The Terry James Resource Centre (TJRC) is the Upper Grand District School Board’s one-stop-shop for materials and resources for UGDSB staff. From the media centre and resource centre to 3D printing, and online resources, the TJRC has everything staff need to succeed and pass that success on to UGDSB students. “Inside the TJRC” is an on-going series that will feature some of the amazing resources that the TJRC has to offer.     

GUELPH, ON – As we approach the start of the new school year, the Terry James Resource Centre wanted to remind you of some of the many resources available to staff and students throughout the school year. 

Returning UG staff will be pleased to know that as of August 28, 2023, TJRC is returning to its regular operating hours:

  • Monday through Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

  • Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Closed weekends and holidays

If you didn’t last year, be sure to check out the staff Resource Calendar that is available on the TJRC website home page. Links are updated monthly to reflect special days, relevant topics and more available at the TJRC.

The September 2023 resource calendar for TJRC.

New and returning staff, if you didn’t have a chance to submit requests to the Media Centre over the summer, make sure you skip the crowds by submitting requests for printing, laminating etc., by using the online submission form. Remember that requests that cost more than $100 require principal or supervisor approval. If you’re not sure about an estimated cost for your project, use the convenient Project Cost Calculator or refer to the TJRC Price List (updated regularly).

a photo of someone looking at laminated pages and a snip of the TJRC project cost calculator

New this year, staff can now access the Resource Lists, which make it easy to browse for makerspaces and hands-on-learning kits by subject area – navigate to the Kit Library search website and select Resource Lists (to the right of the search bar). If staff find a kit they want to borrow, simply create, view or cancel bookings for the Kit Library resources online. More information about doing this can be found on the TJRC website. This booking system opens to staff on August 28th.

a screenshot of the TJRC kit library

A graphic showing the how to section of the TJRC kit library reservation site.

If you are new to the UG or just need a refresher course on the TJRC? Register for an orientation tour. These tours last 15 to 30 minutes and provide staff with valuable knowledge including an overview of the Resource Library, Kit Library, and Media Centre Services, as well as all the resources available to all board staff. 

Students don’t forget that you can access ‘always available’ resources through the TJRC. These resources include eBooks and audiobooks on Sora for all ages, interests and reading levels. Videos and documentaries can be accessed through Curio and ON-Core. All of these great digital resources can be accessed by students through their UGCloud landing page. 

Welcome back Upper Grand, we look forward to another great year of learning and sharing resources through the Terry James Resource Centre. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @terryjamesrc.