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From the Vice Provost and Dean - Summer 2016

Active Learning Classrooms in Odegaard Library, Libraries staff awards

Two years ago, Odegaard Library embarked on an important collaboration with faculty, students, and the Teaching and Learning Center, designed to improve the learning experience of UW students.

Two new Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) in Odegaard Library are outfitted with flat-panel monitors, microphones, writable glass-surfaces for each group table, round tables to facilitate student discussion groups while remaining part of the larger classroom. Active learning engages students in active, in-class participation, as opposed to sitting quietly in lectures.

Nyan Ping Bi, senior lecturer in Chinese 102, and a 2016 distinguished faculty awardee, is a partner in the success of ALCs, bringing active learning pedagogy to this vital partnership that makes the student learning experience more engaging. Read the research profile, one of four in a two-year study conducted by Odegaard Library and UW Information Technology (Janice Fournier, Amanda Hornby and Louise Richards) to see how the ALCs are fulfilling our mission of “connecting people with knowledge.

And speaking of awards, congratulations are in order for two Libraries staff.

Cass Hartnett is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Librarian Award, recognizing her work as a U.S. Government Documents, Gender and Womens’ Studies, and Gay and Lesbian Studies Librarian. Cass consults with faculty and students on their research, provides in-class instruction and ensures that the library collection meets curricular and research needs. She brings enthusiasm, leadership, creativity and a collaborative approach to her work both within and beyond the Libraries.

Steve Hiller, Libraries director of assessment and planning, received the David B. Thorud Leadership Award for 2016. Thanks to his leadership and expertise in assessment, the Libraries continuously listens to all of our users and has transformed the results to realize Libraries initiatives including the Active Learning Classrooms, Research Commons and scanning of print journal articles upon request. His work in assessing needs of the academic community lead us to making the Libraries more effective in meeting the needs of all.

Learn more about all UW distinguished staff to see how our collaborative vision, at the Libraries and beyond, makes the UW a better place.

- Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson

Summer 2016