Evn though this article is about a high school classroom in Michigan, I think we should take a look at the kinds of technologies that htey are incorporating here and see how they might apply to our environment. Bloomfield Hills school links students to high-tech learning - 8/8/05
posted by Laura @ Friday, August 12, 2005
1 comments
Posted for Suzanne Ferimer:
Ms. Burdiss,
I was very interested to learn, from a Blog I ran across, that there is a discussion on either a new library or renovating the Dawes Library. I am a librarian and an MC graduate and don't remember seeing anything, about a new library for the college, in any of the materials I received. I visited the Dawes Library last fall and the Library had changed very little from the time I graduated in 1968. I see that the questions being asked in the Blog are the same ones we encountered when we began our plans to renovate the M.D. Anderson Library, here at the University of Houston. From my experience with the $45 million renovation and the years I have been a librarian, I would like to make a few suggestions.
First I highly recommend small & large group study/meeting rooms. It has been shown that students who study in small groups tend to learn & retain more information. Also in each of these study/meeting rooms there should be access to either wireless internet or an Ethernet connection. I would suggest that each of the rooms have an entire whiteboard wall and another wall where materials could be displayed, i.e. corkboard. I have seen such rooms and the students love them.
There was something about laptops. Our library checks out laptops for use in the library and this is a very popular service. Also, a student should be able to sit down in the library, at a computer station or with a lap top, and research a topic using databases, internet resources, WebCT, etc. then type the information and be able to e-mail it to a faculty member or themselves, print it, or save it to a disk.
I would recommend sofas, easy chairs, tables & chairs, carrels, in other words a variety of furnishings. because students have different comfort levels while studying. I also think that certain areas can and should be designated as quiet study areas.
I feel that the library should have at least one classroom that has computers and an LCD projector available for library instruction.
There was something about getting the faculty to use the library. I was recently at a meeting, which included faculty from the sciences, fine arts & humanities, and social sciences. I expected to hear that what they wanted from a library would differ a great deal, depending on their discipline, and was surprised the find that they all wanted materials available to them at their desk and didn't want to have any trouble "downloading", i.e. not getting the article they wanted in just a few clicks. Also, a librarian took issue when one of the faculty commented he never went to the library anymore, he just got his articles on-line. This librarian pointed out, that yes he did go to the library for the article, although he didn't walk through the door, he went in through cyberspace and the library had what he wanted. So your faculty probably are using the library, they just aren't coming through the door.
I think Libraries are changing but will continue to be the academic center of the campus. If Marietta College does get a new library building, it should build one with the future in mind, because technology is changing at such a fast pace that the building planned for today may be out of date when it's finished tomorrow.
I look forward to hearing from you and will be very happy to help, in any way, to make sure a new or renovate library becomes a reality.
Suzanne Ferimer
SFerimer@uh.edu
Director of Learning Resources
Westin A. Pettey Library
College of Optometry
University of Houston
posted by Laura @ Thursday, August 04, 2005
0 comments
Peter Thayer, Reference and Access Librarian at the Dawes Memorial Library, has requested that I post this article by the Council on Library and Information Resources to the blog. I'd be interested in hearing how you think this applies or fails to appy to the Dawes Memorial Library.
posted by Laura @ Friday, May 13, 2005
0 comments
Posted for Cathy Mowrer:
I have not been able to participate in many of the library
discussions due to class and observation conflicts. I would like to
attend tomorrow's meeting because I have strong feelings about
utilizing the library as a hub for learning. In thinking about what I
have seen in other libraries, or media centers, I thought I would share
one university library that has some similarities to ours. The library
at the University of Hawaii is comparable in age and structure to our
own Dawes Library. It also houses documents that are part of the
special collections for the Hawaiian culture. While I have not visited
this institution for over 12 years, I still remember the engaging
environment that it provided. In perusing the website, I also found
that they have changed the computer lab to a project oriented
environment, are currently housing the campus newspaper department
there, have a music collection and audiovisual center. Art is
displayed to provide students and the community with opportunities to
exhibit their work, while also enhancing the aesthetic environment of
the library from within.
