OCUL's Latest Efforts in Academic Library Innovation through AI
Centered around a series of pilot projects, the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) continues its exploration of AI and machine learning’s responsible, ethical use in the academic library environment while building related knowledge and skills across the OCUL membership and beyond.
Call for Applications: 2026 OCUL Visiting Researcher Program
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) welcomes applications for the 2026 Visiting Researcher Program. This is an opportunity for library professionals from the OCUL membership to dedicate part of their research leave to a project that aligns with the consortium’s strategic priorities and/or academic library services or librarianship.
Call for Nominations: New OCUL AI Advisory Committee
* Note: the nomination deadline for this committee has been extended to Friday, October 3, 2025.
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is seeking member nominations for a new Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee.
Explore AI Ethics and Librarianship with a New OCUL Reading Club
Dive deep into the ethical challenges of AI with the Ontario Council of University Libraries’ (OCUL) new reading club, Beyond the Algorithm.
Open to any academic library worker, this bimonthly professional development series is designed to help participants navigate the evolving role of AI in librarianship as it affects human rights, environmentalism and emotion.
Each installment of the reading club will explore topics across three steps:
New Survey Report Shows How Library Workers Use AI
A new report shows how Ontario library professionals are using AI tools in their day-to-day work and their perspectives on these burgeoning technologies.
This past May, the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) surveyed its membership to better understand how AI tools are being used and where there are opportunities to develop AI-related professional development programming.
OCUL Launches AI Tools Blog Series on LibTech Insights
As part of the capacity-building element of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (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.
Call for Proposals: 2026 OCUL New Initiatives Fund
The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is accepting proposals for the 2026 New Initiatives Fund (NIF).
The NIF provides financial support for one-time, high-impact projects or multi-year strategic initiatives that align with OCUL’s 2025-2029 priorities and enhance the teaching, learning, and research environment for the province’s university libraries.
Nominate Your Peers for the OCUL Outstanding Contribution Award
Nominations are open for the 2025 Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) Outstanding Contribution Award!
This award recognizes member library workers’ exemplary achievements in advancing the OCUL mission and/or strategic priorities, celebrating the dedication and ingenuity of OCUL colleagues who embody the values of networking, collaboration and community.
Award eligibility
Nominees can be individuals or teams currently employed at an OCUL member library or in another department from the academic institution that partners with the member library.
Charting the Future: OCUL’s Strategic Plan to Enhance Innovative, Collaborative Library Services
The directors of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) have approved the consortium's new strategic plan for 2025-2029.
Guided by core principles meant to advance academic research, teaching and learning, nurture social change and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, support robust infrastructure, and demonstrate value, the plan reflects OCUL's enduring commitment to innovative and equitable university library services.