Library Support - Department of Geology & Geophysics Unit Review
INTRODUCTION
The University of Calgary Library has one of the most advanced research and teaching collections in
earth sciences in Western Canada. The collection is particularly strong for oil, gas, coal, and oil sands.
The region of focus is the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
The Geology and Geophysics collection supports the teaching and research needs of undergraduate
and graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), faculty, research groups and staff at the University of Calgary.
The core users are from the Department of Geology and Geophysics. However, the collection is also
an important resource for faculty, undergraduate and graduate students from related programs in
engineering, geography, environmental chemistry, biology and archaeology. The collection is used
frequently by the larger community of earth sciences researchers, consultants, alumni and corporate
clients.
The purpose of this report is to analyze the Geology and Geophysics collection to assess the level of
Library resources required to support research and teaching needs. The analysis includes internal
collection data and trends, as well as external comparisons to leading earth science research and
teaching collections: University of Tulsa, Texas A&M, University of Alberta and other peer
institutions.
Based on this analysis the Geology and Geophysics collection is capable of supporting research and
graduate teaching in core areas. The collection also has a broad scope adequate for undergraduate
instruction including foundation courses, projects and field school work. Collection gaps that occurred
due to inflation and a stagnant collection budgets during the late 80’s and early 90’s can be rectified by
an additional investment of funds. An investment of 5-8% of the current monograph budget ($2,300$3,700 Cnd.) would enable the Library to acquire needed conference proceedings related to the
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and Williston Basin. An investment of $20,000 is needed to fill
gaps in the Geology and Geophysics journal collection. Other relatively minor gaps in the monograph
collection will be filled through the newly implemented vendor plan to acquire reprints of key works
as they become available.
RESEARCH AND TECHING NEEDS IN GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS
Research and teaching in the Geology and Geophysics Department is an integral part of the University
of Calgary Energy and Environment Pillar. The Department is already one of the top geoscience
research departments in Canada and is undergoing expansion. New faculty and a Canada Research
Chair in Petroleum Geology were added in Fall 2004. Further expansion in water resources is planned
for 2005/2006. Environmental geology will also undergo expansion in the near future. Library
resources and services provide support for course work and course related research at the
undergraduate and graduate levels in geology and geophysics, as well as support advanced research at
doctoral and post-doctoral levels.
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Undergraduate Program
The program has one of highest number of students enrolled in a major in Geology and Geophysics in
Canada. Applied Geoscience is one the 16 Pillars of Academic Excellence at University of Calgary.
Two basic degrees are offered: B.Sc. Geology / B. Sc. Geophysics (Honours, Major); and B.Sc.
Applied & Environmental Geology (Honours, Major).
Geology and Geophysics has double degrees in Science (B.Sc. Applied and Environmental Geology;
and B.Sc. Chemistry), Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. There are four possible five-year
double degree combinations.
The Geology and Geophysics Department has the strongest field school program in Canada, with
spring field trip credit courses in Western Canada and the United States.
Current Key Areas of Research & Graduate Teaching/Course Work (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
The Geology and Geophysics Department has several key areas of graduate and post-graduate
research, as summarized below:
Applied Geophysics -- data acquisitions, processing and interpretation with focus on hydrocarbons
(seismic lithology, reservoir characterization, greenhouse gases and geological storage),
hydrogeology and environmental (landslides, pollution)
Petroleum & Energy Related Geosciences -- geological exploration for the characterization of the
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, oil sands exploitation, arctic pipeline and frontier exploration
Tectonics of the Canadian Cordillera and Plate Margin -- foreland basin Alberta, British Columbia
and the Northwest Territories: geodynamic modeling with integration of lithology, petrology,
mineralogy, geochemical and field-based structural research
Environmental and Hydrogeology -- water quality and quantity in Alberta and Canada, with plans to
expand to international issues
A substantial part of earth science research involves collaboration between the Department of Geology
and Geophysics and other University of Calgary departments, Faculties and Institutes such as:
Engineering, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Archaeology, and the National
Institute for Sustainable Energy, the Environment & Economics (NISEE).
