can also be applied to similar contexts, e.g., the offshore wind and wave energy industries. Among the many findings emerging from this research, the importance of “bridger” organizations, particularly from the NGO sector, in facilitating the flow and use of information among diverse organizations is highlighted.

Time:
Monday January 25, 2016 – 01:00 – 02:00 PM

Location:
Rowe 3001 (embedded into the class INFO 6100: Information in Public Policy and Decision Making)

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Invigorating Winter Semester Potluck

!!Edit: This event have been postponed a week due to ❄snow❄!!

As you reintegrate into school after your (hopefully) rejuvenating winter break, we’d like to assist you in the task through some tasty treats and collegial meets!

Come on down to the SIM Common room on Wednesday, January 13th 2015 Wednesday, January 20th, 2015 to share in our Invigorating Winter Potluck. It starts at 11:30 am and will continue officially until 1 pm or until all the food is gone.

There will be a sign-up sheet in the common room, but if you aren’t there often please make note of your foodstuffs on this form. SIMSA will be providing some food, so don’t feel like you need to bring something in order to participate.