42 ALBRO LAKE RD. • DARTMOUTH, NS • B3A 3Y1
PHONE (902) 463-1638 • E-MAIL DAVIDHMICHELS@GMAIL.COM
DAVID MICHELS
B.TH. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S. PH.D.(Student)
CAREER SUMMARY
I am a professional librarian with nearly a decade of experience in special and academic libraries. Half that
time has been in departmental management roles. For ten years prior to that, I served as a minister in rural
and urban pastorates, where I developed my skills in teaching, public speaking and community service. My
academic training is diverse, covering fields such as Christian theology, Biblical studies, cultural
anthropology, sociology of religion and information science. My research interests include: religion and the
law, religion and new media, and human information behaviour.
FORMAL EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy
2007- 2011 Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Interdisciplinary Studies (Fields: Information Science, Sociology of Religion)
Coursework: Human Information Behaviour, Interdisciplinary Research Methods, Contemporary
Perspectives in Ethnography, Advanced Qualitative Methods, Sociology of Religion and Media, Qualitative
and Field Methods (audit), Religion in Contemporary Society (audit), Teaching & Learning in Higher
Education.
Thesis Topic: Religious Information Gathering in the Information Age.
Committee Members: Dr. Christopher Helland (Advisor), Department of Sociology and Social
Anthropology, Dalhousie University; Dr. Heidi Julien, School of Library and Information Studies, University
of Alberta; Dr. Jack Duffy, Director, Interdisciplinary PhD programme, Dalhousie University.
Master of Library and Information Studies
1998-2001 Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Coursework: Information Systems & Technology, Information Organization & Access, Research Methods,
Information Sources & Retrieval, Database Management Systems, Collections Management,
Organizational Management & Strategy, Managing Information Systems, Systems Analysis, Information
Literacy, Information Literacy for Children and Youth, Program Planning in Adult Education.
Thesis Topic: The Use of People as Information Sources in Biblical Studies Research.
Committee Members: Dr. Heidi Julien (Advisor), School of Library and Information Studies, Dalhousie
University; Dr. Bertrum MacDonald, Director, School of Library and Information Studies, Dalhousie
University; Dr. Glen Wooden, Acadia Divinity College, Acadia University; External Reader: Dr. Donald
Wicks, School of Library and Information Science, Kent State University.
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible) (Honours)
1991-1995 Providence Theological Seminary, Otterburne, Manitoba
Coursework: Major Guided Readings: Old Testament, Old Testament History & Environment, Promise &
Covenant, Old Testament Text and Interpretation, New Testament Interpretation of the Old Testament,
New Testament Introduction, General Guided Readings: New Testament, New Testament Theology,
General Guided Readings: Theology, Christian Ethics, Research Methods, Teaching Practicum.
Languages: Introductory Hebrew I & II, Intermediate Hebrew, Advanced Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic.
Thesis Topic: Syncretism or Contextualization in the Biblical Psalms.
Committee Members: Dr. August Konkel (Advisor), Chair, Department of Biblical Studies, Providence
Theological Seminary; Dr. Jonathan Bonk, Chair, Department of Intercultural Studies, Providence
Theological Seminary.
Bachelor of Theology (Missions Studies)
Standard Diploma in Religious Education (Evangelical Teachers Training Association)
1985-1990
Ontario Bible College, North York, Ontario
1986-1987
Scott Theological College, Machakos, Kenya
Diploma in Total French Immersion (Intermediate Level II)
1984 University Ste. Anne, Pointe de l’Eglise, Nova Scotia
CONTINUING EDUCATION (RECENT WORKSHOPS AND COURSES)
October 2008 “Developing a Teaching Portfolio” workshop, Dalhousie.
August 2008 RefWorks Bibliographic Database Basic /Advanced Training, Dalhousie.
August 2008 Advanced Training – Lexis-Quicklaw Database, Lexis-Nexis, Halifax.
May 2007 “Ethical Review of Research Studies”, Research Colloquium, Office of Research Ethics
Administration (Human Research Ethics), Dalhousie.
