The Library Commons, Library 2.0 and the Research Community: Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE) Terence K. Huwe.

The Library Commons, Library 2.0 The Library Commons, Library 2.0 and the Research Community: and the Research Community:

Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE)Labor and Employment (IRLE)

Terence K. HuweTerence K. HuweInstitute for Research on Labor and Employment LibraryInstitute for Research on Labor and Employment Library

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, BerkeleyAcademic Library 2.0Academic Library 2.0

UC Berkeley, November 2, 2007UC Berkeley, November 2, 2007

Academic Library 2.0 | 2 Nov. 2007Academic Library 2.0 | 2 Nov. 2007

What I’ll Be Covering TodayWhat I’ll Be Covering Today

The synergy between Library 2.0 and physical space--The synergy between Library 2.0 and physical space--and how “Library 1.0” acts as a roadmapand how “Library 1.0” acts as a roadmap– The IRLE Library CommonsThe IRLE Library Commons in the context of: in the context of:

IRLE’s research community “culture”IRLE’s research community “culture”The overall academic environment—evolving rapidlyThe overall academic environment—evolving rapidly

How sustained, innovative library services led to the How sustained, innovative library services led to the creation of a creation of a collaborative Library Commonscollaborative Library Commons space spaceThe Library Commons as a flexibleThe Library Commons as a flexible “information zone” “information zone”How Academic Library 2.0 challenges us to assume new How Academic Library 2.0 challenges us to assume new roles, and can increase roles, and can increase political and academic “capital”political and academic “capital”Time for open discussionTime for open discussion


Library 1.0 and 2.0 in ContextLibrary 1.0 and 2.0 in Context

We’re a knowledgeable group of delegates and we’re aware that our We’re a knowledgeable group of delegates and we’re aware that our services and goals are changing in sweeping ways.services and goals are changing in sweeping ways.

Nonetheless the key elements of Library 1.0 inform the future.Nonetheless the key elements of Library 1.0 inform the future.

Reference, Taxonomy, and Preservation:Reference, Taxonomy, and Preservation:– Still count, they’re still needed and we need to save them for the futureStill count, they’re still needed and we need to save them for the future– To do so we need to fully engage in the To do so we need to fully engage in the marketplace of ideasmarketplace of ideas, and , and

perhaps the “marketplace” itselfperhaps the “marketplace” itself– We must take new roles in organizations simply to preserve our “Library We must take new roles in organizations simply to preserve our “Library

1.0” roles, which is crucial1.0” roles, which is crucialThere is aThere is a “system of professions” “system of professions” and they’re still competing. and they’re still competing. (Abbott, 1988)(Abbott, 1988)The good news: Used strategically, These 3 elements can be The good news: Used strategically, These 3 elements can be parlayed into parlayed into “killer apps” “killer apps” and are “effective treatments” for the and are “effective treatments” for the information-challengedinformation-challenged


The Digital Library, Defined and in The Digital Library, Defined and in a 2.0 Contexta 2.0 Context

Here’s my definition, used in my column, Here’s my definition, used in my column, “Building Digital Libraries, in “Building Digital Libraries, in Computers in Computers in LibrariesLibraries magazine: magazine:

““A combination of services, files, A combination of services, files, objects, metadata, evolving, objects, metadata, evolving,

community-building applications, and community-building applications, and people”people”



The Digital Library and Library 2.0 Are Elements of The Digital Library and Library 2.0 Are Elements of of the Information Ecology of the Universityof the Information Ecology of the University

The Digital Library exists within a The Digital Library exists within a diverse, diverse, information ecologyinformation ecology (Nardi, 1999), including: (Nardi, 1999), including:– Individual desktop landscapesIndividual desktop landscapes– User themselves and their unique needsUser themselves and their unique needs– Personal information management stylesPersonal information management styles– Fugitive and ephemeral knowledge sources with Fugitive and ephemeral knowledge sources with

hidden valuehidden value– Physical spacePhysical space, i.e., the Library Commons, i.e., the Library Commons– Rapidly growing Rapidly growing online communitiesonline communities, both recreational , both recreational

and “communities of practice”and “communities of practice”– The ascendance of The ascendance of multi-disciplinary collaborationmulti-disciplinary collaboration

and its impact on the academyand its impact on the academy


In Academic Library 2.0: In Academic Library 2.0:

Digital Space meets PhysicalDigital Space meets PhysicalSpace in a fresh context, Space in a fresh context, and Library 2.0 provides a and Library 2.0 provides a

useful frameworkuseful frameworkfor thinking about the blendfor thinking about the blend


Much Has Been Learned Already Much Has Been Learned Already About Academic Library 2.0About Academic Library 2.0

Betsy Wilson’s “New Directions” presentation Betsy Wilson’s “New Directions” presentation said it all--research libraries face a said it all--research libraries face a “tipping point”“tipping point”Communities are Communities are “talking back”“talking back” everywhere—the everywhere—the press, the critics, politics, civics, commercepress, the critics, politics, civics, commerceMajor research libraries everywhere sense this Major research libraries everywhere sense this and are making and are making momentous momentous budgetary decisionsbudgetary decisionsUser communities—all types—are captivated User communities—all types—are captivated with with social networkingsocial networking—online and in person—online and in personThe curriculum and the classroom are evolvingThe curriculum and the classroom are evolvingAll community is “local” –so local solutions are All community is “local” –so local solutions are bestbest


Characteristics and Elements of a Characteristics and Elements of a Library CommonsLibrary Commons

They’re popular--Indiana U’s use doubledThey’re popular--Indiana U’s use doubledProvide pervasive technologyProvide pervasive technologyAct as “labs” for understanding user behaviorAct as “labs” for understanding user behaviorProvide effective group spacesProvide effective group spacesIntegrate diverse user services: multimedia, IT, Integrate diverse user services: multimedia, IT, term paper support, even moreterm paper support, even moreEnable both student work and social timeEnable both student work and social timeLeverage technology, influencing the role of the Leverage technology, influencing the role of the “computer lab”“computer lab”– Joan K. LippincottJoan K. Lippincott, Coalition for Networked , Coalition for Networked

Information (Information (Learning SpacesLearning Spaces, Educause, Educause))



The IRLE Library Commons and The IRLE Library Commons and Library 2.0: Field NotesLibrary 2.0: Field Notes

First:First: Our community described Our community describedSecond:Second: A look at what we’ve been doing A look at what we’ve been doing since 1994—a since 1994—a tipping pointtipping point for Library 1.0 for Library 1.0Third:Third: How we created the conditions to How we created the conditions to build a Library Commons by “pushing” build a Library Commons by “pushing” digital services of many typesdigital services of many typesFinally:Finally: What’ve we learned, what we What’ve we learned, what we think may transfer well, and what may think may transfer well, and what may intrigue youintrigue you


The IRLE Community in ContextThe IRLE Community in Context

““Organized Research Unit” at UCBOrganized Research Unit” at UCB

80 faculty from 14 schools and departments80 faculty from 14 schools and departments

A 400-person community of practice within an A 400-person community of practice within an immense overall campus populationimmense overall campus population

We support faculty research and doctoral-level We support faculty research and doctoral-level study--not undergraduate teachingstudy--not undergraduate teaching

Since 1994, the IRLE Library has been actively Since 1994, the IRLE Library has been actively taking on taking on new rolesnew roles —driven by the impact of —driven by the impact of networked information on the organizationnetworked information on the organization


The Library is the Web and The Library is the Web and Networking LeaderNetworking Leader

We manage “online conversations”We manage “online conversations”

We run the Web, Intranet & ExtranetsWe run the Web, Intranet & Extranets

We generate print & digital publicationsWe generate print & digital publications

We take the lead on introducing many new We take the lead on introducing many new technologies—Blogs, Wikis, Podcastingtechnologies—Blogs, Wikis, Podcasting

Why? We felt that IRLE was Why? We felt that IRLE was under-servedunder-served with respect to knowledge management with respect to knowledge management


Underserved How?Underserved How?

