Leslie Weir, University Librarian
What is your most important function at the University?
My most important function is to ensure that our library collections and services meet the research and learning needs of our students and faculty.
What is it about your job that inspires you most?
Libraries are key to academic success and are on the leading edge of developments in today’s information society. At the University, we have fabulous collections, in both print and electronic formats, allowing researchers to work with the kind of materials that meet their individual needs. We are always on the look out for any new services to be developed and how we can implement them. And now we have wonderful spaces for students to meet their study needs. It is always exciting!
What are you most proud of?
In my career, it would have to be my appointment as University librarian here at uOttawa.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
The most influential person in my professional life has been my mother. It sounds kind of corny, but she was a librarian and she encouraged me to get my master’s in Library and Information Studies. It was a hard decision to make at the time . . . actor or librarian . . . librarian or actor . . . but I think that I made the right decision in the end!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
University librarian at one of the top five research libraries in Canada, at the University of Ottawa.
What is your greatest hope for the future?
To have a School of Library and Information Studies offering a master’s program here at the University.
What is the best kept secret in your service?
The people! Everyone knows about the collections offered in our libraries and on the web, but not all are aware of the services: open until 2 a.m. during the academic year, laptop loans, information literacy courses and so much more – all handled by a great team.
