On November 13, 2006 Perry Willett from the University of Michigan visited McMaster’s libraries. He gave two presentations on digitization and the Google project. PDF’s of his presentations can be found at:
Last year the library acquired a rare first edition of Isaac Newton’s Opticks, published in 1704, as our 2 millionth volume. On Monday the library and our partners will launch an innovative new “reusable learning object”, an interactive web-based application, that introduces students to Newton and his work. It can be found on the web at: http://www.ltrc.mcmaster.ca/newton/
The project is a partnership between faculty in Arts and Sciences, the Learning Technology Resource Center, and the library. It is a model for our transformation in that it:
I’m very pleased that we were a part of this and look forward to partnering with other faculty on campus on similar projects.
It’s been too long since my last post!
On Thursday I had the pleasure of speaking for the ACRL Fall Virtual Institute. I was the framing speaker for the event, which included a number of emerging technologies. While I’m very interested in what these technologies can do I’m also interested in promoting good instructional design so that these technologies can be directly linked to learning outcomes for our students. Therefore, my presentation was on applying instructional design philosophies and methodologies to projects in our libraries. My presentation is attached to this post at http://ulatmac.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/acrl-fall-institute-2.pdf
The Thode Library at McMaster is on the capital campaign for renovation. Below is the first draft of our case statement for the new Learning Commons @ Thode. I welcome comment from the community!
Learning Commons @ Thode inquire. discover. learn
At McMaster we celebrate inquiry and discovery in all areas, but most importantly in our teaching and learning activities. The University Library recently opened the Mills Learning Commons, a vibrant, student-centred learning space that supports learning and research through the use of information resources and information technology. There has been a tremendous response to this new space, and it is exciting to see students actively engage in the learning process in new ways.
Building on the success of the Mills model, we envision the creation of a learning space that will enhance student learning as well as create new knowledge about teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the most innovative academic space in Canada the learning commons will bring together librarians and other teaching and learning professionals in a single facility. The learning commons will:
The Learning Commons will be constructed on the 1st and 2nd levels of the H. G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering and will feature:
§ computer workstations with a robust suite of productivity applications, multimedia applications and specialized science & engineering products such as Matlab and Maple
§ powered tables and wireless access for laptops
§ studio, modeling and workshop space (physical and virtual)
§ electronic classrooms with laptops, moveable seating, video conferencing and streaming, and other advanced learning technologies
§ collaborative study rooms for group work
§ whiteboards & interactive touch screens to promote engagement
§ expert help (research help, IT help, writing workshops, academic counselling)
§ services for students with disabilities; adaptive software & equipment
§ a café to encourage social interaction
Construction costs are estimated at approximately $3 million. We hope you will consider designating your gift to the Learning Commons at Thode Library. Your generosity will enhance the learning experience of all McMaster students, particularly those in science and engineering, and will make a significant contribution to their academic success at McMaster and beyond.
Two important new reports were issued within the last few days:
The first, Using Digital Images in Teaching and Learning: Perspectives from Liberal Arts Institutions, was issued by Weslyan University and the National Institute for Technology and Liberal Education. It addresses a number of issues including image sources and searching, use, technology and tools, support, teaching and learning, and training/support.
It is evident that the faculty members surveyed are excited about using digital images but find barriers to their use. Among the issues cited were:
-lack of knowledge (tools and how to use them);-
-lack of understanding of the impact on teaching and learning;
-lack of support (IT, library, curriculum developers);
-lack of adequate facilities (classrooms that support use of technology);
-lack of equipment (personal and classroom);
-lack access to collections (personal and licensed);
-lack an understanding of copyright issues;
The faculty were clearly interested in the use of digital images and recognize the transformative effect they can have on their teaching and on student learning outcomes. However, they were also clearly frustrated by a lack of institutional support. Their recommendation: institutional preparedness.
The second, To Stand the Test of Time: Long-term Stewardship of Digital Data Sets in Science and Engineering, is a report to the National Science Foundation from an Association of Research Libraries workshop on data stewardship. It addresses a number of issues including infrastructure, partnership models, and sustainability.
The report recommends that NSF should
-”facilitate the establishment of a sustainable framework for the long-term stewardship of data” with input from multiple stakeholders;
-“fund projects that address issues concerning ingest, archiving, and reuse of data by multiple communities”;
-“foster the training and development of a new workforce in data science”; and
-“support the development of usable and useful tools”.
Of particular note: “universities have played a leadership role in the advancement of knowledge and shouldered substantial responsibility for the long-term preservation of knowledge through university libraries. An expanded role for some research and academic libraries, along with other partners, in digital data stewardship is a topic for critical debate and affirmation.”
Both of these documents should be read in conjunction with the ACLS and NSF reports on cyberinfrastructure.
