Learning from the Commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

1. Learning from the Commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Crit Stuart TRLN 2005 Winter Conference

2. Learning from the Commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Stimulus • Reorganize and consolidate public services • Install an information / learning commons in collaboration with OIT

4. Learning from the commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation

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7. Learning from the commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Staffing the Commons 8 am– midnighton floor of commons • 2 flavors of OIT student assistants working 6000 hours • 2 OIT staff hire, train, manage, teach & trouble-shoot

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11. Learning from the commons:Experiments 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 commons:Experiments 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

14. Learning from the commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Staffing the Commons Consolidated information services desk • library professionals 8:00 a. – 9:00 p. • paraprofessionals (1st shift & weekends) • hybrid staff (2nd & 3rd shifts & weekends)

16. Learning from the commons:Experiments 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 commons:Experiments 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

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19. Learning from the commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation Consultation cubicles reserved by teaching assistants impromptu use by reference staff

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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

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23. Learning from the commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Alternative uses of facility • gaming nights • movies (student made and commercial) • improv theater • a capella groups

24. Learning from the commons:Experiments 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 commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Assessment • <Feedback button> • focus groups • detailed pop-up surveys (annual) • reaction / feedback from visitors • Steelcase study of campus watering holes • annual report card by Library / OIT

27. Learning from the commons:Experiments 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 commons:Experiments in collaboration and transformation Faculty reactions • expect us to teach technology skills • expect to hold classes in commons • endorse TA’s embedded in “common ground” of Library • growing appreciation for multimedia projects

29. Learning from the commons:Experiments 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 • today’s multimedia is tomorrow’s 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 • it’s 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

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