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This exploratory case study examined the role of social influence in the decision-making process to increase public library funding in the Canadian province of Alberta in the 2009-10 fiscal year. Using Robert Cialdini's theory of factors of influence ði.e., commitment and consistency, authority, liking, social proof, scarcity, and reciprocityÞ as a framework for analysis, findings show that consistency and commitment and authority were relevant and that liking was also important. These findings are consistent with Cialdini's theory, which suggests that the quality of relationships is one factor that can most strongly influence a decision maker. This study gives insight into the factors motivating those involved in public library funding allocation decisions. No prior studies have examined the construct of influence in decision making about funding for public libraries at any level of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explains the role of public libraries in promoting community building and civic engagement through an examination of the work of the Calgary Public Library in Calgary, Alberta. The author explains the library's efforts to engage in dialogue with the Calgary community. Its work in promoting literacy among young library users through the It's a Crime Not to Read program is explained, as is the library's involvement in Calgary's annual quality of life survey. A library program in which Calgary residents were taught about the electoral process and political participation is also described.

Background: There is growing demand for specialized services in academic libraries, including supporting systematic reviews and measuring research impact. Study Purpose: The John W. Scott Health Sciences Library implemented a fee-based pilot project for the Faculty of Nursing for one year to test a fee-based model for specialized services, to evaluate its sustainability and scalability for the longer term, and to assess the feasibility of extending this service model to other health sciences faculties. Case Presentation: We describe the development and delivery of the fee-based service model. Through a team-based approach, we successfully provided specialized services including mediated literature searching, research support, and research impact analyses to the Faculty of Nursing. Discussion: Despite some challenges in developing and implementing the fee-based service model, our pilot project demonstrated demand for fee-based specialized services in the health sciences and suggests potential for this unique service model to continue and expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2005, the University of Calgary entered into a contract to provide library services to the staff and physicians of Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone (AHS CZ), creating the Health Information Network Calgary (HINC). Objectives: A user satisfaction survey was contractually required to determine whether the new library service model created through the agreement with the University of Calgary was successful. Our additional objective was to determine whether information and resources provided through the HINC were making an impact on patient care. Methods: A user satisfaction survey of 18 questions was created in collaboration with AHS CZ contract partners and distributed using the snowball or convenience sample method. Results: Six hundred and ninety-four surveys were returned. Of respondents, 75% use the HINC library services. More importantly, 43% of respondents indicated that search results provided by library staff had a direct impact on patient care decisions. Conclusions: Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone staff are satisfied with the new service delivery model, they are taking advantage of the services offered, and using library provided information to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the video art collections at the Banff Centre School of Fine Arts in Alberta. Rationale behind the presentation of the video art works at the library facilities are outlined. Factors considered in presenting video on an experimental basis are explored. The sources from which to purchase video by artists are discussed.