I know that this library is not an example of those on "the cutting
edge of technology and learning centers". Still, I think it is
comparable to our library and provides an example of how to utilize
what you have to create an engaging environment without bulldozing the
entire structure. I have provided an internet site if you are
interested in getting a glimpse of what they offer. I'm sorry to admit
that the site is not to be commended for providing pictures and
examples of the library's offerings. I hope my input provides some
food for thought and has value. I hope to be in attendance tomorrow to
express my thoughts and eat the dessert. Thank you.
Cathy Mowrer
http://www.hawaii.edu/library
posted by Laura @ Tuesday, November 16, 2004
0 comments
Angela Burdiss' recently asked colleges similar to ours about the combining the library and other student services. Here are those responses.
Defiance
Defiance just tried this--moved our tutoring/writing center into the library
in order to increase traffic. But it was done so recently that we don't
have statistics compiled yet on the effectiveness. We had a welcome party
for them on Oct. 6, so the move was a few days before that.
Later in the semester when we have compiled the body count stats, we might
be able to tell you whether it increased from last year for this month.
Ohio Dominican
Our building really is a busy cluster containing all of what you mentioned. In this place we have:
- A Coffee Shop
- Our Academic Resource Center (ARC) and their Writing & Math Labs
- The Campus IS Department and their Computer Helpdesk
- The Center for Instructional Technology (CIT) and their Multimedia
Center (MMC)
- The Education Division
- Four classrooms with regularly scheduled classes
- An office for the person on campus in charge of Service-Learning
- The University Archives (for which the library does not hold
responsibility)
The design for this building (construction completed in 1971) did
originally include space for library, A/V, and the Education division.
One of the big donors for the building had two daughters here -- the
library director and an education professor. My *hunch* tells me this
is why the two were lumped together. All faculty and staff with offices
in this building have 24/7 access to the building through one door using
their campus ID card (this is electronically monitored by our security
department). Once inside they have nearly full access to the library
collections and IS computers since they are mostly in open space areas.
For the most part all these departments get along okay except for an
occassional turf war (not unlike other places on campus). Every once in
a great while we have had troubles with faculty members who keep an item
in their office without checking it out. I can recall only one instance
of this happening in the time I've been here (about 7 years). We
generally have good relations with our building mates and I think
everyone understands the library staff's concerns regarding the removal
of items from the collections.
We seem to constantly remodel around here! For about 10 years
(1994-2003) the library really did lose out on a lot of space as
departments like IS and ARC moved in and computer classrooms were built.
However, I have always thought that the original building plan was too
big of a library for this small campus. This past summer we re-arranged
some space and the library actually did not get the short end of the
stick (for once).
Just recently I discussed with the VP to whom I report my wishes for the
building since our campus is growing and changing quite rapidly. My
number one unit to remove from the building is the Education division.
Number two would be to remove the classrooms. Here's my reasoning why
-- the education faculty offices are the most dissimilar from the
others. I actually like having our computer helpdesk, the ARC, and CIT
here because I think we compliment each other in providing academic
*SUPPORT* to either faculty/staff or students. I have nothing against
the Education division; I just think they fit better in a location where
there are other faculty offices. The library could really use more
space both for our collections and group study rooms (which we do not
have currently).
I want to change our two computer classrooms into four training labs
that library, IS, CIT, or even ARC could use. Holding regularly
scheduled classes in this building forced us to open earlier (7:30 a.m.)
so that students and and non-building faculty could get to their
classroom before class started on weekdays. Also, as classes are
dismissed, the whole building is very noisy place. The number one
complaint I receive (almost weekly) is that the building is too noisy
and there isn't anywhere to study.
Otterbein
A. If you have recently underwent a renovation or building project,
could you provide any of the following information including how
extensive your project was.
