Navigating the World of AI Tools: OCUL Launches Blog Series on LibTech Insights
As part of the capacity-building element of the OCUL AI and Machine Learning Program, a new blog series is coming to LibTech Insights, the Choice content channel that examines the day-to-day impact of library and education tech on academic librarians.
Each bimonthly installment will offer a clear, practical look at a specific category of AI tools such as time management optimizers and transcription services. The series, authored by experts from the OCUL AI and Machine Learning team, is designed to empower library professionals to make informed, confident decisions about AI technologies.
Daniel Pfeiffer, the editor of LibTech Insights, explains, “We’re told that AI’s potential is limitless, but what can it actually do for us in the library space, and can it do it well? Both Choice and OCUL are committed to answering these important questions, and this new series peels back the promises of marketing and hype and uncovers the tools worth exploring and using now.”
The first blog exploring AI research assistants will be published on LibTech Insights the week of August 18.
Simplifying Workflows with a Single Form
Interlibrary loans (ILL) between OCUL member libraries are one thing. It’s another level of complexity when it comes to lending resources to libraries outside of OCUL. That’s where a redeveloped online form comes in.
Over the past year, OCUL co-op student Michael Walker assessed the workflow and online form for ILL with external libraries, identifying five major pain points where human error and manual steps caused challenges and slowdowns in the lending process. His solution: implementing a new API in Alma that automatically pushes the requesting library’s information directly from the form into the library management system to match bibliographic records – and in 15 seconds or less. This means significant time saved, simplified staff workflows, and lowered costs associated with ILL. Plus the updated form helps ensure the correct materials get into requesters’ hands.
Our thanks to four OCUL member libraries that helped test the new form and workflow: Queen’s University, McMaster University, University of Toronto and Carleton University.
The rebuilt form has been live since mid-July, and as of its launch has been used more than 300 times.
Learn more about the ILL Request Form update in this year’s Collaborative Futures Mini Conference recording.
Empowering OA Decisions: An Evaluation Tool for Academic Libraries
Making scholarly research freely available is essential to sharing knowledge and driving research impact. But evaluating publisher offers with open access (OA) components can require balancing many considerations.
To support this decision-making, an evaluation criteria framework was developed by the OCUL Information Resources Open Access Working Group that can be used for local open initiatives and is now part of consortial OA negotiations.
You can download the OA Evaluation Criteria and repurpose or adapt for your library’s needs under CC BY 4.0.
Call for 2026 New Initiatives Funding Proposals
Every year, OCUL provides financial support through its New Initiatives Fund for major initiatives/projects that align with the consortium's strategic priorities and will have an impact for all OCUL member libraries.
Funded projects include the recent Accessibility Symposium 2.0 and an upcoming speaker series on truth and reconciliation.
Proposals can be submitted by Scholars Portal, OCUL Communities, and OCUL Committees, Subcommittees and Working Groups.
Projects/initiatives would start in the 2026-2027 fiscal year (May 1, 2026-April 30, 2027).
The deadline for 2026 funding proposals is September 15. Review the eligibility details and proposal requirements.
It’s Nomination Season for the OCUL Award
Looking to celebrate an OCUL library colleague’s innovative achievement? Now’s your chance to nominate them for the OCUL Outstanding Contribution Award!
The OCUL Award recognizes individuals and teams from member libraries whose contributions embody values of networking, collaboration and community and help advance the OCUL mission and/or strategic priorities.
Nominee contributions must span accomplishments between May 2024 and May 2025. Nominations are due by October 6.
ICYMI: What’s Happening at OCUL
Recording Available: 2025 Collaborative Futures Mini Conference – This year’s Mini Conference features talks on remediation targeting legacy records, deduping and overlap analysis, and more.
Watch This Year's Scholars Portal Days – Recordings from Scholars Portal Days 2025: Building with Intention are available on YouTube. Catch up on the lightning talks, a keynote from Bianca Wylie, and updates on Scholars Portal services.
Charting the Future: OCUL’s New Strategic Plan – In June, OCUL announced a new strategic plan for 2025-2029, focused on four priorities meant to enhance innovative, collaborative library services.
Catherine Davidson Honoured with OCUL Excellence in Leadership Award – Earlier this year, Catherine Davidson, university librarian at Ontario Tech University, was recognized for her exceptional contributions as part of the OCUL Executive Committee.
Member-Only SPOTDocs Access – Looking for information about an OCUL committee or reports from a Directors Meeting? The OCUL membership can access governance group documentation on SPOTDocs.
Your Feedback
- Have a story you think would be a fit for the OCUL Newsletter? Email katrina.fortner@ocul.on.ca to share your idea.
- We are committed to providing equitable access to OCUL online publications. To provide feedback on the accessibility of our newsletter or to request an alternative format, please contact ocul@ocul.on.ca.
- Next newsletter issue: March 2026