data going mainstream
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Data Going Mainstream
Michelle Edwards, Ph.D.DRC Coordinator,University of GuelphDINO 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 AcquisitionReferenceAnalysis
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 DRC2 librarians (GIS and GovDocs)3 library associates3 CCS analysts (2 stats and 1 GIS)
Part-timeGIS analyst - contractStudent – Nesstar projectSummer 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 productsHouse licensed GIS data productsSign-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 1st 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 IIAll DRC staffHelp 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 cont’dBe familiar with GIS software packages and
be able to import dataBe familiar with basic geoprocessingBe familiar with different data licenses
New Reference Model
Tier III - Specialist tasksData (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 tasksGIS (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 1st floor
Construction due to start May 1st and be completed mid July
Move in and setup for Fall semester
New DRC Layout Plan
What’s 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
What’s 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
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