No one was managing digital conversations in a University that lives No one was managing digital conversations in a University that lives by emailby emailWith respect to Web administration and digital content, nobody had With respect to Web administration and digital content, nobody had a plan, other than the Library teama plan, other than the Library teamCollectively, our researchers are interested in scholarly Collectively, our researchers are interested in scholarly communications but unlikely to follow trendscommunications but unlikely to follow trendsWe found that if we took We found that if we took certain risky stepscertain risky steps, we started getting some , we started getting some good returns on investmentgood returns on investmentWe found that by We found that by being active in every digital arenabeing active in every digital arena we could find, we could find, we were keeping reference and collection development relevantwe were keeping reference and collection development relevantThis kind of activism has been a major challenge, given UC’s fiscal This kind of activism has been a major challenge, given UC’s fiscal turbulence and the diverse faculty opinions about librariesturbulence and the diverse faculty opinions about librariesHowever, it’s been worth it.However, it’s been worth it.


We Took A Volunteer SpiritWe Took A Volunteer Spirit

--Because we believed that the --Because we believed that the social uses of technology were social uses of technology were playing second fiddle to playing second fiddle to “administrative computing,” and “administrative computing,” and we were the only local group we were the only local group with a with a sense of the potentialsense of the potential created by the Web and the created by the Web and the upheaval in scholarly upheaval in scholarly communicationcommunication


By 2000 the Library By 2000 the Library Was the Digital “Go To” ShopWas the Digital “Go To” Shop

Effectively managing:Effectively managing:– listservs (1993)listservs (1993)– The Web, including graphic design (1994)The Web, including graphic design (1994)– Web publications into print—thus “Born Digital” Web publications into print—thus “Born Digital”

content gains a parallel second life (1999)content gains a parallel second life (1999)– Blogs (2002)Blogs (2002)– Wikis (2006)Wikis (2006)– Manage Working Paper Series (1999)Manage Working Paper Series (1999)– Oh yes, and we keep on doing Oh yes, and we keep on doing reference…reference…which they which they

need most of allneed most of all


2.0 Technology Has Stretched Our 2.0 Technology Has Stretched Our ImaginationsImaginations

Our research community needs more:Our research community needs more:– Secure document sharingSecure document sharing– Interactive Web services in support of faculty, Interactive Web services in support of faculty,

particularly for fieldworkparticularly for fieldwork– Webcasting and PodcastingWebcasting and Podcasting

These These organizational needsorganizational needs opened the way for opened the way for the idea of a Library Commonsthe idea of a Library Commons– But the space must support a But the space must support a research settingresearch setting —with —with

distinct needs more similar to a foundation or private distinct needs more similar to a foundation or private research outfit than teaching settingsresearch outfit than teaching settings


We’ve Found that 2.0 Tools Go Well with We’ve Found that 2.0 Tools Go Well with Legacy Systems--and Can Also Influence Legacy Systems--and Can Also Influence

Space PlanningSpace Planning

Promising New Technology Platforms:Promising New Technology Platforms:– Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, social bookmarking, flickr, social networking Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, social bookmarking, flickr, social networking

with MySpace, Facebook, and Second Life--and a growing list of morewith MySpace, Facebook, and Second Life--and a growing list of moreThe Not-So-New:The Not-So-New: – The open Web, Intranets & Extranets, ILS systems, ERM, CMSThe open Web, Intranets & Extranets, ILS systems, ERM, CMS

The Challenge of Integration:The Challenge of Integration:– Standard Web technologies are the “glue” for most 2.0 applications--and Standard Web technologies are the “glue” for most 2.0 applications--and

they’re changing toothey’re changing tooA New Sense of “Place”:A New Sense of “Place”: – The “Library Commons” has become a vibrant “innovation lab” for The “Library Commons” has become a vibrant “innovation lab” for

understanding how students use the new toolsunderstanding how students use the new toolsTechnology Supports Community:Technology Supports Community:– Intranets, Extranets and “virtual private networks” remain crucial to Intranets, Extranets and “virtual private networks” remain crucial to

community building in firms and in “communities of practice”community building in firms and in “communities of practice”


A 2.0 Discovery:A 2.0 Discovery:

Web 2.0 technologies make individual Web 2.0 technologies make individual voices voices more distinctivemore distinctive and more and more influential. influential.

