Learning from the Commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

1
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
Crit Stuart TRLN 2005 Winter Conference
2
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Stimulus
• Reorganize and consolidate public services
• Install an information / learning commons in
  collaboration with OIT

3
(No Transcript)
4
Learning from the commons experiments in
collaboration and transformation
5
(No Transcript)
6
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
7
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Staffing the Commons
• 8 am midnight on floor of commons
• 2 flavors of OIT student assistants
• working 6000 hours
• 2 OIT staff hire, train, manage, teach
  trouble-shoot

8
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
9
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
10
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
11
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Multimedia is the future
• 22 Mac G-5s . . . need to double
• lots of media editing tools
• terabyte server for project storage
• home base for clubs and competition
• projection system surrounded by art

12
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Multimedia is the future
• immense demand for skills assistance
• students seeking the edge
• staff intervention customized to need
• increasing demand for short classes
• faculty abandon entire classes to us

13
(No Transcript)
14
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Staffing the Commons
• Consolidated information services desk
• library professionals 800 a. 900 p.
• paraprofessionals (1st shift weekends)
• hybrid staff (2nd 3rd shifts weekends)

15
(No Transcript)
16
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Hybrid Library staff
• (Information Associates)
• 3 grade levels
• Provide reference and technology support
• Pay 5000 higher than paraprofessionals

17
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Use of facility
• 104 sx280 PCs 22 Mac G-5s
• 160 applications on image
• 10 scanning stations
• 800,000 print jobs per year (all free)
• 3,200 hours per machine
• 3,000,000 logins per year

18
Learning from the CommonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation
19
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Consultation cubicles
• reserved by teaching assistants
• impromptu use by reference staff

20
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation
21
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Presentation rehearsal studio
• reserved via student portal
• 800 reservations in 7 months
• replicates best technology in classrooms
• records sessions to streaming server
• capacity 13

22
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation
23
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Alternative uses of facility
• gaming nights
• movies (student made and commercial)
• improv theater
• a capella groups

24
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Commons Advisory board
• 2 Library 3 OIT reps
• policy, staffing, funding refreshment of
  equipment software, customer complaints
• changes vetted with staff
• memo of understanding

25
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Assessment
• ltFeedback buttongt
• focus groups
• detailed pop-up surveys (annual)
• reaction / feedback from visitors
• Steelcase study of campus watering holes
• annual report card by Library / OIT

26
(No Transcript)
27
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Student reactions
• just-in-time assistance with complex software
• superb multimedia exhaustive software
• cool aesthetics see and be seen great
  hours comfort

28
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Faculty reactions
• expect us to teach technology skills
• expect to hold classes in commons
• endorse TAs embedded in common ground
• of Library
• growing appreciation for multimedia projects

29
Learning from the commonsExperiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Recognition
• best improvement at GT (2003)
• best computer lab at GT (2004)
• best place to study on campus (2004)
• increased Library attendance 90 in 24 months
• 275K refreshment of all technology (2005)

30
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Reinventing the academic library
• 1st phase in library for learning
• redefine staff roles and skill sets
• consolidate service points

31
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Reinventing the academic library
• one-stop shopping for students provides core
  services essential to survival
• accommodates individual and group work
• big opportunities to collaborate with logical
  partners

32
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

33
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• A community center for learning
• give enterprising students the edge
• enhance information competency subversively
• provide informed technical assistance at
  point-of-need
• accelerate creation of tutorials learning
  objects

34
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Leveraging technology
• just-in-time updates (better response
• to students needs)
• remodel IT support elsewhere on campus
• todays multimedia is tomorrows
• standard tool set
• experimenting with new applications (3-D)
• collaborate with departments for new software

35
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Leveraging technology
• individual massive file space
• provide tablet computers, laptops, digital
  cameras
• showcasing new technology for student purchase
  (coming)

36
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Innovative uses
• base for student- and faculty-sponsored events
• student and faculty showcase for best
  achievements (coming)
• presentation rehearsal space
• vendor sponsored demos and training
• freshman registration (PR)
• fun unexpected events games, movies, wacky
  decorations and after hour functions

37
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Issues in collaboration
• its an experiment !
• vision / mission / goals
• establishing a logical mix of collaborators
• trust, communication, melding customer service
  philosophies and cultures
• skill sets and performance expectations of staff
• job classification, pay scale, hiring

38
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation

• Issues in collaboration
• attracting new partners into the commons
• management / oversight
• informed, passionate leadership
• expert observation and commentary
• measurement / assessment
• repercussions on all library programming

39
Learning from the commons Experiments in
collaboration and transformation