The college enclosed the "front porch" of our building this summer and
built 4 classrooms and a coffee shop. While there have been some
adjustments to make it all is working fairly well. People seem to
really enjoy having the coffee shop in the library. We have revised our
food and drink policies so that people can now legally eat and drink in
the building.
B. If you have added a teaching/ learning center, did that have any
effect on library usage. Where is your teaching/ learning center? Is
it in the library?
A number of years ago, the college Academic Support Center was added to
the 2nd floor of our library. The biggest problem was the space they
took for this, since it was a very popular place for people to study.
Basically we lost all of our large group study rooms and two "alcoves"
that had a number of study tables. The Math Lab and Writing Center have
had a significant increase in usage (since they are much more visible in
their present location in the library) and we have noticed that students
often do research in the library, get help from the librarians and then
have the tutors in the writing center help them finalize their papers.
It has created a sort of "one stop shopping" arrangement, with the help
the students need in close proximity to one another. I would say that
despite the early problems with space issues, that having the learning
center in the library has been a very positive thing.
Two years ago the college started a teaching and learning center for the
faculty. This is also in the library. The Center for Teaching and
Learning and the Library had cooperated on events, etc. and we have a
great working relationship.
1. Any data that provides concrete evidence of increased usage of the
library following the renovation.
None yet, the new area just opened in September and the coffee shop
didn't open until mid October.
2. Any testimonials (or concrete data) about increased usage of the
library by adding a teaching learning center, IT help, or a Writing
Center or similar services.
Don't have any reliable way to do this, especially since classrooms were
added to the building at the same time as the Writing and Math Labs. So
it is hard to say.
However, I know that the Writing Center/Math Lab personnel feel their
numbers are up since the move.
3. Any data or testimonials about how renovating the library/learning
center may have increased or helped with recruitment.
The coffee shop may have an impact on recruitment (who knows!?); the
Academic Support staff reported that the numbers of students with
learning disabilities are up, but don't know if that has anything to do
with the space in the library.
posted by Laura @ Tuesday, November 16, 2004
2 comments
Some good ideas for getting online interactive training going and using games to create engaging learning spaces. Using Online Interaction to Break Your Addiction to Classroom Training
posted by Laura @ Tuesday, October 26, 2004
0 comments
Here is the approach that Penn is taking. This link was sent to us by Pat Willis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. http://www.library.upenn.edu/portal/opportunities/
posted by Laura @ Tuesday, October 26, 2004
0 comments
Architect/ Consultant Meetings with Student Groups
August 18, 2004
Combined three Groups of Student Leadership (7 students) (2 Students) ( 5 students)
Meetings were facilitated by Peter Genovese, Jim Edwards and Jim Butz. Angela Burdiss, Interim Librarian, observed the meetings.
How does the library work for you and what would you change?
• Most domestic students have their own computer. Most international students don’t have a personal computer
• Need computers on every floor
• Students want more connectivity - need wired ports to plug in personal laptops
• There is confusion among students about the College’s technology capabilities and wireless access
• Library is not a good reading environment – light and noise
• Not enough group study rooms – the environment can be noisy
• Lighting not good, rather dingy
• Need rooms with overhead projection to practice presentations; the longer you are at the campus the more group projects you have so group study rooms and projection practice space is important.
• Computers in library are prohibitively slow
• Gov docs should be all together. Hard to find
• Political Science uses Gov docs
• Gov docs would be used more if available on-line
• Business students like to use the Library
• Need more light; like a dungeon
• Library is an ugly building
• There are lots of assignments that need the databases and resources of the library, would stay if it was nicer inside.
• I love it I use it all the time. I have a table that myself and a friend use and we spend hours there. The librarians give us lots of assistance. I have to hide my coffee. If you study there you need to have caffeine or food. They should allow us to bring it in.
• Need more comfortable chairs
• The Library provides plenty of space to spread out for hours of study
• The Library is a good place to study because fellow students aren’t wasting time playing and instant messaging one another
• There’s no pictures or maps on the walls, it’s like cement or brick. Very cold feeling.