It is possible, during the 2.0 era, for It is possible, during the 2.0 era, for individuals to have a individuals to have a much greater impactmuch greater impact on large organizations—because they can on large organizations—because they can take quick action using new technologytake quick action using new technology


An Overview of IRLE 2.0 ActivityAn Overview of IRLE 2.0 Activity

The diversity of our service The diversity of our service portfolio informs the portfolio informs the progression we’ve seen progression we’ve seen towards an enlivened and towards an enlivened and vibrant physical spacevibrant physical space












Immigration Wiki User Survey:Immigration Wiki User Survey:

75 % thought they “Wikis were a good idea”75 % thought they “Wikis were a good idea”100 %100 % said “they had no time to learn new said “they had no time to learn new technologies like this”technologies like this”80 % said they “didn’t think they needed a file-80 % said they “didn’t think they needed a file-sharing/repository tool like this”sharing/repository tool like this”90 % said they believed they were 90 % said they believed they were very skilledvery skilled at at finding e-journals and other online knowledge finding e-journals and other online knowledge resourcesresourcesMost popular resources: Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, Most popular resources: Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, JSTOR, Proquest, historical newspaper sourcesJSTOR, Proquest, historical newspaper sources


We Concluded…We Concluded…

It was not a time to throw a new tech It was not a time to throw a new tech platform at these folks—they were working platform at these folks—they were working on the on the “diss”“diss” (dissertation)(dissertation)We found we agreed that their search We found we agreed that their search skills skills were in fact goodwere in fact good, better than , better than average, and less “inflated” than many average, and less “inflated” than many surveys findsurveys findWe decided another sort of tool might We decided another sort of tool might work better for themwork better for them


SCREENSHOT IRENE WEBSCREENSHOT IRENE WEB


Webcasting and PodcastingWebcasting and Podcasting

There’s the campus service—excellent, There’s the campus service—excellent, but on the pricey sidebut on the pricey side

There’s Odeo, and Apple Leopard for There’s Odeo, and Apple Leopard for lower-cost, quick starts that don’t involve lower-cost, quick starts that don’t involve the campusthe campus




Podcasting Can Go Local with Podcasting Can Go Local with Leopard’s Release by AppleLeopard’s Release by Apple

With the release of Leopard last week, Apple With the release of Leopard last week, Apple promised to launch a low-cost podcasting setuppromised to launch a low-cost podcasting setupWhat’s needed: a Mac (Mini OK) in the What’s needed: a Mac (Mini OK) in the screening room, a Mac server, and disk space—screening room, a Mac server, and disk space—lots of itlots of itWe’re going to propose this setup so we can We’re going to propose this setup so we can build a local archive—and beat the $1800 per-build a local archive—and beat the $1800 per-event setup cost that the campus chargesevent setup cost that the campus chargesTech staff elsewhere on campus are checking it Tech staff elsewhere on campus are checking it out—a stable platform is expected in a few out—a stable platform is expected in a few monthsmonths



New Life for the IntranetNew Life for the Intranet

Our circa 2001 Zope-based Intranet went Our circa 2001 Zope-based Intranet went dormant at our past Director’s requestdormant at our past Director’s request

In 2006, we reintroduced a Joomla-based In 2006, we reintroduced a Joomla-based Intranet, to facilitate Intranet, to facilitate community buildingcommunity building and administrative business transactionsand administrative business transactions– Both are open source platformsBoth are open source platforms– Joomla is Joomla is PHP-drivenPHP-driven, so it was much more in , so it was much more in

line with our Web design standardsline with our Web design standards




The Long-Term Strategy: Enhance The Long-Term Strategy: Enhance Community with New TechnologyCommunity with New Technology