In addition, the Geology and Geophysics Department has numerous projects in co-operation with other
universities, research centers and corporate sponsors in Canada and world wide: Advanced Water
Research Center (Alberta Ingenuity Fund request), Applied Stratigraphy Research Group (SRG),
CARA Central American Water Resource Management Network (CIDA – funded), Consortium for
Research in Elastic Wave Exploration Seismology (CREWES), Fold-Fault Research Project (FFRP),
Global Energy & Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX – NSERC funded), Prairie Meteorite Search,
Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS).
Currently, the Geology and Geophysics Department has two Canada Research Chairs, one in
Petroleum Geology and the other in Planetary Sciences. Future plans are to create two University of
Calgary Research Chairs in hydrogeology and applied geophysics.
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In 2001, the Geology and Geophysics Department was selected to establish a program of post-degree
courses for oil and gas industry professionals. The program is known as the Geoscience Professional
Development Centre (GPDC) and it is sponsored by local and international geoscience organizations.
GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS COLLECTION
The Geology and Geophysics core collection which includes the following Library of Congress
classification ranges is housed in the Gallagher Library, a branch library of the University of Calgary
Library.
Table 1: Geology and Geophysics Core Collection - Library of Congress Classification Ranges
Geology and Geophysics, Including Related Subjects:
Geography/Geomorphology
Geophysics
Geology
Economic Geology/Prospecting/Ore & Minerals/Petroleum
Library of Congress
Classification Ranges:
G
QC 801-849
QE 1-996.5
TN
Related materials in physical sciences, biology and engineering are located in the MacKimmie
Library, at the center of the campus, a short distance away from the Earth Sciences Building and
Gallagher Library. The MacKimmie Library also houses several relevant specialized collections.
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MADGIC Collection (Maps, Academic Data & Geographic Information Center
Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) Collection
Canadian, U.S. and foreign government documents related to energy, mineral exploration and
environmental issues
The Gallagher Library began as a generous gift from Mr. John Patrick (Jack) Gallagher to the Geology
Department, in 1973. Twenty-five years later, the Gallagher Library has expanded substantially as a
branch of University of Calgary Library, enjoying the advantage of remote and on-campus desktop
access to hundreds of electronic journals in physical sciences, environment and engineering. Access to
online information resources has been substantially enhanced with the large number of computer
stations located in the Information Commons (MacKimmie Library) and the addition of wireless
Internet access in other locations.
Collection Development
The liaison librarian for Geology & Geophysics develops collection resources using a combination of
selection resources, such as: online publication lists from geological surveys and geoscience associations, references to book chapters and conferences in the GeoRef database, book reviews, print and
electronic slips from publishers and vendors in UK and North America (Blackwell’s, YBP).
Also important are requests from faculty, students and staff which ensure that the collection responds
to particular course and project needs.
Collection Status and Assessment
Geology and Geophysics, including interdisciplinary research projects in earth sciences and
engineering, are part of a recognized area of excellence at the University of Calgary. In addition to the
Library Fund allocated to the Geology and Geophysics subject, there is Library support from related
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engineering areas (environmental, civil and petroleum), as well as special funding allocated for the
development of the energy sector collection (2002-2004 Energy Pillar Library Fund). The Student
Union Library Levy is another important resource for the acquisition of new monographs to support
undergraduate course work in geosciences.
The Library budget allocated for the Geology and Geophysics collection for the last five fiscal years is
presented below in Table 2.
