March 10, 2005
GUESTS: Andrew Bonamici, Associate University Librarian for Instructional Services; JQ Johnson, Director, Center for Educational Technologies.
BUDGET
Deb provided some good news regarding the library's materials budget. The RAM (Resource Allocation Model) has been the model used by the UO to distribute general funds to schools and colleges for the last 7-8 years. This model has not worked well for the library and some colleges, so to correct those disparities the library may receive a correction, which will be used to support collections. The exact amount should be known during spring term. In addition, the UO's campaign is directing some of its contributions to the library also in support of collections.
CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES (CET)
JQ Johnson provided an overview of the library's Center for Educational Technologies. The CET was created in October 2004, combining FITT Center (faculty training and consulting), Blackboard (course management system), and Interactive Media Group (multimedia production). The CET's mission is to promote active learning through innovative use of technology, focusing on instruction. It has a budget of $510,000/year, with the majority of funding provided by Ed Tech fees.
CET provides consulting and training in:
-Blackboard
-Media production
-Software expertise, including Endnote, Mathtype, Softchalk Lessonbuilder
-Access to hardware for faculty, GTFs
The overall goal for Blackboard is to assist faculty to use it in discussion forums for collaborative learning, online quizzes, and assimilation. The library will be hiring a Blackboard Coordinator soon. JQ also added that more Blackboard training workshops will be provided.
The interactive media component of the CET provides expertise in multimedia production and user interface design. The focus is on instructional projects. There are typically 4-6 projects in progress. One of the projects the IM group has worked on is the website, Data for Local Communities. See http://libweb.uoregon.edu/dlc/
Deb asked the committee if their colleagues are aware of CET's services. Are there other services CET should offer? Several feel that many teaching faculty do not know about CET. Gina responded that she was not aware of slide scanning, which would be very useful to colleagues in her department. Helping faculty develop their web pages would be very helpful in recruiting students. There is a feeling that the university should provide this service and take a proactive role in assisting faculty and departments with generating and maintaining websites. It would be helpful if each department had a web design contact. Deb responded that the UO Web Design Group will be forming a committee in the future to address these kinds of issues. Another suggestion was to provide better technical support for Mac users. JQ responded that both the Computing Center Consulting and CET have Mac expertise. Also, the Yamada Language Center and the AAA Computing Operation are Mac-based.
The library is committed to making the CET a success and will be working on a marketing plan to help inform the faculty of its services. For more information on the Center for Educational Technologies, see http://libweb.uoregon.edu/cet/
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT
Classroom equipment has been an issue for years. Deb asked the ULC to comment on how they would like to see classrooms improved. Several suggestions were provided:
-Improve lighting controls for audiovisual presentations.
-Make sure all outlets work; increase the number to accommodate student computers.
-Label switches.
-Provide a laminated guide for basic trouble-shooting.
-Regularly clean whiteboards and chalkboards.
-Schedule rooms to accommodate the instructor's/class needs (e.g. equipment, # chairs, tables).
Andrew stated that the campus is implementing a new scheduling software program, Resource 25, which should help make scheduling classrooms easier and more efficient. The program will be able to keep track of each classroom's existing equipment, number of chairs, tables, etc. Instructors should be able to input their classroom criteria when requesting a room. There is a classroom apprentice program, funded by Ed Tech, which provides a student to be on-site during a class to provide technical support. Instructors can request this service through Media Services. Andrew also reported there is now a recurring budget for equipment maintenance, which will help significantly in keeping equipment in good working condition.
If instructors will be using one of the 150 general use classrooms, which are typically better equipped, it is recommended that the instructor meet with Media Services staff before the term begins to learn about the equipment in the room. There are also online tutorials available.
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Copies of the library's strategic directions were distributed. The revised version is below. The directions are very broad and will be used to guide the library's planning process over the next year. These will be discussed at the next meeting.
University of Oregon Libraries
Strategic Directions
1. The UO Libraries will be an active and visible partner in reshaping learning and scholarship at the UO.
Outcome: Proactive engagement will connect library staff with academic processes throughout campus. The Libraries will become a catalyst to deepen and broaden the information fluency and technical literacy of all our constituents. The UO Libraries will also embrace collaborative partnerships on campus to extend the research infrastructure and work to redefine the systems through which research is communicated and conveyed. Success in promoting the skillful access, organization, and evaluation of information will enhance the quality of scholarship undertaken by undergraduates, graduate students and faculty.
2. The UO Libraries will deliver barrier-free access to global information resources that meet or exceed users' needs and expectations.
Outcome: The Libraries will better understand user needs and information-seeking behavior and develop systems so that users encounter few obstacles as they easily identify and use the information they want and need. The Libraries will be a good steward of its collections and fulfill its archival role to ensure access for generations of scholars to come.
3. The UO Libraries will provide physical and virtual environments that promote interactivity, exploration, discovery and community.
Outcome: Students and scholars will gravitate toward the Library as an intellectual center of the campus. The Library will offer a key cluster of learning spaces within the constellation of curricular activity offered throughout the University. These learning spaces will welcome students to take advantage of developing communications technology. They will support the growing integration of students' academic, social, and cultural lives.
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Submitted by
Sheila Gray
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/ulc/dir04/050310.html