Sheridan College (Ontario)
AC-10: Support for Research

Sheridan does not have an ongoing program to encourage students to pursue sustainability research. However, in 2011-2012, Sheridan College launched its President's Creative Challenge for Sustainability. Its goal was to encourage student research in sustainability in the following categories: Energy and Climate Materials and Waste Food & Water Systems Communications & Sustainability Culture Curriculum & Sustainability Financing Sustainability and Ethical Investing

Section 27.06 B of Sheridan’s “Academic Employees Collective Agreement” states, “Consideration of an employee’s experience shall include educational, teaching, practical, research, or other experience, of which the College has been made aware.” https://www.sheridancollege.ca/~/media/Files/Sheridan%20College/Working%20at%20Sheridan/Careers%20at%20Sheridan/New%20Hires/20142017%20Academic%20CA.PDF

Research Guides (http://sheridancollege.libguides.com) “Research guides are created by Sheridan Library staff to help students navigate information sources more efficiently. They are program or course specific. Within each guide you'll find: Lists of resources available through the Sheridan Library or on the web Research tips Citation help” Environmental Science Research Guide (http://sheridancollege.libguides.com/environmental_studies) A specific research guide is available for Environmental Studies. The home page of the guide lists the following selective resources, which are available through the Sheridan Library, or on the web: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) ENGnetBASE Environment Complete Environmental Studies & Policy Collection GreenFILE GreenR ProQuest Science Journals ScienceDirect Science in Context Users can also browse the Environmental Science research guide by one of the following categories: articles, books, videos, or web resources. Sustainable Design Research Guide (http://sheridancollege.libguides.com/sustainable_design) There is also a Sustainable Design research guide that “provides resources related to sustainable design practice to address both global and local issues that can be positively influenced by design. By focusing on a human-centered systems approach, a participatory, open design process can challenge and expand perceptions of the designer’s role in society now and beyond.” In addition to GreenFILE and GreenR, the following databases are recommended in the Sustainable Design research guide: DAAI: Design and Applied Arts Index Material Connexion Materials selection policies and practices (http://sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/library-services/policies/collection-development-policy.aspx) Sheridan has a Collection Development Policy for “building and maintaining the library’s entire collection in print, audiovisual and electronic formats.” EXCERPTS FROM THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY 1. “Scope The primary purpose of the library collection is to provide comprehensive and balanced coverage of subjects that support the College curriculum and full-time and continuing education instructional programs. The collection should support: the students through provision of course-related and research material, the faculty through the provision of materials for use in classroom instruction the administrators through the provision of materials that will facilitate corporate decision making.” 6. “Selection Process Selection is done through the collective efforts of the faculty, students and the librarians from all the campuses. Collection Development Librarian along with the Liaison Librarians will evaluate available resources and curriculum needs, and will consult reputable and professionally prepared aids and other appropriate sources to select or recommend the library material.” In addition, Sheridan has a Library & Learning Services Strategic Plan (2013-2020) to respond to rapidly changing academic and information environments. Sustainability is one of the key cornerstones of the plan, as described by the following goals: “1. Build and provide access to library collections appropriate for an undergraduate teaching university in the digital age Shift focus toward digital collections.” “6. Create spaces for research, study and collaboration Build sustainability into planning.” Curriculum development efforts Sheridan has Liaison Librarians on staff who work closely with faculty to develop curriculum and to ensure that the library is providing top quality resources to support student research. E-learning objects focused on sustainability (http://sheridancollege.libguides.com/az.php?t=456) Sustainalytics (http://sheridancollege.libguides.com/go.php?c=2345932) “Sustainability research and analysis, with expertise in the Responsible Investment (RI) and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) markets.” McNabb Connolly “Over 75 videos covering topics in health, environment, and social studies.” Collection Development Policy: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/library-services/policies/collection-development-policy.aspx Sheridan’s Library and Learning Services Strategic Plan https://www.sheridancollege.ca/life-at-sheridan/student-services/library-services/strategic-plan.aspx