With our new interview series, Faces of the Library, we're highlighting a few of the dedicated people, employees, librarians, and specialists who make our library an essential resource for students and faculty. Discover their insights, learn about their recommended tools, and see how they can support your academic journey.
This interview will be with Research Librarian, René Duplain. Uncover more about his knowledge and experience!
Tell us more about you and your role at the Library.
I'm the GIS Librarian, which means that I can help you make a map for your class assignment, thesis, or research project. I can also support you to learn new tools like story maps to showcase your work in an interactive and visual way.
Why do you love working at the Library?
Because I get to help students and others who could use the help. I was a student a long time, so it's nice to now be in a place where I can use what I've learned to support others. I also get to be a part of a variety of interesting research projects and instruction ongoing across many disciplines. Plus, who doesn't love maps??
With Artificial Intelligence and easy access to digital resources, what unique value do you bring to the research process that technology alone cannot?
Recent developments in AI represent new opportunities and challenges for students, profs, and researchers alike. That's exactly why we need subject matter experts like library staff to help users navigate these tools and understand how to utilize them appropriately and transparently in their respective disciplines.
What resources or databases do you find particularly useful for undergraduate and graduate research?
One of my go-to recommendations for those who are looking for geospatial data and don't know where to start is the Scholars GeoPortal. It's a one-stop shop for good-quality data across Ontario and Canada. It's also worth checking out to explore the extensive historical map collection alone.
What’s one thing you want students to know?
That we're here to help! Please don't hesitate to contact me or other subject matter experts at the library if you have a question or project relating to our discipline. For my part, I'm happy to help with all things GIS or geography!
What’s your favorite Book or author?
I'm a big fan of Steven Erikson, an archeologist/anthropologist turned author (and Canadian!) of my favorite fantasy series, the Malazan Book of the Fallen. If you like Game of Thrones and are looking for another epic series, check it out. You can thank me later!
“I was a student a long time, so it's nice to now be in a place where I can use what I've learned to support others.”
René Duplain
— Research Librarian (GIS)
Contact
Feel free to ask your questions at rduplain@uottawa.ca or schedule your online consultation.
You can also check my research guide for more resources about Cartographic Resources, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)...