Mary Westell Information Resources, University of Calgary Canadian 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 Calgary Information 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  Helpful and friendly staff  Clear signage  Staff able to answer questions  Classroom instruction relevant  Waited less than 10 minutes  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 Projects More information?  The Alberta Library   University of Calgary  