The Academic Library Sector of OLA brings together library staff who work in University and College libraries across the province.
Becoming an OLA member gives you access to the news and activities within the Academic Library Sector.
- A strong professional network: Connect with colleagues working in academic libraries
- Access OLA’s Communities of Practice Indicate your interest in the communities that matter most to you (you can select more than one!)
- Resources that matter: Learn from professional development tools and events to better support academic library staff.
- Exclusive updates: Receive Academic Library Sector emails including InsideOCULA
OCULA Council
OCULA council is the elected body that represents the Academic Sector at OLA. This council drives professional development, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing, helping members stay connected, informed, and supported in their work.
Shelby Thaysen
2026 President
University of Toronto
Usman Malik
Vice President
University of Guelph-Humber
Mikayla Redden
2025 Past President
University of Toronto
Karen Nicholson
Councillor
University of Guelph
Juliene McLaughlin
Councillor University of Guelph
Justine Cotton
2026 Councillor
Brock University
Sahar Kasiri-Motlagh
Councillor
University of Toronto
Aleksandra Blake
Councillor
Carleton University
Amal Hussien
Councillor
University of Toronto
Tea Marcon, University of Toronto Student
OCULA Lightning Strikes Winner 2026
Maria Ruiz
InsideOCULA Editor
Awards
OCULA Conference
The OCULA Spring Conference is a one-day conference that brings together library staff from academic institutions on a specific topic or theme. The annual event is planned by a sub-committee of OCULA Council and takes place in the spring of each year. This event was historically held in-person but has been virtual since 2021. Stay tuned for our next offerings from OCULA Council.
View the Past Events section (below) for information on past conferences.
The OCULA Conference is planned by members of OCULA Council.
- March 2020 – Supporting Students in the Stacks: Student Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives at the Library
- December 2019 – International Students and the Library: Empowering English Language Learners on Campus
- June 2019 – Intellectual Freedom
- February 2019 – Exploring Critical Librarianship
- October 2018 – Exploring Open Educational Resources (OER)
- November 2018 – Working towards reconciliation: Engagement and relationship building to shape access and knowledge organization
InsideOCULA
The official publication of the Ontario College and University Library Association (OCULA), that fosters an engaged academic library community by showcasing the programs, activities, and research happening in university and college libraries across Ontario.
