FIMS - Faculty of Information & Media Studies at Western University

The FIMS offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 1 for Canada Day.

However you choose to spend the day—whether celebrating, resting, or reflecting on our shared histories—we hope you have a safe and peaceful mid-week break. 🍁

Every career starts somewhere.

For Mary Ann Mavrinac (MLS '84), it started at Western University as a student in the School of Library and Information Science and an Information Assistant at Weldon Library.

Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Mary Ann has helped shape libraries into spaces where people can learn, create, collaborate, and thrive. From leading major academic libraries to mentoring future professionals and investing in communities, her impact reaches far beyond any one institution.

Today, she is the recipient of the 2026 FIMS Alumni Award of Excellence.

Congratulations, Mary Ann! 🎉

Read more about Mary Ann's career journey:
https://www.fims.uwo.ca/news/2026/mary_ann_mavrinac_named_winner_of_the_2026_fims_alumni_award_of_excellence.html

We were grateful to welcome Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, to FIMS for a conversation about the power of libraries and archives to preserve, connect and expand our understanding of the world around us.

Every archive tells a story. The question is: whose story is it?

From representation and access to the responsibility of preserving Canada's diverse stories, Leslie challenged us to think about how these spaces can serve everyone, not just the voices that have historically held the microphone.

Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring the next generation of librarians and archivists to imagine what's possible when more people can see themselves reflected in the record.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate Pride 2026 at Western by joining events that honour and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Pride is a time to celebrate, reflect, uplift and act — and it's for everyone.

Throughout June and July, University College Tower, Brescia Tower, and Alumni Hall will glow in rainbow lights. ✨🌈 The Progress Pride Flag — which honours the full spectrum of the community, including the feathered chevron that recognizes Two-Spirit people — is raised at Concrete Beach. Flying it during National Indigenous History Month highlights the unique presence and significance of Indigenous identities within this celebration.

See resources and get updates on what's happening at Western: https://www.uwo.ca/faculty_staff/pride.html

Africa Day at Western University brought together faculties from across campus to share the many ways global collaboration is shaping research, education and community. 🌍

At FIMS, we were honoured to share the work of Isola Ajiferuke, who has led an LIS summer school for library and information professionals for the past three years. The program welcomes LIS professionals and scholars from across Africa to Western University for the chance to receive academic training in subject areas they may not have access to at their home institutions.

During his presentation, Isola reflected on how knowledge sharing creates a branching effect. The ideas, skills and connections built here do not stop when participants return home. They continue to grow within their own classrooms, institutions and educational communities, creating impact that reaches far beyond a single program.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

📷 Slides 1-4 Becky Horst (FIMS Communications); Group photo courtesy of Chris Kindratsky (Western Communications)

📢FIMS is growing.

The Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University is currently hiring Limited Duties Faculty members in areas spanning library sciences, media production, creative arts and digital communications.

If you’re passionate about teaching, storytelling, creativity, research or emerging media, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore current postings and application deadlines through the Careers at Western website: https://www.uwo.ca/careers/explore-careers/index.html

Exam season is here. Stay focused, take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to channel a little goose energy when you need it! 🪿

We’re cheering you on and here to support.

Showcase week continues with final projects from MEDIACOM 2600B Introduction to Graphic Design & MEDIACOM 3781B Advanced Graphic Design!

Students were asked to build their designs from the ground up with physical methods before transferring them into a digital space.

Thanks to instructor Andrew Lewis for inviting us into the classroom space to capture these creative projects.