Table 2: Expenditures for the Geology and Geophysics Collection
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
Average $
$ 31,358.00
$ 81,128.00
$ 27,840.00
$ 88,173.00
$ 26,595.00
$ 91,751.00
$ 34,020.00
$ 97,708.00
$ 46,415.00
$ 94,909.00
$ 33,245.60
$ 90,733.80
Total Expenditure $112,486.00
$116,013.00
$118,346.00
$131,728.00
$141,324.00
$123,979.40
Monographs
Journals/Serials
Through the acquisition of electronic journal packages, the Library has been able to substantially
increase the number of journals pertinent to geology and geophysics. As publishers digitize their
journal backfiles, there will be an even greater opportunity to increase the depth of coverage, provided
the funding is available.
The distribution of monies for monographs and journals during 2003-2004 was 33% and 66%
respectively, a good balance between monograph purchasing and journal purchasing (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Distribution of the Geology and Geophysics Fund during the fiscal year: 2003-2004
Monographs
33%
Journals & Serial
Publications
66%
The Geology and Geophysics core monograph collection is a valuable comprehensive current and
retrospective collection for the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and Alberta. The collection also
selectively covers important sedimentary basins and regions in Western Canada (e.g..: Peace River
Arch, Williston Basin), United States and the world.
During the last five fiscal years, the Geology and Geophysics Library Fund purchased a total of 1,266
new monographs, representing a very robust average growth rate of 253 new titles per year. There is
sustained effort to increase the earth sciences book collection in the areas of excellence at University
of Calgary.
In the last five years, the Library has acquired on average 68% of the total number of geoscience
monographs published by major scientific and academic publishing houses in United States and
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United Kingdom, as available from one of our major vendors: Yankee Book Peddler (YBP). During
the last five fiscal years, there has been a steady increase in the acquisition percentage from 56% to
currently 84% (Appendix A).
Our goal for research level collections is an acquisition rate of approximately 90% of the total
published monographs in a subject area. The existing acquisition level of 84% through the YBP
vendor indicates that the Geology and Geophysics collection is maintaining a research level in current
monograph acquisitions.
To enhance the strength and the currency of the collection, a recently implemented acquisitions plan
with Yankee Book Peddler ensures that we purchase all newly published books and reprints of classic
monographs in key areas of research and teaching in geology and geophysics, as well as related areas
in energy resources (coal, natural gas, oil). This newly installed plan will avoid any gaps in key areas
of the research and teaching. Additional resources will be used to acquire monographs on specialized
topics from independent publishers and associations. Finally, the University of Calgary Library
purchases all monographs published by 12 university presses, several of which are relevant to earth
sciences: Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, University of California Press, MIT
Press. With these additions the rate of acquisition will meet or exceed the 90% target.
New book purchases, over the last five years were distributed as follows: 43% geology, 31% applied
geology/geophysics and engineering areas, 25% geophysics and other physical sciences (Appendix B)
reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of research and teaching in the geosciences.
In the last fiscal year, 2003/2004, the highest expenditures occurred in the following areas:
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Dynamic & Structural Geology (QE 500-639)
General Geology (QE 1-61)
Petrology (QE 420-4999)
Planetary Sciences/Astronomy and Physics (QB)
Stratigraphy (QE 640-700)
Applied Areas: Geotechnical, Mining/Geological & Geophysical Prospecting (oil & gas, coal)
The Collection Assessment Report (December, 2000) emphasized that the monograph collection
should include material from introductory to advanced levels to supports both teaching and research.
Currently the Geology and Geophysics collection has a significant number of introductory and
intermediate monographs supporting the core geosciences teaching areas: tectonics, petrology,
structural geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, paleontology, sedimentology and stratigraphy.
The MacKimmie Library collection provides introductory and advanced level support for related
science and engineering areas such as: chemistry, environmental science, geography/geomorphology,
physics and mathematics, geotechnical/civil engineering, environmental engineering, petroleum and
chemical engineering.
