The goal of the micro-residencies program is the exchange of ideas amongst library staff across different institutions in order to learn and be inspired from each other, furthering AAAL’s vision to achieve innovation and excellence in Alberta academic libraries. 

This program allows AAAL library staff to spend a day at another AAAL library, shadowing the work of one or many staff at the host location. Hands-on experience and collaborative work between the participants and hosts is highly encouraged. 

Ideas for possible experiences include: 

• Tour of the host library
• Tour of the host campus
• 1 on 1 meetings with people in specific positions
• Observing specific workflows (ex. acquisitions, cataloguing, interlibrary loans, e-resource management, institutional repository)
• Observing specific services (ex. circulation desk, reference services, information literacy instruction)
• Participation in team meetings
• Co-presenting to, or co-leading a discussion with relevant host institution employees 
• Co-instruction, or co-facilitation of workshops 
• Collaboratively working on a project
• Participating in outreach activities 

Expectations 

Pre-Residency

• Selecting the date (or range of possible dates) and times for the experience (minimum 8 hours, including an appropriate amount of times for breaks) 
• Creating a collaborative experience for participants, including identifying the activities and staff member(s) to facilitate 
• Communicating with participants regarding any relevant accommodations needed during the residency (ex. dietary requirements, particular needs for scheduling of breaks,…).
  • Ensure you communicate:
    • Schedule for the day, including start and end times
    • Location information, particularly where to report when you arrive for the day
    • Parking or transit information
    • Lunch information
    • Any additional requirements that may apply (ex. paperwork or registrations)
    • Clarification on dress code or expectations (ex. casual, business casual, business,…)

During the Micro-Residency 

• Actively engage with participants 
• Ensure participants are following the day’s itinerary and have enough information to find each activity (i.e. room numbers, staff names, etc.) 

After the Micro-Residency

• Complete post-residency questionnaire sent by AAAL
• Stay tuned for your invitation to present at the Fall AAAL meeting, and respond with your availability/unavailability as appropriate.

Sample Itinerary (Technician)

Sample Itinerary (Librarian)

Download these Host Guidelines as a PDF:

Pre-Residency

• Communicate with host regarding any relevant accommodations needed during the residency (ex. dietary requirements, particular needs for scheduling of breaks,…).
  • Ensure you have the following information:
    • Schedule for the day, including start and end times
    • Location information, particularly where to report when you arrive for the day
    • Parking or transit information
    • Lunch information
    • Any additional requirements that may apply (ex. paperwork or registrations)
    • Clarification on dress code or expectations (ex. casual, business casual, business,…)
• Plan to attend all activities scheduled throughout the day. One half-hour, and two 15 minute breaks will be scheduled for an 8 hour workday.
• Arrange travel and accommodation as needed. Save your receipts, if financial assistance from AAAL is required.
• Prepare any questions you’d like to ask (think about the different people you will be meeting and what you’d like to know about their work or experience). 

During the Micro-Residency

• Actively engage in the meetings and activities. Listen, ask questions, and participate as appropriate. 
• Limit personal calls/ communication to scheduled break times. 
• Take notes and, optionally, pictures (with consent)

After the Micro-Residency

• Send cards or emails to hosts as notes of thanks and appreciation. 
• Complete post-residency questionnaire sent by AAAL
• Stay tuned for your invitation to present at the Fall AAAL meeting, and respond with your availability/unavailability as appropriate.