Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Julia Zimmerman, Ohio University Crit Stuart, Georgia Tech CNI Fall 2004 Task Force Meeting, Portland, OR December 6, 2004

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Outline ► Our commons at a glance ► Reinventing the academic library ► A “community center for learning” ► Leveraging technology ► Innovative uses ► Issues in collaboration

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech’s general productivity center

Learning from the Commons Georgia T’ech’s general productivity center

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech’s general productivity center Specs: ► 70 PCs (SX280) 10 Macs (iMac G5’s) ► Printers: 5 black & white; 2 color; 50 free pages per week ► 150 applications on image ► Staffed 8 am – midnight w/ IT student asst ► Convenience network, power & wireless

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech’s multimedia center

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech‘s multimedia center Specs: ► 17 G 5’s and 5 SX280’s; all twin-head ► Rich mix of multimedia applications ► Staffed 8 am – midnight w/ IT full-time & student asst ► Assorted peripherals for conversion & special use

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech’s reserve-able teaching asst. stations for tutoring

Learning from the Commons Georgia Tech’s presentation rehearsal studio

Specs: ► Mimics classroom technology for seamless practice ► Students reserve 2-hour sessions via desktop link ► Digital camera records & posts to streaming server w/ link ed to student for 30-day retrieval

Learning from the Commons GT gaming night in the commons

Learning from the Commons Ohio University’s Computer Concourse

Specs: ► 80 Gateway E2000 PCs with 17” LCD monitors ► 5 networked black & white printers; 1 color ► 16 Gateway Solo 450 laptops ► 6 networked B&W printers, 1 color printer ► Wireless connectivity available ► Open round the clock Sun. AM-Thursday midnight; open ‘til midnight Thursday, 9PM Fri. and Sat. ► Late-nights & weekends staffed by trained paraprofessionals

Learning from the Commons Ohio University’s Reference/Instruction Desk

Learning from the Commons A group study room at OU’s Learning Commons

Learning from the Commons Multimedia Conference Room / Presentation Rehearsal Space at OU

Learning from the Commons Main service desk at OU’s Learning Commons

Learning from the Commons Multimedia Lab at OU’s Learning Commons

Learning from the Commons Ohio University’s multimedia lab Specs ► 6 Mac G5 multimedia workstations with scanners ► Rich mix of multimedia applications ► Staffed by one graduate assistant and several student assistants ► Scanners and other peripherals available

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Our commons at a glance: both include ► Collaboration between Library and IT ► Standard and multimedia workstations ► Well-trained staff on duty at all times ► Extended hours ► Tutoring ► Peripheral services ► A high profile on campus, resulting in recognition & awareness of the library

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation OU’s Learning Commons also includes ► Student Writing Center ► Adaptive Technology Room ► 8 group study rooms ► Self-service project room

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Coming soon to both facilities ► Further expansion into other areas of our libraries to incorporate additional workstations, study space, and other features ► Coffee shops

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Reinventing the academic library ► 1 st phase in transforming library for learning ► Opportunity to “de-silo” logical partners ► Redefine staff roles and skill sets ► Reduce and consolidate service points

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Reinventing the academic library ► One-stop shopping for students – provision of a suite of core services ► Accommodations for individual and group work ► Library has become a critical destination

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation A “community center for learning” ► Provide space for tutoring and mentoring activities (intentional and “gypsy”) ► Support student and faculty experimentation on new kinds of projects ► Relieve faculty & TAs from training, and raise bar on student outputs

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation A “community center for learning” ► Give enterprising students “the edge” ► Enhance information competency – sometimes “subversively” ► Provide informed technical assistance at point-of-need ► Enable creation of tutorials & learning objects

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Leveraging technology ► Just-in-time updates (greater responsiveness to students’ needs) ► Remodel IT support elsewhere on campus ► Today’s multimedia is tomorrow’s standard tool set ► Experimenting with new applications (3-D)

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Leveraging technology ► Make available temporary massive file space for individuals ► Provide off-the-shelf tools for a variety of needs (e.g. virtual meetings) ► Loan tablet computers, laptops, digital cameras, etc. ► Showcase new technology for student purchase

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Innovative uses of commons ► Base for student- and faculty-sponsored events ► Student and faculty gallery/showcase ► Presentation rehearsal space ► Vendor-sponsored demos and training ► Freshman registration (PR) ► Fun & unexpected events: games, movies, wacky decorations and “after hour” functions

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Issues in collaboration ► Important to establishing a logical mix of collaborators ► Collaborative development of vision / mission / goals essential ► Trust, communication, melding customer service philosophies and cultures is key, but takes time ► Skill sets and performance expectations of staff, job classification, pay scale, hiring – critical issues

Learning from the Commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation Issues in collaboration ► Attracting new elements into the commons ► Management / oversight ► Expert observation and commentary ► Repercussions on all library programming ► Measurement / assessment