Advanced graduate course work and post-graduate research are supported by several library standing
orders that acquire everything published in the following monograph and special series:


Developments in Sedimentology – Elsevier
Geophysical Monograph Series – Society of Exploration Geophysicists
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International Petroleum Encyclopedia – Pennwell
Memoirs – Geological Society of America
Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics – Elsevier
Special Papers – Geological Society of America
Special Publications – Geological Society (UK)
Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology – Geological Society of America, Special Papers
The Library collects a substantial portion of the Canadian Geological Survey (GSC) and US
Geological Survey monographs. It is estimated that the Geology and Geophysics monograph
collection has over 4,500 monographs published by the two national geological surveys from the late
1800’s to present. The Library purchases selectively monographs from provincial and state geological
surveys and mine bureaus, as well as geoscience societies and associations.
To assist in assessing the collection a sample of monograph titles was analyzed using the Library of
Congress subject headings Sedimentology (representative of a geology area) and Seismic Reflection
Method (representative of a geophysics area). Comparisons were made with Texas A&M, University
of Tulsa and University of Alberta (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Number of Books Comparisons: Univ. of Calgary and Other Research Collections
Number of Books for the Subject:
Sedimentology
Number of Books for the Subject:
Seismic Reflection Method
76
Univ. of Tulsa
130
Univ. of Texas A&M*
90
Univ. of Calgary
0
50
32
Univ. of Texas A&M*
31
93
Univ. of Calgary
36
Univ. of AB
Univ. of Tulsa
51
Univ. of AB
100
150
0
20
40
60
80
Our monograph collection for the subject Seismic Reflection Method is the second largest with 90
titles, exceeded only by the Univ. of Texas A&M. Under the subject Sedimentology, our collection has
93 titles, exceeding the number of books at the universities selected for comparison.
A title by title search in our catalogue for the titles located at the three universities served to provide
more information on how our monograph collection compares with the other collections for the two
selected subjects.
Under the subject: Seismic Reflection Method, the University of Calgary had 26 % of the monographs
held at the University of Texas A&M; 46% of the monographs held at the University of Tulsa and
67% of the monographs of the University of Alberta. The geophysics monograph sample at the
University of Texas A&M reflects regional interests that are very different from our collection scope;
one example of this is the numerous titles on marine seismic exploration (Gulf of Mexico and Alaska).
When compared with University of Tulsa and University of Alberta, our collection has a higher
number of common titles, reflecting a similarity in teaching and research in data interpretation
methods and less regional focus. The highest percentage of common holdings is between the
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100
University of Calgary and the University of Alberta which reflects the common interest in the seismic
reflection method and common focus at the region level, namely Alberta.
Under the subject Sedimentology, University of Calgary had 77 % of the monographs of the University
of Texas A&M and 72% of monographs of the University of Tulsa. This indicates that the University
of Calgary has a strong collection and a similar focus in research and teaching to these two
universities. Whereas, when compared with the University of Alberta, our collection had 55% of the
book titles indicating a different research and teaching emphasis and most likely reflecting the
importance of Calgary as the major center for the oil and gas industry in Canada.
Conference Proceedings, Special Series of Publications, Thesis
The collection has a substantial number of current and retrospective gray literature resources such as:
geological survey reports, special papers and series, open files, field guides, theses (undergraduate and
graduate), technical reports and conference/symposium proceedings. A summary of title counts from
searches in the Library catalogue under relevant subject headings, estimated the gray literature to be
close to 2,500 titles (Table 2).