Dec. 2006 RSS Feeds for Academic Libraries, ½ Day Workshop, Information Literacy Group, Dalhousie.
June 2006 QSR N6 Qualitative Research Software 2 day Workshop, Dalhousie.
Dec. 2005 “Learning-Centred Approaches to Teaching” ½ Day Workshop, Dalhousie Centre for Learning &
Teaching.
May 2005 “Styles of Learning” ½ Day Workshop, Centre for Learning & Teaching, Dalhousie.
Dec. 2004 "Preparing Effective Lectures" ½ Day Workshop, Dalhousie Centre for Learning & Teaching.
Dec. 2004 "Morning Madness" Teaching Show and Tell, Info. Literacy Group, Dalhousie.
April 2004 “Six Secrets of Learning” Workshop, Centre for Learning & Teaching, Dalhousie.
Dec. 2003 “Planning for Information Literacy” 1 Day Workshop, Info. Literacy Group, Dalhousie.
Oct. 2003 “Assessing Student Learning Outcomes” Online Workshop, Association of College and Research
Libraries (ACRL).
July 2003 “Foundations of Information Literacy” ½ Day Workshop, Information Literacy Group, Dalhousie
University.
June 2003 "Morning Madness" Teaching Show and Tell, Information Literacy Group, Dalhousie.
Jan. 2003 Macromedia Dreamweaver MX Level 1 (Web Development software), Dalhousie University.
Nov. 2002 Introduction to WebCT, Integrated Learning Online, Dalhousie.
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION (RECENT CONFERENCES)
May 2008 “Qualitatives 2008: The Chicago School and Beyond”, University of New Brunswick.
April 2008 “Epistemic Bridges: Interdisciplinarity in the Academy”, Dalhousie University.
February 2008 Société, Droit et Religions de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Colloquium.
May 2007 Professional Development Day, “Creating a Culture of Research”, Dalhousie Law School.
May 2007 Canadian Association of Law Libraries Conference, Ottawa ON.
May 2006 Canadian Association of Law Libraries Conference, Edmonton AB.
May 2006 Professional Development Day, “Technologies and Teaching”, Dalhousie Law School.
May 2004 Atlantic Province Library Association (APLA) Conference, Moncton, NB.
May 2004 Dalhousie Conference on University Learning and Teaching.
May 2003 Canadian Association For Information Science Conference (CAIS), Congress of the
Humanities and Social Sciences.
May 2002 Workshop on Instruction of Library Users (WILU) Conference, UNB.
PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY EXPERIENCE
Dec 2002 - Present Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Public Services Librarian (Promoted to Librarian III - 2004 / Appointment Without Term - 2005)
As the Head of Public Services, I coordinate 3 librarians including myself who each work 10-15 hrs/week in
reference and research, and I supervise 4 circulation clerks (2.66 FTE) and 9 student assistants (3 FTE). I
personally provide reference services, faculty research services, and coordinate library based Legal
Research Instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. During 2008-2009 I am acting head of
information technology services for the library.
Dec 2000 – Dec 2002 Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Reference & Instructional Services Librarian
I provided reference and research support for the Faculty of Law and the Dalhousie community and I
coordinated library instruction in Legal Research. I was responsible for information technology.
May - Nov 2000 Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Student Librarian (75% term)
My position at the Sir James Dunn Law Library was divided between converting Kard-ex records to the
LMS, loose-leafing and reference services.
May 1999 - April 2000 N.S.G.E.U.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Student Librarian / Database Administrator (75% term)
I redesigned the library, developed a collection policy and catalogued the collection of the Nova Scotia
Government and General Employees Union. I developed a database application in MS Access for the
membership records and converted and analyzed statistical survey data.
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
June 2008 – May 2009 Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Research Assistant (P/T)
I am assisting Prof. Christopher Helland, Assist. Prof. Sociology of Religion, with the coding and analysis of interviews
for a research study on Religion and new Media.
Sept 1999 - July 2000 Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Research Assistant (P/T)
I assisted Prof. Heidi Julien, Assist. Prof. School of Library and Info. Studies, with the coding and analysis of
interviews for a research study on information seeking behaviour.
