Meet your MDL: Ryan Siu

Ryan Siu (he/him) is a Graduate Student Library Assistant (GSLA) at the Map & Data Library. He works with the other GSLAs and staff to support patron requests, particularly with GIS analysis and data requests. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus and is currently pursuing an MSc in the Department of Geography and Planning.

Learn more about Ryan: 

Q: What makes MDL a unique place for research support?

A: A library is a hub for learning and innovation - and the Map & Data Library truly embodies that spirit. Researchers from a wide range of disciplines come to MDL with complex data questions and research goals. Being part of that process allows me to stay at the forefront of innovative and interdisciplinary work. What makes MDL especially unique is the blend of specialized resources and personalized support. While we do provide access to maps, data, and software, our objective is to help researchers think through their projects, identify the right datasets, navigate tools, and develop new technical skills.

Q: What’s a project you’ve enjoyed working on at MDL? Tell us a bit about it.

A: Currently, I’m working on updating our collection of Patent Plans in Ontario. This is a multi-step process that involves digitizing and georeferencing historical maps from the 1800s–1900s, creating an index, and updating a web application so patrons can easily search, view, and access them online. It has been especially fascinating to see how landscapes have evolved over time. These maps reveal more than just property boundaries, they tell stories about settlement patterns, land ownership, transportation routes, and community development. By comparing them to modern maps, you can trace how towns expanded (or have been abandoned), how land use has shifted, and how infrastructure evolved. What I’ve enjoyed most is the combination of historical research and technical problem-solving. It’s rewarding to know that this work will make important historical resources more accessible to researchers, students, and community members.

Q: What's your approach to helping researchers navigate their complex data and research?

A: Given that researchers from many disciplines come for support, and I don’t often specialize in their field, my approach always starts with listening. Before diving into tools or datasets, I like to understand the researcher’s core question: what they’re trying to discover, the scope of their project, and where they’re feeling stuck. Complex data challenges are often less about the software / analysis and more about clarifying the research goal.

From there, I work to break the project into manageable steps. This may involve identifying appropriate datasets, discussing data limitations, recommending mapping or analytical methods, or exploring visualization options. When working with patrons, I try to pass along skills that I’ve learnt so researchers not only solve their immediate problem, but also gain skills they can apply in future projects. I also try to remain flexible in my support. Research evolves, questions shift, and data rarely arrive in a perfectly clean or complete form. My end goal is to have patrons come in more confident in their work and skills.

If you think Ryan or someone else at MDL could help you with your research or teaching, please reach out!