The Digital Scholarship Centre is an academic centre designed to facilitate scholarly activities, including research and teaching. For more information on the types of meetings and events we support, see our Space Booking Policies below. We reserve the right to decline booking requests that do not fit our present booking policies.
The following spaces are available to be booked:
NOTE: The Visualization Lab and the Multipurpose must be booked 24 hours in advance. If you have an urgent booking need, please contact us at dsc.library@ualberta.ca
Visualization Lab
The Visualization Lab features a large 7.3m x 1.4m touch-capable visualization wall. It includes cameras and microphones for video conferencing or presentations.
(Room capacity: 40 people)
Multipurpose Room
The Multipurpose Room is a large flexible classroom with furniture that can be rearranged easily. It includes 4 large screens that can be used to present simultaneously.
(Room capacity: 24 people)
Recording Booth
The recording booth fits 2 people and features equipment to support sound capture. For editing, please book a computer. Staff are able to provide a short orientation of the recording booth.
The VR Studio
The VR studio uses an HTC Vive headset to provides a virtual reality environment for research, learning and creative purposes. Please contact us to learn more about the experiences and programs available.
Spaces – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following FAQ applies to bookings of the Visualization Lab and Multipurpose room in the DSC.
Can we bring in catering?
Yes, but please clean up after yourself. You are responsible for receiving catering in our facility. Our address is 2-20 Cameron Library, 11231 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J8. If the DSC team is not able to reach the person making the booking within 15 minutes, we will be required to send catering back.
Can you train us on the technology in the room?
Yes, but we encourage testing before the event. The DSC team will not be present for troubleshooting technical difficulties.
Can we practice in the room beforehand?
Absolutely! We encourage testing prior to your booking, as we cannot guarantee that the room will be available immediately before your event. Simply let us know in advance!
Can we do webinars and video-conferencing in the DSC?
Yes, each room is equipped with two cameras and overhead microphones. We have 2 platforms available for video-conferencing in our large teaching spaces: Zoom, and Google Hangouts. We cannot support requests for the installation of additional software at this time. The DSC does not have generic accounts to share. Please create appropriate accounts for video conferencing.
Do the rooms have microphones?
Yes, the Visualization Lab and Multipurpose room have built-in microphones in the ceiling. We also have handheld mics (one for each room) and one lapel microphone, just ask at the service desk.
Do you have additional auxiliary speakers for use during events?
No. The DSC has excellent sound system built into the rooms.
Can we reserve space outside of regular business hours?
No, we cannot accommodate requests before 9 am, including accessing the facility for set up. Individuals leading events that go past 4 pm will be instructed on how to exit the DSC after hours.
Can we bring supplies in early before setting up and/or temporarily leave supplies after we’re done tearing down?
No, as the DSC cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Can we hang posters on the walls?
Generally yes, but please check with a staff member about your specific needs.
Will you promote our event for us?
The DSC’s mandate is to provide the space. Individuals and groups making use of the DSC facility are responsible for the communication and promotion of their own activities.
Space Booking Policies
Access to the collaboration rooms is currently limited to faculty, graduate students, University staff, and other researchers only.
Requests for use of space by alumni, visiting scholars, community partners, Edmonton educational institutions, and members of the general public will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The Digital Scholarship Centre is governed by the University of Alberta Library Community Expectations.
We are able to support:
- Research, research group meetings, and research team events, such as launch celebrations, lectures, and showcases.
- Workshops related to using technology.
- Group work and group projects for graduate students.
- Recording videos, podcasts, or presentations.
- Testing the space and technology before a planned event.
- Consultations with librarians, researchers, staff, and other University of Alberta community members.
- Graduate student group meetings, events, and activities.
We cannot accommodate:
- Recurring classroom lectures or seminars; please book a regular classroom space for course instruction.
- Silent individual or group study.
- Administrative, committee, or governance meetings.
- Recurring meetings related to the curriculum, staff development, or faculty retreats.
- Students Union group or club meetings.
- Conference organizing service requests.
- Requests for events that fall outside of regular operating hours.