1997 - 2000
Covenant Counselling
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Administrator / Instructor (P/T)
I was self-employed in a partnership that provided marriage/family counselling and Christian life skills
education.
1998 - 1999
Halifax Institute of Biblical Studies Halifax, Nova Scotia
Instructor (P/T)
I developed and taught four undergraduate courses to ministerial students. These courses were accredited
through Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, Saskatchewan.
1995
Providence College
Otterburne, Manitoba
Teaching Assistant (P/T)
I assisted Prof. Cameron McKenzie with instruction and marking for the undergraduate Biblical studies
elective course, Genesis.
Minister
As a Minister I provided regular pastoral care and religious instruction for my congregations and community.
I coordinated Youth programs and Church Administration.
1995 - 1997
Pastor- Advocate Harbour Baptist Pastorate, Advocate, Nova Scotia
1991 - 1994
Pastor- Emerson Baptist Church, Emerson, Manitoba
1987 - 1990
Youth Pastor (P/T) - Willowdale Evangelical Church, Toronto, Ontario
1988 - 1990
Student Minister (F/T Summers)- First Baptist Church, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1987
Student Minister (F/T Summer)- Northbrook Bible Chapel
1986 - 1987
Student Chaplain (P/T)- St. Valentines Boarding School, Machakos, Kenya.
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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GRANTS, AWARDS AND BURSARIES
Michels, David. Co-Recipient, Award for Outstanding Service to the Dalhousie Law School Class of 2007.
Michels, David. Supplementary Sabbatical Leave Funding - $950.00. Dalhousie University, June 2007.
Michels, David. Eunice Beeson Memorial Travel Fund- $1,200.00. Canadian Association of Law Libraries
Conference, Edmonton, AB, May 2006.
Michels, David. Information Technology Innovations in Teaching Grant- $1,000. “Development of an
Interactive Guide to Legal Research”. Dalhousie, April 2003.
Michels, David. Eunice Beeson Memorial Travel Fund- $900.00. Canadian Association of Law Libraries
Conference, London, ON, May 2001.
Michels, David. Canadian Bible Society Award, Providence Seminary, Otterburne, MB, April 1995.
Michels, David. Welch Publishing Student Leadership Award, April 1990, $200.00.
Michels, David. Student Leadership Bursary, Ontario Bible College, North York, ON, Jan. 1990, $500.00.
Michels, David. Farrell Benevolent Society, North Dartmouth Bursary, Dartmouth, NS, June 1985, $700.00.
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
Published Proceedings:
Michels, David and David Blaikie. “Matters of Faith and conscience: A turning point in the taking of oaths in
Canada.” Groupe Société, Droit et Religions de l'Université de Sherbrooke. 2008. In Press.
Michels, David and David Blaikie. “Religious Justification for the Practice of Ecclesiastical Sanctuary.”
Groupe Société, Droit et Religions de l'Université de Sherbrooke. 2007. In Press.
Peer Reviewed Articles:
Michels, David. “A Student’s Reflection of a Trip to the Library.” Canadian Journal of Information and Library
Science. Accepted with Revisions. Referred.
Michels, David and Mark Lewis. “The Changing Shape of Legal Information.” Canadian Law Library Review.
Forthcoming, 2008. Editor Reviewed.
Michels, David. “The Role of People as Information Sources in Biblical Studies.” Canadian Journal of
Information and Library Science. 29(1): 508-526, 2006. Refereed.
Julien, Heidi and David Michels. "Intra-individual Information Behaviour in Daily Life." Information
Processing and Management 40(3): 547-62, 2004. Refereed.
Julien, Heidi, and David Michels. "Source Selection among Information Seekers: Ideals and Realities."
Canadian Journal of Library and Information Science 25(1): 1-18, 2001. Refereed.
Academic Papers:
Michels, David. “A Student’s Reflection of a Trip to the Library.” Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Student Conference.
Dalhousie University, April 10-11, 2008.
