Mary Westell Information Resources, University of Calgary Canadian Library Association Conference, June 24, 2000 Targeted Funding: Local Projects
Dec 19, 2015
Mary WestellInformation Resources, University
of CalgaryCanadian Library Association
Conference, June 24, 2000
Targeted Funding:
Local Projects
Knowledge Network provided the opportunity for real change
Colleges and Universities in Alberta embarked on many important local projects
For example: library system renewal (upgrading or joining
NEOS) acquiring and making available electronic
resources (local and remote) upgrading technology focused staffing for new projects (virtual
reference, staff training, document delivery, web pages)
new facilities for clients
“Commons” facilities University of Alberta Knowledge
Commons Grant MacEwan College expanded LRC
facilities and Electronic Information Commons
Norquest College Technology Integration Centre
Red Deer College Information Commons University of Calgary Information
Commons
A Case Study - general principles for all the institutions
Response to emerging trends Integration of print and electronic
resources Development of strategic alliances Supporting faculty in implementing
technology New services for students
At Calgary the time was right
Changing role of academic libraries Library and Library of the Future Task
Forces Key role of information literacy
Pioneering efforts in connecting students and information
Need for a central facility on campus Faculty and IT labs scattered and
diverse Partnerships across the University
incentives to working together Developments elsewhere (best practices)
The Funding was available
Government of Alberta Knowledge Network
University of Calgary Funding from students Donation for 24 hour service Generous support from University
Facilities Planning Partnerships - Information
Technologies
The Vision was there(University of Calgary Information Hub Planning Report)
Provide the space, technology, and expertise needed to support the scholarly use of information resources and act as the focal point for information services.
Serve as a central place for members of the University Community to meet, explore information and exchange ideas
The Design Principles made sense(University of Calgary Information Hub Planning Report) Use of existing floor plate Service adjacencies Integration of print and electronic New media integration Teaching spaces Appropriate technology Open sight lines
Clearly Defined User Outcomes (University of Calgary Information Hub Planning Report)
Acquire information literacy skills Acquire and use information
resources Acquire help with technology,
evaluation of information, presentation
Space/technology to complete scholarly work
One year for implementation
Concept planning committee (Aug 98) broadly representative ready to respond to grant opportunities
Campus consultation broad and ongoing
Visits to “Best Practice” sites (Fall 98)
Implementation Team (Jan - Aug 99) Team Chair and Project Manager
Operations Team (ongoing) integration with existing operations
Information Commons Facilities Over 200 specialized, interactive, flexible
workspaces One-on-one consultation spaces “Corral” space for instruction 10 collaborative group study areas that are
fully wired (2 with video preview equipment)
50 seat flexible instruction room Space for use of print reference collection Networked printing, Laptop stations,
Adaptive technology Waiting areas, access to library collection
Information Commons Services
Reconfigured main service desk - one stop referral process
Reconfigured Maps, Data, Geospatial (MADGIC) desk and Document Delivery
Assistance in the search and retrieval of information from print and electronic sources
Assistance in identifying and requesting resources through Document Delivery
Advice in configuring personal workstations Roving technology assistance
Information Commons Staff Highly trained, broad base of expertise
Library staff Information Technologies staff Student navigators
Collaboration with other University facilities ad service points
Service standards based on client expectations
Ongoing staff training programs Integration of technologies with service
support Ongoing monitoring of client feedback
24 Hour Service
Funded through a private donation Facility continuously open from
10:00 a.m. on Sunday until closing time on Friday evening during Fall/Winter terms
Staffed with Supervisor and Navigators
Hope to experiment with “Wizards” for online reference assistance
Health Sciences Mini Commons
37 workstations with identical configuration
booking for classes and training ACMC exam centre Funded jointly by Knowledge
Network and the Faculty of Medicine
Experience so far
The Information Commons is full The users LOVE the facility Faculty are using it too Some experimentation with technology Evolution in the types of questions Technology as a “loss leader” for
information literacy
Preliminary Evaluation
Based on first quarter of operations Combination of web and individual
surveys Statistics kept at service desks Sampling of some types of
questions
All types of information questions increased by about 30% during the first term
Traditional library reference questions
Directional questions Technology related questions General questions
Usage Statistics
On a daily basis, more than 200 users were in the facility between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
At night, there were nearly 100 users at 11:00 and still almost 20 users at 5:00 a.m.
Typically reference questions came to the desk and technology questions were asked of the student navigators
The training facility was booked daily The collaborative work rooms were over
subscribed
Overall Ratings(7 point scale)
Welcoming, safe and clean - 6.4 Helpful and friendly staff - 5.7 Clear signage - 5.6 Staff able to answer questions - 5.5 Classroom instruction relevant - 5.4 Waited less than 10 minutes - 4.6 Collaborative rooms available - 4.3
Links to Teaching and Research
Information Literacy the key Liaison Librarians work closely with
faculty Faculty Technology Days Facilities for graduate students and
researchers Close connection with Learning
Commons, Effective Writing, Information Technologies
Challenges
Operational support (staffing, hours)
Expansion - what is the “critical mass”?
Technology support/upgrading Appropriate usage Meeting specialized demands
Lessons Learned The project is more than the sum of its parts Project funding (e.g. Knowledge Network) is
excellent but we still face the challenges of sustainability
Libraries must manage user expectations and stay close to our clients
Working together with partners takes time and costs money, but it is very worthwhile
Don’t be afraid to approach other campus constituencies - the Library is a strong central force for change in the academy