As a tribute to how library and information service has changed over the past quarter of a century, it is only fitting that the occasion be a joint celebration with current students, who helped fund the new computers in the lab from the newly implemented Student Technology Fee, and the principal partners of UWired: the University Libraries, Computing & Communications, the office of Undergraduate Education, and UW Educational Outreach. Innovative programs like UWired, that enhance undergraduate education by bringing technology into the service of teaching and learning, are an integral part is at the heart of library service today.
As Paula Walker, former head of Odegaard Undergraduate Library, discovered in researching the history of the library, planners did think about technology and its role over thirty years ago:
"The Library Long-Range Development Plan," dated December 10, 1964, notes the section on the Undergraduate Library that space should be provided for a computational facility even though its functions are not immediately applicable to an undergraduate library. Use for such instruments is not distant; space adequately wired and insulated for such purposes does not now exist in the University Library and the opportunity of providing such space de novo will spare expensive remodeling later. "Unfortunately, the funding for the Undergraduate Library as it was built did not allow for this farsighted planning."Computing functions are now as much an integral part of library service for students, faculty, and staff as providing a quiet place to study or read. Students and faculty now come to the library for access to online information resources, participate in online class discussions, consult class syllabi, and submit homework or projects electronically from the lab.
Since its inception in 1994, UWired has grown from a pilot project for a small number of incoming freshmen to a campus-wide initiative that serves thousands of students and hundreds of faculty. In addition to a 240-seat computing lab, UWired has hands-on teaching facilities, called "collaboratories" with two model configurations: one of collaborative 6 tables of four workstations each; or a more linear design with well- designed instructional tables and instructor station for a class of up to 24.
UWired also has an extensive training and workshop program for faculty, teaching assistants, and librarians housed in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, also located on the second floor of the library.
One of the many benefits of placing the lab within the libraries is the physical proximity. Everyday, over 5,600 students, faculty and staff come to the undergraduate library and most of them will head to this magnificent new lab at least once during the day.
Louis Fox, Vice Provost for Educational Partnerships, sees locating the Commons in the library as particularly advantageous. "An 'information commons' is more than just a computer lab where you can get help when you are having trouble with the software," he says. "Students can consult not only with computing professionals, but with librarians--the campus information experts--who can help them think of research strategies that include traditional print as well as online resources."
Jill McKinstry
Head, Odegaard Undergraduate Library