Table 2: Estimate Title Counts - Geology and Geophysics Collection
Conference Proceedings
1,064 titles
(searched all locations under multiple subject headings*)
Field Trip Guides/Guidebooks
823 titles
(searched location: Gallagher and searched keywords in
the subject heading: field or guidebooks)
Theses – Geology & Geophysics Department
607 titles
(searched by unique location: Geo-THESIS)
*Subject headings searched: Geophysics – Congresses; Geology – Congresses;
Earth Sciences – Congresses; Petroleum Geology – Congresses; Coalbed methane –
Congresses; Coal Mines and Mining – Congresses;
Conference proceedings are purchased individually or as a series, based on key research and course
work interests in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and other relevant geographic areas as
outlined in the Collection Assessment Report. Of great importance are conferences, symposia and
meetings hosted or sponsored by Canadian and American geological and geophysical associations:
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American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG)
Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG)
Geological Association of Canada (GAC)
Geological Society of London (GSL)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC)
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)
Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM)
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The Collection Assessment Report identified that the only significant gap in the Geology and
Geophysics collection is in the area of conference proceedings. Less represented are conferences
covering environmental geology, regional geology outside North America, and non-conventional
energy resources. These gaps in conference holding may be filled over time, funding permitting as
digital series become available from the publishers. Approximately, 5 - 8% of the monograph budget
would be needed to accomplish this.
A major strength of the geology and geophysics collection is the large number of theses written by
Geology and Geophysics graduate and honours students which are housed in the Gallagher Library. It
is estimated that the thesis collection has over 600 titles. This collection provides unique research
material on the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. All titles are indexed in GeoRef and Petroleum
Abstracts, the best known online indexes for international earth sciences literature.
Journal Collection
The Geology and Geophysics journal collection provides research and teaching support at the
undergraduate through post-graduate levels in earth sciences and related engineering areas.
The geoscience core collection has 284 journals and industry publications out of which 168 titles
(59%) are available electronically and 116 titles (41%) in print. Of particular interest for geophysics, is
the electronic access provided to the current collection of the American Geophysical Union journals.
The Library will continue to expand its electronic journal collection in geology and geophysics as
more electronic journal packages become available from geoscience associations and publishers.
An analysis of the journal titles with the highest demand for articles from the University Library’s
Document Delivery Services indicates that over a five-year period, there were only 19 geology and
geophysics titles that averaged more than two articles requested per year. Furthermore, most of these
requests were for journal titles where the Library has a current subscription but there where gaps in the
back files or collection holdings. With the recent purchase of back files on Science Direct from
Elsevier many of these gaps were eliminated. Other gaps will be filled as back files from other
publishers become available, funding permitting.
Geology and Geophysics Journals Peer Comparison
The strength of the Geology and Geophysics journal collection was assessed based on searching and
analyzing library journal holdings using two reference samples of English language and current
journal titles compiled from Ulrichsweb.com. Ulrich’s is the most comprehensive world-wide source
of periodicals information and the two compiled samples were designed to cover geology and
geophysics journals. In addition, all the journal titles on the samples were also searched against peer
institutions. The results are summarized in Table 3, below:
Table 3: Summary of Data: Numbers of Journals at Peer Universities and University of Calgary
Geology Journal Sample from Ulrich’s:
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Geophysics Journal Sample from Ulrich’s:
89 journal titles (33%) held by Univ. of Calgary

and two or more peer libraries
41 journal titles (17%) not held by Univ. of
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Calgary, but held by at least one peer library
101 journal titles (42%) not held by any of the libraries

surveyed, including Univ. of Calgary
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29 journal titles (58%) held by Univ. of Calgary
and two or more peer libraries
2 journal titles (4%) not held by Univ. of Calgary,
but held by at least one peer library
14 journal titles (28%) not held by any of the libraries
surveyed, including Univ. of Calgary
Geology Journal Titles – Peer Comparison
The journal sample relevant for geology consisted of 240 titles that were searched against University
of Calgary journal holdings and also searched against the holdings of 9 peer institutions (universities
with 20,000 plus fte).
University of Calgary has 39% of the titles
in Ulrich’s sample, or 93 journal titles out
of the 240 titles in the sample
Fig. 4.a: Journal Holdings
Comparison for Geology Titles
The count survey results are presented for
University of Calgary and peer university
holdings, indicating the number of geology
titles held most frequently to least fre quently (Figure 4.a: Geology).
