The MSU Libraries has begun a multi-year process to develop a new space and service that will enable members of the MSU higher learning community to use cutting edge technologies to fuel interdisciplinary teaching, learning, research, and service.

 

Two years ago the Provost provided funding for a 3D printer and scanner.  Jan Johnson and other library faculty and staff members began exploring other newer technologies.  Last year, an HTC Vive virtual reality headset was introduced. This summer, the library purchased a Microsoft Hololens, a computer for AR/VR (augmented reality and virtual reality) development, and is working with Professor Anthony Clark from the Computer Science department to bring robots to the library.  Summer Innovation Grants have helped fund this early work.

Earlier in 2017 Jan met with Professor Clark about robots and robotics at MSU. He wondered why MSU didn’t have more interdisciplinary opportunities for students. His question got Jan wondering and investigating the idea of interdisciplinarity and emerging technologies. After examining what other universities are doing, she developed a high level concept and discussed it with Tom Peters, Dean of Library Services.  The idea was introduced to the library faculty and unit heads who saw the value in developing the space.  With Dean Peters’ approval, Jan did additional investigation, including a site visit in June to Georgia State University Libraries to look at their data visualization space.

What’s the status of the MSU project?

• We are assessing the best approach to providing interdisciplinary, tech-rich collaboration spaces to find the best-fit approach for MSU.
• We are working with Janene Proctor, Research Administration Specialist in the Office of Research Administration, and with the MSU Foundation to identify possible funding sources.
• We are engaging members of the MSU community to be part of the design process from the start.
• A working group is being formed.

Why is this project being undertaken?

• Interdisciplinary research/active learning
  • allows students and faculty from intersecting disciplines to look at data sets from new perspectives
  • increases workplace readiness by exposing students to language and ideas of other disciplines
  • increases learning through the use of concept bases instruction
  • reinforces learning through application of ideas to current issues and real life problems
  • enhances critical thinking skills
• Disruptive technological products are being developed and will be part of our lives in the very near future.
  • Students who attend schools with large funding are introduced to new technology during their academic career.  That access gives them advantages in the job market.
  • Disruptive technology introduces additional layers of complexity to how society functions and advances.  Many questions about the impact of the technology need to be asked and answered.
• Libraries are in an excellent position to provide:
  • Research assistance
  • Transliteracy instruction
  • Neutral spaces that are conducive to these types of activities
  • Shared, effective, and efficient use of limited resources

What will the space feature? 

• Neutral space for faculty to meet in order to:
  • develop cross-discipline curricula
  • build relationships among departments, which will dovetail with the liaison program being launched by the MSU Libraries this fall
  • hold open discussions
• Maker/group research/multi-media space
  • Provide access to emerging technologies in a maker/research space
  • Bring multiple disciplines together to discuss the larger social questions associated with new technologies (pro and con)
  • Space for intra/interdisciplinary group work
  • Multimedia space
  • Data visualization wall
• Scholar Studio
  • Experts in one or more areas present thoughts on current topics of interest
  • Panel discussions
  • Student presentations
  • Open discussions

We see this project as a game changer for the MSU Libraries and MSU.  We’re developing the space and services from the perspective of the Public Affairs Mission of MSU, by providing a space where people can become more informed about the changing social and technological landscape, look at current issues, acknowledge and discuss gnarly questions, and develop multi-disciplinary solutions to complex problems. This will be an open, collaborative, respectful space where new ideas and methods can sprout and grow.  It offers opportunities for professors to develop different instructional methods, enables students to work in cross-disciplinary teams, and provides deeper, active learning in areas that impact our lives in the 21st century.