Michels, David and David Blaikie. “Matters of faith and conscience: A turning point in the taking of oaths in
Canada.” The State and Religious and Cultural Diversity in Canada, 1800-1914, Groups Société,
Droit et Religions de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 4th International Conference 2008, February 6-8,
2008.
Julien, Heidi, and David Michels. “Intra-individual Information Behaviour in Daily Life.” The 4th Intern.
Conference on Information Needs, Seeking and Use in Different Contexts. ISIC 2002.
Michels, David. "People as Information Sources for Biblical Studies Researchers" Friday Lecture Series,
SLIS, Dalhousie University, March 30, 2001.
Julien, Heidi, and David Michels. “Source Selection among Information Seekers: Ideals and Realities.” In
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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The Diverse Domain of Information Science, Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the
Canadian Association for Information Science, Edmonton, AB, May 28, 2000.
Presentations and Guest Lectures:
Speaker. Dalhousie Law School Faculty Seminar Series, Information theory and the place of the client in
information services planning, September 19, 2008.
Panel Moderator, “How do you keep them down on the farm? – Building the Next Generation of Law
Librarian Leadership.” Canadian Association of Law Libraries Conference 2007, Ottawa, ON.
Facilitator and Presenter, “The Changing Shape of Legal Information.” Technology for Teaching and
Learning. Dalhousie Law School Professional Development Day, May 2006.
Panel Moderator, “The Interdisciplinary Conga – Supporting Law Library Research by Cross-disciplinary
Researchers.” Canadian Association of Law Libraries Conference May 2006, Edmonton, AB.
Guest Speaker, LIBS 6320 Legal Librarianship, School of Library & Information Studies, June, 2004.
Guest Speaker, LIBS 6810 Information Literacy, School of Library & Information Studies, Nov. 2003.
Book Reviews:
Michels, David. Fundamentals of Information Studies, 2nd ed. by J. Lester and W. Koehler (Neal-Schuman,
2007). Partnership: the Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research. 2008.
Michels, David. Index to Canadian Treaties, 1979-2003 by C. Wiktor (Halifax: Dalhousie Law School, 2003).
Canadian Law Libraries Review 28(5) 2004.
Michels, David. A Guide to Electronic Legal Research by A. Zivanovic (Markham Ont.: Butterworths, 2001).
Canadian Journal of Law & Technology 1(1) 2001.
Theses:
M.L.I.S. Thesis: “How Biblical Studies Researchers find their answers – The use of people as information
sources in Biblical studies research.” Dalhousie University, NS, 2001.
In this exploratory study I examined the role that people play as informal information sources in Biblical
Studies research. Using semi-structured interviews, I asked a group of seven Biblical Studies researchers,
specific questions about their information seeking behaviour. The study demonstrated that the majority of
the researchers used people as information sources regularly in their research. Sometimes the researchers
sought factual information from these sources but most frequently they sought affective information; the
researchers sought evaluation and affirmation from their colleagues regarding the direction of their research.
M.A.B.S. Thesis: “Syncretism or Contextualization in the Biblical Psalms or What’s this Canaanite stuff
doing in God’s book?” Providence Theological Seminary, MB, 1995.
This study examined key texts from the Psalter alongside various Canaanite texts, with the intent to
determine the nature of the elements often cited as syncretism. In this study I defined the terms syncretism
and contextualization, focusing on their characteristics as they would apply to Israel within a Canaanite
environment, so that these definitions functioned as criteria for evaluation. I then contrasted and compared
specific texts from the Psalter which have been identified as having been influenced by Canaanite literature,
and relevant texts from Canaanite literature. This analysis suggested that elements within the Psalm texts
frequently characterized as syncretism are more appropriately classed as intentional contextualization of
theology in cultural relevant forms.
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PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES (RECENT)
Chair, Information Technology Committee, Dalhousie Law School 2008-2009.
Member, Program Planning Committee, Interdisciplinary PhD Student’s Association Conference, Dalhousie
University 2007-2008, 2008-2009.
ID PhD Society Representative, Dalhousie Association of Graduate Studies 2008-2009.
Member, Program Planning Committee, CALL/ACBD Conference 2008-2009.