120
80
60
The graph illustrates that the journal literature for geology is typified by a large
number of very infrequently held titles,
and a smaller number of frequently held
titles.
40
Number of Titles
100
20
0
Nine
This corresponds to a literature with a
relatively small set of “core” titles, but
with a great variety of more specialized
titles that usually reflect coverage of
regional topics.
Eight Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
Two
One
None
Number of Peer Libraries
UofC
Peers
Based on this sample survey, University of Calgary has a very strong core collection and appears to
have the expected level of selective coverage for less frequently held titles. The results reflect a well
developed collection capable of supporting research. Further investigation would be to review the
collection for possible gaps in the more specialized journal titles.
Geophysics Journal Titles – Peer Comparison
The journal sample relevant for geophysics consisted of 50 titles that were searched against University
of Calgary holdings and also searched against the holdings of the same 9 peer institutions as above
(universities with 20,000 plus fte). University of Calgary has 68% of titles or 34 journal titles out of
the 50 titles in the sample.
The count survey results are presented for University of Calgary and peer university holdings,
indicating the number of geophysics titles held most frequently to least frequently (Figure 4.b:
Geophysics).
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The graph illustrates that the journal literature
for geophysics has a broad core with a large
number of very infrequently held titles.
Figure 4.b: Journal Holdings Comparison
for Geophisics
This corresponds to a literature with a well
developed core of journals, as well as a great
variety of more specialized titles. These more
specialized titles appear to be regional or
institute based publications.
18
14
12
10
Based on this sample survey, University of
Calgary has a very strong core collection,
reflecting a collection capable of supporting
research in geophysics.
8
6
4
Number of Titles
16
2
0
Ni ne
E i ght
Seven
Si x
Fi ve
Four
T hr ee
T wo
One
None
Num ber of Peer Libraries
UofC
Peers
Journal Collection Development
The University of Calgary Library monitors and evaluates new electronic resources to ensure that our
students, faculty and staff have access to the most relevant online full-text resources and search tools
in their field. Subscriptions to electronic resources are purchased through a central library fund
supporting all disciplines
Currently, we are evaluating the addition of a collection of over 37 full- text journals from geosciences
association/society publishers available through the online service GeoScience World. Most of the
journal titles are available full-text as complete runs from the first to the most current issue..
Also relevant for research and teaching in Geology and Geophysics, are several free Internet
resources and Open Access journals. Some examples of free Internet resources include recent
reports from the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), government maps such as the Alberta
Geological Survey Interactive maps, Atlas of Canada with thematic GIS data, and Bouguer
anomalies data. The Directory of Open Access Journals lists 27 titles under Earth Sciences, 27
titles under Geology and 4 under Geophysics and Geomagnetism. This resource is also expected
to grow over time. Access to all electronic journals, including Open Access titles is provided
from the Library catalogue with a hyperlink from the catalogue record to the Internet site.
Electronic Indexes and Electronic Reference Resources
The University of Calgary Library subscribes to eight key electronic index and abstracting services,
and electronic full-text journal aggregator packages, as summarized in Appendix C. The most used
indexes for research and teaching areGeoRef and Petroleum Abstracts.
The index and abstracting services have been enhanced in functionality by the acquisition of SFX
software which provides links between index databases and the full text of articles licensed or
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purchased by the University of Calgary. Once a reference is selected, the user clicking on the SFX
button is directed to a page which provides information on how to access the article.
In additionProQuest Digital Dissertations Full Text provides online access to graduate thesis.
Currently, the Library is acquiring a number of science and technology electronic encyclopedias and
handbooks that allow desktop access to specialized information and data, as well as data downloading
and manipulation into customized graphs and tables. The trend of adding electronic reference
resources to the collection is an ongoing strategic direction that will provide users with up-to-date
readily accessible information at their desktop.
