Presentation by Lee van Orsdel

The Exceptional Academic Library
Lee C. Van Orsdel, Dean of University Libraries
A Presentation for the University of North Dakota
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social
integrative
collaborative
playful
A Culture of Learning
Johanna Drucker, “The University as a Fully Integrated and Distributed Platform,” Portal 1, 3 (July 2014), 325-328.
learner autonomy
problem solving
active participant in own
learning
collaborative thinking
peer-to-peer
individual, not entire class
Student-Centered Learning
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/studetn-centered-learning; accessed 2/7/15
How do we design libraries
to support and encourage
deeper, more engaged
learning?
Enrich student experience
Encourage gathering
Facilitate collaboration
Expand UND’s presence
Enhance quality of life
The Living Room
1. Make it about
the students
Know them
skills required in assignments?
help-seeking behaviors?
what do they bring with them?
particular needs of grad students
rhythm of their days/semesters?
what makes them efficient,
comfortable?
what empowers them?
align library with their preferred environments
students helping students
few signs
implied permissions
different postures
food | Comfort
power outlets
places to put their stuff
contemplative spaces
comfortable seating for long sessions
noise system to reduce sound
collaborative spaces
portable tables & whiteboards
noise system to encourage sound
bright colors, lots of light
Photo credit: Steelcase Corporation
whiteboard ‘rooms’
technology
outdoor spaces
Photo credit: James Haefner; Architect: Stantec
2. Give them tools
to manage their
own learning
Knowledge Market
peer consultant program
Knowledge Market Partnerships
software
writing, research, speech consultants
shared commons 4-11 pm, S-Th
shared scheduling and assessment
cross training
students run service with faculty oversight
Peer Consultants
training, feedback
leadership, professional development
resume-worthy experience
the knowledge market
the learn lab
3. Make Learning
Visible
GVSU café
4. Inspire
Engage
Energize
400+ works of art
Engage!
Learning Alcove
Digital Content
Diversity
Exhibition Room
Exhibits
Small Lectures
Movie Events
Study Area
Wicked library
design problems
Collections
footprint
compromise
&
150,000 on open
shelves
15,000 sq. ft.
600,000 in onsite
vault
3,500 sq. ft.
Roles of library staff
(distinguishing back of house from front of house)
Basic model from Steelcase Corporation
exceptional results
Some of the Institutions around the world
looking at new models of learning commons
Indiana University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University of Pittsburgh
Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
UC Berkeley
UC Riverside
UC San Francisco Medical
American University
Emory University
Notre Dame
Nova Southeastern
University of Kansas Medical
Brigham Young
University of Louisville
University of Michigan
William and Mary
University of Copenhagen
Fundacao Dom Cabral (Brazil)
Monterrey Tech Univ. (Mexico)
2.1 million
4,833
overall average number in building per day
6,558
average number in building per day
during dead week and final exams
Resources & Readings
Drucker, J. “The University as a Fully Integrated and Distributed Platform,” Portal 1, 3
(July 2014), 325-328.
*Garrison, J. (2011). What do we do now?: A case for abandoning yesterday and making the
future. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 51(1), 12-14.
Miller, K. “Imagine! On the Future of Teachning and Learning and the Academic Research
Library,” portal, 14, 3 (2014), 329-351.
*O’Kelly, M., Garrison, J., Merry, B., & Torreano, J. (2015). Building a peer-learning service for
students in an academic library. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 15(1), 163-182.
*Schendel, E., Garrison, J., Johnson, P., & Van Orsdel, L. (2013). Making noise in the library:
Designing a student learning environment to support liberal education. In R. G. Carpenter (Ed.)
Cases on Higher Education Spaces: Innovation, Collaboration, and Technology. (pp. 290-312).
Hershey: IGI Global.
*Sheehan, L. (2011). Re-inventing reference In Declaration of Interdependence: The
proceedings of the ACRL 2011 Conference, March 30-April 2, 2011, Philadelphia, PA. Edited by
D. M. Mueller. Association of College and Research Libraries: Chicago.
*pertains to GVSU library
The Exceptional Academic Library
Lee C. Van Orsdel, Dean of University Libraries
A Presentation for the University of North Dakota