Member, Novanet Aleph Data Migration Team 2005-2006.
Member, Dalhousie University Library Systems Appointment Committee 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2008-2009;
Re-elected to 2004-2005 term as Chair.
Member, Dalhousie University Information Literacy Group 2001-2007.
Member, Novanet Consortium OPAC committee / Library representative 2000-2007.
Member, Novanet Consortium OPAC Evaluation Sub-Committee 2003, 2004.
Member, Dalhousie University Library Statistics Committee 2001.
Member, Librarian Search Committee, Dalhousie Law School, 2001, 2007.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Member of the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS/ACSI) 2003-2005, 2008-2009.
Member of the American Theological Libraries Association (ATLA), 1998-2001, 2007-2009.
Member of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), 2008-2009.
Member of the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL/ACBD) 2001- ; Co-Chair Academic Special
Interest Group, 2005-2006, 2006-2007.
Member of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 2001-2006.
Member of the Halifax Association of Law Libraries (HALL) 2000-2009; Co-chair 2003-2004.
Certified Pre-Marriage Instructor – Prepare/Enrich Canada (2002-2005).
Certificate of Temporary Registration to Solemnize Marriages, No. 5249, Nova Scotia, 1995-1996.
Association License to Minister United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces, 1995-1996.
Pastoral License, The Baptist Union of Western Canada 1991-1994.
Certificate of Registration to Solemnize Marriages, Reg. No. 1870, Province of Manitoba, 1991-1993.
Church License to Minister, First Baptist Church Dartmouth, NS, 1988-1990.
PRACTICUM / WORK EXPERIENCE SUPERVISOR
Practicum Co-Supervisor, Nicholas Warren, School of Info. Management, Dalhousie, 2006.
Practicum Supervisor, April Brousseau, School of Lib. & Inform. Studies, Dalhousie, 2005.
Practicum Supervisor, Maggie McFarlane, School of Lib. and Inform. Studies, Dalhousie, 2003.
Practicum Co-Supervisor, Daniel Sifton, School of Lib. and Inform. Studies, Dalhousie, 2003.
Skills Portfolio Coach, Jennifer Adams, Career Portfolio Programme, Dalhousie, 2002.
Practicum Supervisor, Julie Lavigne, School of Lib. and Inform. Studies, Dalhousie, 2002.
David Michels B.Th. M.A.B.S. M.L.I.S.
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UNDERGRADUATE COURSES TAUGHT
BT205 Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom (3 cr.) Winter 1997-98
A study of the five books in the Old Testament designated wisdom (Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes)
and poetry (Psalms and Song of Solomon). In addition to the content and message of each book, this
course introduces the forms and rhetorical devices of poetry and wisdom in the Hebrew Bible.
HIS114 Ancient Near Eastern History (3 cr.) Fall 1998-99
An introduction to the cultures of the ancient Near East from the Stone Ages to the Persians with
special emphasis on Mesopotamia and Egypt.
IS101 Introduction to Global Missions (3 cr.) Winter 1998-99 (Reading Course)
This course provides a biblical basis for Christian missions. It explores some of the biblical, historical,
and contemporary examples of thinking about what it means to follow Jesus Christ and point others to
Him in fulfillment of the great commission sensitively and effectively across cultures.
BT381 Hebrews (3 cr.) Fall 1999-00
A careful examination of the book of Hebrews that explores both its rhetorical structures and its rich
theology.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
French (12 cr.) Total French Immersion, Intermediate Level II, Université Ste. Anne, NS.
Koiné Greek (12 cr.), Tyndale College, ON.
GREE 1013 Elementary New Testament Greek I
GREE 1023 Elementary New Testament Greek II
GREE 4013 Readings in New Testament Greek I
Semitic languages (18 cr.), Providence Theological Seminary, MB
OT5101 Introductory Hebrew I
OT5102 Introductory Hebrew II
OT6101 Intermediate Hebrew: Narrative
OT6102 Advanced Hebrew: Poetry
OT7101 Aramaic
OT7102 Ugaritic
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