Maps & Digital data
The University of Calgary Library has a large collection of aerial photographs, atlases, print and
digital maps – all housed in the MacKimmie Library Tower in the Maps, Academic Data Geographic
Information Centre (MADGIC) collection. The MADGIC Collection has topographical, geographical,
geological, hydrological and soil maps relevant to earth science programs offered at the University.
Several electronic resources provide support for earth sciences course work and research, for example:
Ensight Info - GIS Data for Western Canada’s Oil & Gas Industry, The Geology of Alberta CD-ROM
(Energy and Utilities Board), Landsat images, Natural Resources Canada Digital Products.
Workstations in the MADGIC and Information Commons area at MacKimmie Library have ArcView
software installed; additional GIS software is installed on MADGIC workstations.
The Gallagher Library has a relatively small collection of geological print maps and atlases to serve
course work and project research. There is some duplication with print maps available in the
MADGIC collection.
The Geology and Geophysics collection excludes digital/print seismic sections and well logs, as this
data is collected by the Department and used with special software in Geology & Geophysics
computer labs as required by course work and research needs. Printing also requires a special large
size high resolution wide printer/plotter that is available only in the Department.
Other Resources
Students, faculty and researchers at University of Calgary have access to the local network of
geoscience and energy library collections available at the Calgary Library of the Geological Survey of
Canada (GSC), and the Energy and Utilities Board Library. The GSC Calgary Library is our key
reciprocal resource, located a few minutes away from the Campus. Graduate students and faculty
benefit from on-site use of collections and borrowing privileges with the GSC Library. The Alberta
Geological Survey Library in Edmonton is a valuable resource for earth science research.
In addition, there are formal agreements among libraries at the provincial level and beyond, to provide
reciprocal library borrowing privileges directly to members of their institutions. At the national level,
the University of Calgary is a member of the Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries
(COPPUL) and this allows our students, faculty and researchers to borrow in-person when visiting
other academic libraries in Canada.
At the provincial level, through The Alberta Library (TAL) there is reciprocal borrowing within the
network of academic and public libraries in Alberta. The TAL card allows in-person borrowing
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privileges for all Albertans who hold a TAL card issued by their local public library branch, or postsecondary institution.
LIBRARY SERVICES
Document Delivery Services (DDS)
Document Delivery Services (DDS) is an interlibrary loan service that enables faculty, students and
staff to obtain journal articles, conference papers, monographs and other publications that are not in
the University of Calgary Library collections. Starting in 1998, the cost of this service has been
covered by the Library, eliminating any fees for borrowers and ensuring equal access on demand.
Document delivery requests for geoscience articles are relatively low: averaging approximately 149
articles per year. The largest number of article requests is for journal titles that are in the Library’s
collection but where the Library did not own the specific volume requested. The recent addition of the
Science Direct complete back files has filled volume/issue gaps for several high demand journal titles
such as: Journal of Hydrogeology, Chemical Geology, Tectonophysics, Earth and Planetary Science
Letters, GeoBios, Soil Biology and Biochemistry. Other document delivery requests are for articles
from foreign journals, as some special projects at the graduate level require information research in the
Middle East and Asia. These will continue to be filled as needed.
Information Literacy: Teaching and Research Support
The Geology and Geophysics Liaison Librarian provides information literacy classes to support the
teaching and research needs of the Geology and Geophysics Department. The classes are usually for
advanced undergraduate courses and first year Masters courses. The classes focus on a particular
course project and cover all the aspects from developing a search strategy, selecting appropriate
electronic search tools, locating resources, searching multiple database resources, evaluating results
and refining searches. Critical thinking, transference of skills and the ability to understand the
specifics of scholarly communication in geosciences are also part of the learning objectives for library
classes.
The Liaison Librarian provides on average, 7-10 library instruction sessions per year. During the last
five years Library instruction classes were provided for the following courses.
