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

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

Learning from the commons: experiments in collaboration and transformation

Learning from the Commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

Learning from the commons: Experiments 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

Learning from the commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

Learning from the Commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

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

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

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 (1 st shift & weekends) ► hybrid staff (2 nd & 3 rd shifts & weekends)

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

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

Learning from the Commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Learning from the commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation Reinventing the academic library ► 1 st phase in “library for learning” ► redefine staff roles and skill sets ► consolidate service points

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

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 – “subversively” ► provide informed technical assistance at point-of-need ► accelerate creation of tutorials & learning objects

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

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)

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

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

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

Learning from the commons: Experiments in collaboration and transformation