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

University of CalgaryInformation Commons

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

Information Commons ProjectsMore information?

The Alberta Library http://www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/

University of Calgary www.ucalgary.ca/IR/infocommons www.ucalgary.ca/IR/desktop.html