• There isn’t anyone in the library
• There aren’t any librarians but rather there are students at night to help. Need more help.
• Some older students mentor freshman on their study habits and in use of library resourses.
• The library is one of the quiet environments on campus so it can be a good place to study.
• Love the laptops….more laptops!
• Library is great.
• I use the library for its resources and databases.
• I get books. I read a lot and find what I need there.
• Temperature needs to be regulated, too cold, too hot, etc.
• Make the library bigger, more resources, materials, more comfortable. No one goes there because it is like a dungeon.
• Need a document delivery system that is fast. Would pay for it if required.
• Book collection organization is confusing
• Need to understand better how to use the library. Can’t always find things that are there. At night no one but students to help in evening.
• All students pass through a freshman communication class and learn how to use software and equipment. Some students don’t retain this information or need more advanced assistance
Where do you study?
• Go to commons rooms or in dormitories
• Study in our rooms
• Gathering place doesn’t draw except for a specific special event. It’s facing the wrong way; too far to walk, too large
• There is no center, no cool place to hang on campus.
• Gilman doesn’t serve as a hang out.
• Convenience is important
• Career Center is not used much except at very specific points in your college career
• A pub on campus would be nice
• Labs in the Science Center are amazing
What’s your favorite place on campus?
• Not library too depressive
• No real place to be.
• Outside in the green areas
• Our rooms
• McCoy is great
What are the highlights of a campus tour?
• McCoy Hall
• The building with arches
• People ask a lot about technology (Mills is so ugly the lab is not an attraction)
• Library is seldom on tour except in passing – its considered the ugly building on campus
• The campus core is the least attractive (Library and Gilman)
What do you like and dislike about Gilman Student Center?
• There is no place to hang out
• The Place should be at Gilman
• Can’t eat outside at Gilman Dining Hall – you can using Gilman Express or Izzy’s
• The queuing line from Gilman Express extends to the mailboxes and limits mail access
• Mailboxes are unsecured – concerns about lost mail
• The Career Center is underutilized during most days. Most students use it for short periods of time. The Center could be relocated elsewhere to make more space available for students
Why did you come to Marietta?
• Outside environment (inside not so great)
• Size
• College really grows on you
• You have to put something into it to get something back
• Faculty interaction a key reason; has not disappointed me
• A high school teacher I had raved about the school
Did the College meet your expectations for the college?
• Expectations were met or exceeded for campus environment
• Expectations were met or exceeded for academics – specifically the linking of coursework, hand-on experiences and internship opportunities
• Students had differing opinions about relationships. Some felt their relationships with faculty and fellow students were what they expected. Others were disappointed, particularly with the way students don’t hang out on campus.
• One felt especially that Geology department and its opportunities to study or for trips was the reason he has been satisfied at the college
Other comments
• Drinking occurs because there is nothing else to do.
• A cyber café, with high quality coffee would be well received by students
• Need late night food options
• Protect outdoor campus green space
• Herman Fine Arts is used by most students. Most students take a class and attend performances
posted by Laura @ Monday, October 25, 2004
0 comments
I enjoyed this blog entry, which gave a truly balanced view of blogs:" both the good and the bad. I wonder which way this will work out for me? Probably some entirely different way. :-) Weblogg-ed - Using Weblogs and RSS in Education :
However, I've got to agree with the student's comments on the blog vs. a discussion board. I think that the discussion tool may be much better suited for a lively conversation, while a blog would be most useful for professional reflection and development. I know it's certainly helped me to think about my instruction a lot more.
posted by Laura @ Monday, October 18, 2004
0 comments
A place for continued conversation about proposed renovations to the Dawes Memorial Library at Marietta College.
When I'm not working, I enjoy reading. Right now I'm working on Flow and A Brief History of God . I just got Flow and am looking forward to reading it. You can check out what I'm reading on Goodreads. Oh, and I also enjoy puns...the worse, the better.