That means being very selective about what to That means being very selective about what to implementimplementAll of these initiatives were achieved without All of these initiatives were achieved without major support from campus systems officesmajor support from campus systems officesStandard library servicesStandard library services —ILL, document —ILL, document delivery, etc—dovetail very effectivelydelivery, etc—dovetail very effectivelyNew Horizons: Data Stewardship, faculty New Horizons: Data Stewardship, faculty working groupsworking groups


Introducing New Technologies Built Introducing New Technologies Built Political SupportPolitical Support

The faculty are independent, but are loyal The faculty are independent, but are loyal and have “been there” for us over the and have “been there” for us over the yearsyearsWhen our leadership changed, our new When our leadership changed, our new director wanted to renew both the director wanted to renew both the scholarly mission and the building/physical scholarly mission and the building/physical spacespaceSuddenly, an opportunity opened to create Suddenly, an opportunity opened to create a Library Commons—and we were readya Library Commons—and we were ready


Library Commons Lesson No. 1:Library Commons Lesson No. 1:Start at the BeginningStart at the Beginning

Comments about the old library:Comments about the old library:

““Every time I go in there it feels like a Every time I go in there it feels like a mausoleum”mausoleum”

I need what you have I need what you have but I hate that yucky but I hate that yucky linoleumlinoleum””

““What do you guys DO anyway?”What do you guys DO anyway?”


No. 2: Education No. 2: Education

In six months we had convinced our faculty boss In six months we had convinced our faculty boss on the value of on the value of four 2.0 principlesfour 2.0 principles for the Library for the Library Commons:Commons:– An information GatewayAn information Gateway– The “Commons” as community space that could be The “Commons” as community space that could be

used flexiblyused flexibly– IRLE should pledge that renovated space would IRLE should pledge that renovated space would

remain devoted to remain devoted to “research support”“research support” –in all forms –in all forms– A continued balance of digital and print collections A continued balance of digital and print collections

and the and the centrality of peoplecentrality of people in the new Library in the new Library


No. 3: Long Term Buy-InNo. 3: Long Term Buy-InThe Library Commons Became a Popular ProjectThe Library Commons Became a Popular Project

As work began, we kept inviting new stakeholders As work began, we kept inviting new stakeholders into the project and to integrate benefits for into the project and to integrate benefits for everyone, including:everyone, including:– Program meeting space (non-private)Program meeting space (non-private)– Meeting and lecture space (by reservation)Meeting and lecture space (by reservation)– High quality High quality Visiting ScholarVisiting Scholar space space – A comfortable, “living room” feelA comfortable, “living room” feel– Integrated Integrated digital projectiondigital projection– AirBears was in placeAirBears was in place– ……But But we kept the bookswe kept the books


And So, A Library CommonsAnd So, A Library Commons

Everybody loves itEverybody loves itEverybody wants to use itEverybody wants to use itPeople are rubbing elbows and mixing it upPeople are rubbing elbows and mixing it upNaps are greatNaps are greatThe staff have new officesThe staff have new officesThe Information Gateway is The Information Gateway is open to anyoneopen to anyone, for , for any sort of computing (search, Word, Excel, etc)any sort of computing (search, Word, Excel, etc)– 5 systems Calnet ID enabled5 systems Calnet ID enabled– 2 systems open for anyone to use2 systems open for anyone to use– Sheet-feeding scannerSheet-feeding scanner attached attached














So What Have We Learned?So What Have We Learned?

