academic libraries as makerspace: engaging students in the creating of new knowledge
TRANSCRIPT
Academic Libraries as Makerspace:
Engaging students in the creation of
new knowledge
Kathlin L. RayUniversity of Nevada, RenoNov. 11-13, 2014
• Tier One* land grant university
• 19,000 students
• 4 libraries• Knowledge Center
• DeLaMare Science & Engineering
• Savitt Medical
• Basque Studies
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
*US News & World Report 2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
[Note: Originally the heart of campus, the historic quad remains the traditional setting for Commencement activities, and provides a pleasant place for picnics, concerts, and quiet reflection. Since 1987, the University of Nevada, Reno Quadrangle has been listed as a "Jeffersonian academic village" on the National Register of Historic Places, as the campus core follows Thomas Jefferson's design for the University of Virginia Lawn. The lovely, giant elm trees were planted in 1908. ]
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
[note: The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, above, was built in 2008 at the center of campus, and along with the Crowley Student Union. The library is the new heart of the campus.]
What is a makerspace, anyway?
Four types• FabLabs• Hackerspaces• TechShops• Makerspaces
Fab Labs
Hackerspaces
Makerspaces
UNR’s DeLaMare Library was named one of the Most Interesting Makerspaces
in America. Make Magazine Aug/Sept 2014
Maker space = maker culture
• Values inclusiveness
• Provides access to tools / resources
• Supports open source
• Fosters collaboration
• Champions innovation
• Facilitates sharing of knowledge / skills
• Promotes hands-on learning and DIY
Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center
“A pioneering information environment designed to nurture creativity and stimulate
intellectual inquiry.”
“The single greatest intellectual force and competitive advantage in the 21st century is the rapid assimilation of new knowledge to fuel innovation…”
Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center
Vision
“New knowledge, applied to existing tasks, results in increased productivity; new knowledge applied to new challenges and tasks is fundamental to innovation…”
Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center
Vision, contd
“Recognizing this critical interplay between knowledge and innovation,
UNR has established one of the first centers in the nation
built specifically to embrace these dynamics of the 21st century.”
Steve Zink, former VPITUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center
Vision, contd
Let’s look inside…
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Encourage collaboration and conversation
Photo by Tod Colegrove: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/
Lego Mindstorms, Arduinos, etc
DeLaMare photo credits, Nick Crowl and Tod Colegrove
DeLaMare photo credits, Nick Crowl and Tod Colegrove
Paint walls on every floor with whiteboard paint
and have a whiteboard wall contest!
3D printing service
1) Stratasys uPrint SE Plus
2) NextEngine 3D Scanner
Photos by Nick Crowl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/
Printing - paper or plastic?
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Ben King, Chemistry faculty
“one of the very hard things about
teaching chemistry is explaining
that molecules have shape. This
basically removes that obstacle ...
so it will change how we teach
chemistry and how we look at
molecules on a daily basis. It's
also just plain fun."
Photo by Tod Colegrove:
Photo of King by Jason Hildago from Engadget:http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/reshaping-universities-through-3d-printing/
Pavel Solin, applied mathematics
PLaSMRetrieved from: http://hpfem.org/~pavel/
Online STEM lab: https://nclab.com/
Photo by Tod Colegrove: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/
Patrick, marketing + psychology (minor)
Heather, math education + tutor
Photo by Nick Crowl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstl_unr/
“I think 3D printing is awesome. Now if I can’t find a [math educational] resource, I can just make one.”
It’s not about the 3D printer.
Tod Colegrove, head of DeLaMare Library
Tara Radniecki, Engineering Librarian
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Photo credits, Nick Crowl
Chrissy Klenke, Map and Geoscience Librarian
Nick Crowl, IT Tech & DataWorks manager
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Erich Purpur GIS Librarian
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
Photo credit, Nick Crowl
It’s all about engagement
Start with low tech maker breaks
Button makers =unbelievably popular!
Hold a paper airplane contest
Culture shift
Extraordinary people required
It’s okay to fail. Expect to.
“The academic library’s shift
from a repository of collections
to a catalyst for discovery and creation is now happening across the globe.
More than ever, libraries are essential
as the place where people,
knowledge, and research intersect to tackle our world’s greatest challenges.”
4 Ways Academic Libraries Are Adapting For The Future, Fast Company, Oct. 2014
Questions?