transitions & transformations in research libraries towards the information ecology michael...
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Transitions & Transformations
in Research Libraries
Towards the Information Ecology
Michael RidleyChief Information Officer (CIO) & Chief Librarian
University of Guelph
McMaster UniversitySeptember 14, 2006
Information Ecology
“When simple change becomes transformational
change, the desire for continuity becomes a dysfunctional mirage.”
The Mirage of Continuity (1999) Hawkins & Battin
Information Ecology
Why the “Information Ecology?”
An environmental metaphor that connotes:
• Organic and Deliberate
• Interdependent and Diverse
• Fragile and Strong
Nurture rather than build.
Information Ecology
StewardshipDemocracy
ServiceRationalism
PrivacyEquity of Access
Intellectual FreedomLiteracy and Learning
Our Enduring Values
Information Ecology
Two Major Transformations
to Environment
a) Managed Digital Spaceb) Academic Town Square
1. From database/repository
Towards the Information
Ecology
Information Ecology
Two Major Transformations
to Information Finding People
2. From people finding information
a) Ubiquitous Content & Accessb) Personalized Tools
Towards the Information
Ecology
Information Ecology
Paul SaffoInstitute for the Future
“The future belongs to neither the conduit or content players, but to those who control the filtering, searching and sense-making tools we will rely on to navigate through the expanses of cyberspace.”filtering, searching and sense-making tools
Information Ecology
Library Organization
Faculty & Students
of the
University
Library
ServicesCollections
Staff
Information Ecology
Library Organization
Information Ecology
What Happened?
• Collections: digital, collective, ubiquitous, shared
• Services: collaborative, integrated, networked
• Staff: specialized, diverse, team-based, learners
• Faculty & Students: nomadic, cross institutional, global, expanded
Massive interdependence
Information Ecology
Information Ecology
Collaboration
Information Ecology
Collaboration
Information Ecology
Nurturing Collaborative Capacity
Collaboration is a muscle.
• trust through shared vision & experience
• high tolerance for difference & ambiguity
• unrelenting focus on institutional mission
• managed self-interest
• practicing the art of the possible
Information Ecology
“Culture eats strategy for lunch every day of the week.”
Elson Floyd, PresidentUniversity of Missouri
Reality Check
Small changes
Big impacts
Information Ecology
Street Cred … What about Guelph?
Information Ecology
Innovation & Change
Learning Commons
Library as Publisher
Librarians as Teaching Faculty
TUG: Tri University Group of Libraries
Canadian Research Knowledge Network, Scholarsportal & Alouette Canada
Information Ecology
Two Major Transformations
to Environmenta) Managed Digital Spaceb) Academic Town Square
1. From database/repository
Towards the Information
Ecology
to Information Finding People2. From people finding information
a) Ubiquitous Content & Accessb) Personalized Tools
Information Ecology
Your Moment of Zen...
“To remain what it is, the library must change . . .
. . . if it does not change, it will not remain what it is.”
DavidPennimanUniversityat Buffalo
Information Ecology
The demise of the Titanic
was brought about by the
As we build the future of research libraries, are we thinking about airplanes or icebergs?
In the final analysis the Titanic was not sunk
by an iceberg.
rise of commercial air travel.
A Cautionary Tale...
Transitions & Transformations
in Research Libraries
Towards the Information Ecology
Michael RidleyChief Information Officer (CIO) & Chief Librarian
University of Guelph
McMaster UniversitySeptember 14, 2006