http://library.iusb.edu/mc/index.shtml
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the new Media Commons at Indiana University South Bend. Under the guidance of Dean of Library Services Michele Russo – who I interviewed at TechSource in 2008 – the library has further enhanced their offerings. I was most impressed Production Studio – filled with state of the art video technology and the spiffiest green screen system I had ever seen. This is absolutely part of the role I see for the academic library going forward: a gathering place, a creation place, a sharing place.
More about the commons:
The Dorene Dwyer Media Commons & Café, located on the first floor of the Franklin D. Schurz Library at IU South Bend, is a user-centered environment which features a café, a space to view cable TV news or DVDs or listen to audio recordings, a renovated circulation, reserves, and interlibrary loan services area, and a state-of-the-art multimedia production studio, with expert assistance provided by Instructional Media Services staff.
Once again, with the generous lead gift from Jerry and Dorene Hammes, the Schurz Library and Media Services renovated the space on the east side of the first floor to create theDorene Dwyer Hammes Media Commons & Café. This new space has continued the Library’s tradition of innovation which included the highly successful Fall 2007 opening of the Hammes Information Commons. The Dorene Dwyer Hammes Media Commons & Caféprovides students with the resources, technology, and services that will allow them to complete their media projects. Additionally, it offers students an exciting environment which encourages creativity as they study and design media-enhanced projects.
The Dorene Dwyer Hammes Media Commons & Café has four new areas: the Multimedia Production Studio, the Café, the AV Nook, and the Circulation Hub.
Kudos to everyone who made this part of the Schurz library a reality and a heartfelt CONGRATS to Michele who is retiring this year after 28 years of service to IU. Michele taught a couple of my reference classes during my masters and has served as a mentor ever since. Thank you, Michele!