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Geology 505 Contaminant Hydrogeology
Geology 531 Advanced Igneous Petrology
Geology 577 Petroleum Geology
Geophysics 359 Global Geophysics
Geophysics 547 Gravity and Magnetics
Geophysics 559 Geophysical Interpretation
In addition, in Fall several workshops are given which are open to all faculty, researchers and graduate
students in Geology and Geophysics. These workshops provide an overview of information resources
useful for their research and teaching needs.
Information Services
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Gallagher Library and MacKimmie Information Commons staff and liaison librarians provide
information services to students, faculty and staff, as well as the community at large. In-depth
reference and consultation service for geology and geophysics is provided by the Liaison Librarian for
Geology and Geophysics and the Information Specialist on staff at the Gallagher Library. Approximately 80 in-depth reference questions are answered annually, each question taking around 2 hours.
In addition, the Gallagher Library offers the Corporate Research Service which is used by a significant
number of firms in the oil and gas industry. This service is based on an annual membership fee plus a
schedule of fees for each requested item and online search. A significant component of time for both
the Liaison Librarian and the Information Specialist is devoted to the provision of this service.
Library Subject Web Pages
The University of Calgary Library web pages provide access to electronic information resources and
bibliographies for geology, geophysics and related subject areas. Science & Technology Subject
Liaison Librarians provide the information content and updates for the following relevant subject web
pages: Chemistry, Data Maps & Airphotos, Engineering, Environment, Geography, Geology,
Geophysics, Northern Studies, and Physics.
FUTURE CONCERNS AND ISSUES
Teaching and Research Needs
The information needs in geosciences and the energy sector are changing as non-conventional energy
resources become viable through enhanced technology and an economically favorable environment.
Coalbed methane and oil sands are important resources in Alberta, representing the energy resources
of the future as conventional oil and gas resources in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin are
diminishing.
Geology and geophysics research and teaching at the University of Calgary are evolving towards
recognition at the international level and attracting an increasing number of graduate students and
researchers from around the world. Research and course work are focusing on areas outside the
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and beyond conventional energy resources.
Interdisciplinary areas of research and teaching in earth sciences and related engineering areas are
expanding at undergraduate and graduate levels. Energy is one of the identified Pillars of Excellence at
the University of Calgary.
Library resources need to provide current comprehensive coverage in non-conventional energy sources
as the future of Alberta’s energy sector will be in these areas. Collection development and financial
resources need to focus on filling in gaps in the retrospective literature on the topic of nonconventional energy resources, through acquisitions of reprints, electronic republishing and out-ofprint publications.
In the context of a limited budget it is important to expand selectively the scope of the collection to
better reflect the information needs for world-wide course projects and graduate research. However,
the University Library’s Document Delivery Services (DDS) will always be an important service
component in satisfying demand for international geology and geophysics literature.
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The entire information field is moving towards digital text and data resources. Current and
retrospective geology and geophysics literature is increasingly available in an electronic format,
accessible full-text, from the desktop. Because of the nature of the geology and geophysics literature,
some challenges surround the delivery of digital information. At a minimum, it is necessary to have a
networked wide printer capable of handling high resolution printing for large maps and diagrams. The
price of a wide printer varies substantially, top of the line wide printer models can exceed $ 5,000
Cnd.; whereas, low end models are under $ 2,000 Cnd. At the high end of the spectrum, plotters are
top of the line devices that provide a higher resolution than wide printers. Plotters are appropriate for
printing detailed maps and seismic sections. Currently, the Gallagher Library does not have this type
equipment, nor does the Information Commons.
As teaching and research in geosciences and allied engineering fields use more and more cutting edge
technology, it will become increasingly common to use Library resources in electronic format. The
Library provides an array of online search tools, electronic journals, GIS data and electronic reference
materials (subject encyclopedias and handbooks). Gaps in the journal and conference proceedings
collection can be increasingly filled with digital copy as publishers use the electronic medium as a cost
effective way of re-publishing back runs of journals and proceedings series.
Prepared by:
Anca Medesan
Liaison Librarian
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