People love beautiful space. The space instills a positive feeling.People love beautiful space. The space instills a positive feeling.Integrated network accessIntegrated network access is a huge draw is a huge drawThe relocation of the book collection created a groundswell of The relocation of the book collection created a groundswell of support for print--increasing print buying budgetssupport for print--increasing print buying budgetsThe combination of a beautiful Library Commons and a The combination of a beautiful Library Commons and a vibrant vibrant outreach programoutreach program is powerful, and staff have a loyal following now is powerful, and staff have a loyal following nowOur budget grew, our FTE grew, and Our budget grew, our FTE grew, and space did not shrinkspace did not shrink, but grew, but grewWe’re busier than ever but we believe we’re doing the We’re busier than ever but we believe we’re doing the right kind of right kind of workworkLibrary 2.0 technologies, applied strategically, are crucial tools for Library 2.0 technologies, applied strategically, are crucial tools for academic librariansacademic librariansThe academy is searching for ideas in order to use technology, and The academy is searching for ideas in order to use technology, and it cannot afford trivializing it cannot afford trivializing “Library Skill”“Library Skill” Activism Activism in our work is more common, and more necessaryin our work is more common, and more necessaryMany groups have paid us site visits—NASA Langley & Goddard, Many groups have paid us site visits—NASA Langley & Goddard, Sun Microsystems, Federal Reserve BankSun Microsystems, Federal Reserve Bank


In SummaryIn Summary

There’s a new synergy between Library 2.0 technology and library There’s a new synergy between Library 2.0 technology and library physical spacephysical spaceThe staff committed to taking the lead on technology, and this The staff committed to taking the lead on technology, and this strengthenedstrengthened our position our position2.0 technologies are collaborative, and you can introduce them in 2.0 technologies are collaborative, and you can introduce them in “bite-sized”“bite-sized” increments. Perseverance is required increments. Perseverance is requiredMatch technology choices to Match technology choices to known community traitsknown community traits —don’t try to —don’t try to force technology if it doesn’t serve an obvious purposeforce technology if it doesn’t serve an obvious purposeBecause of this legwork, when funds became available, Because of this legwork, when funds became available, we were we were readyreadyThe Library Commons The Library Commons reinvigorated “1.0” workreinvigorated “1.0” work, like collection , like collection development of print materialsdevelopment of print materialsCommunities of practices are changingCommunities of practices are changingUnderstanding the Understanding the direction of changedirection of change should guide your should guide your implementation strategyimplementation strategy


Resources and ReferencesResources and References

UVA Digital Library Bookmarks: UVA Digital Library Bookmarks: http://del.icio.us/uva_digital_libraryhttp://del.icio.us/uva_digital_libraryMissouri River Regional Library Reference Links Database: Missouri River Regional Library Reference Links Database: http://http://www.mrrl.org/services/refer/links/index.phpwww.mrrl.org/services/refer/links/index.phpJoomla: Joomla: http://www.joomla.org/http://www.joomla.org/Library Journal Article: Library Journal Article: “Journey to Library 2.0”“Journey to Library 2.0” by Robin Hastings (April 15, by Robin Hastings (April 15, 2007, p. 36)2007, p. 36)Odeo: Odeo: http://odeo.com/abouthttp://odeo.com/aboutJotspot: Jotspot: http://www.jot.com/http://www.jot.com/Abbott, Andrew Delano. Abbott, Andrew Delano. The system of professions: An essay on the The system of professions: An essay on the division of expert labordivision of expert labor. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988.. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988.Learning SpacesLearning Spaces, an Edcause ebook: , an Edcause ebook: http://www.educause.edu/books/learningspaces/10569http://www.educause.edu/books/learningspaces/10569 Nardi, Bonnie A. Nardi, Bonnie A. Information ecologies : Using technology with heartInformation ecologies : Using technology with heart. . Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1999. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1999.

The Library Commons, Library 2.0 The Library Commons, Library 2.0 and the Research Community: and the Research Community:

Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE)Labor and Employment (IRLE)

Terence K. HuweTerence K. HuweInstitute for Research on Labor and Employment LibraryInstitute for Research on Labor and Employment Library

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, BerkeleyAcademic Library 2.0Academic Library 2.0

UC Berkeley, November 2, 2007UC Berkeley, November 2, 2007

The Library Commons, Library 2.0 and the Research Community: Field Notes from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE) Terence K. Huwe.

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