Data Going Mainstream Michelle Edwards, Ph.D. DRC Coordinator, University of Guelph DINO Meeting, April 9, 2006

How did the DRC begin? A growing need for a centralized point of electronic data access was recognized back in 1996 The implementation of DLI was driving force behind pitch for the DRC

Started as a Partnership The DRC started as a partnership in 1997 and remains as a partnership today Partners recognized the need for the DRC and contributed both expertise and funds

Partners included: College of Social Sciences (now CSAHS) customers and the data research expertise Computing and Communications Services (CCS) technical expertise, computing and funds Library Government publications expertise, office and funds

Where was the DRC? Office in the basement of the library (Rm 061) Close to Government Documents Not very visible

Services offered Data Acquisition Reference Analysis Drop-in Word of mouth

Fast Forward to 2001 Data Resource Centre staff merged with GovDocs reference staff Numbers increased from 4 to 7 working with data

GovDocs Merge All GovDocs staff were trained on data products housed in DRC Data reference was now conducted at GovDocs reference desk by GovDocs reference staff (5 total – 2 were intial DRC members)

GovDocs Merge Data analysis remained in the DRC with technical staff who specialized in statistics Data acquistion – group meetings to determine what was needed outside DLI – DLI contact acquired necessary STC files

Introduction of GIS The DRC always housed Census GIS files More GIS data becoming available from other sources Need for a GIS service for community members not part of typical GIS departments

GIS in the DRC GIS librarian part of the DRC team Members of the DRC team training to work with GIS data and customers CCS analyst dedicated to GIS half-time added to DRC team

Where is the DRC today? Team of 8 associated with DRC 2 librarians (GIS and GovDocs) 3 library associates 3 CCS analysts (2 stats and 1 GIS) Part-time GIS analyst - contract Student – Nesstar project Summer student – Nesstar project

Where is the DRC today? Still in Rm 061 – basement of the library 5 Staff computers 2 dedicated to GIS data 3 Dedicated DRC computers House standalone data products House licensed GIS data products Sign-in access only

Where will we be in Sept 06? On the first floor! Behind the Main Reference desk Larger space – more lab computers Very Visible!!!

Why the move? Management has recognized the need to make the DRC more visible – part of the library and CCS strategic plan GovDocs reference is moving to the 1 st floor reference desk

What does this mean to DRC? Perfect time to integrate DRC services with the main library reference services DRC offering many more services than when it started in 1997 – need to streamline how these are offered

New Reference Model Tiered approach to DRC services Tier I Main reference desk staff – which includes a GovDocs member Broad understanding of data holdings Show student where to go for data – webpage and DRC

New Reference Model Tier II All DRC staff Help find appropriate data for client – be familiar with and be able to use accompanying metadata – for both statistical and geospatial data Be familiar with B2020 products

New Reference Model Tier II contd Be familiar with GIS software packages and be able to import data Be familiar with basic geoprocessing Be familiar with different data licenses

New Reference Model Tier III - Specialist tasks Data (3 team members) help downloading and subsetting Be familiar with survey weights Be familiar with linking different surveys Synthetic files and RDC process Statistical analysis

New Reference Model Tier III - Specialist tasks GIS (4 team members) Provide assistance with map creation Provide assistance with advanced mapping features Linking data products – DMTI vs. Census

Where will it be? Behind the oak wall on the 1 st floor Construction due to start May 1 st and be completed mid July Move in and setup for Fall semester

New DRC Layout Plan

Whats Next? Training staff to match Tier support level expectations Train DRC staff for Tier II support Train Main Reference Staff Tier I support for both DRC and GovDocs reference

Whats Next? In the future – full integration with the Statistical Computing Services offered by CCS with the DRC With staff overlap this is already starting

Conclusion The DRC has come a long way… From a pilot project in 1996 To a room in the basement of the library with 8 people in 2001

Conclusion To a new facility on the first floor of the library with integrated reference service