The LINK - Learning, Innovation, New Knowledge

Will students in your course benefit from direct access to library collections and in-depth sessions working with our research librarians? If so, we encourage you to apply to teach for an entire term in The LINK. This classroom and adjacent collaboration space can enrich the learning experience as a dedicated space with access to collections, up-to-date technology capabilities, and library expertise. Shelving for collections specifically curated for the course topic or theme along with movable tables and chairs allows for close interaction with physical materials.

Desired Outcomes for courses taught in the space include:

• A learning community feel - collocation of classes, faculty, collections, librarians - will provide a richer experience through community than is possible in a traditional classroom.

• Active exploration and use of curated library and data resources, such as print materials, maps, and datasets, in a class setting will enhance research methodology instruction and foster curiosity and appreciation of the depth and breadth of available resources.

• Integrated literacy concepts (information, media, digital, data) are embedded throughout the term in these courses, through collaboration with experts in the library.

Two to three courses will be selected each term. Library staff, including subject-matter experts, will partner with faculty to curate collections and resources and provide tailored research support to students.

The Library’s selection process for courses to host in this space will consider the following criteria:

• Course enrollment must be 45 or less (required).

• Students actively explore and use specifically curated library collections and/or data resources integral to research assignments and course projects (required).

• Library staff participate in classes, contribute expertise, and teach research strategies and methodologies (required).

• Course makes full use of the space’s functionality and technical capabilities. Examples of this include:

  • Course delivery utilizes audio-visual display technology.

  • Course utilizes Zoom for invited guest lecturers, speakers, and other remote participants.

  • Course utilizes movable furniture to facilitate group work. 

• Students work or study in groups or teams utilizing the collaboration space for X-hours or other regularly scheduled times.

• Faculty schedule office hours immediately before or after class in adjacent meeting rooms.

• Related events and programs make use of collaboration and project space.

An example of how a course might use the various spaces over a term:

• Class sessions occur in the teaching space during their weekly time blocks.

• Course instructor has office hours in the adjacent meeting room for one hour after each class.

• Librarian offers a research instruction session during class time.

• Librarian offers an X hour drop-in session in the project space coinciding with a research assignment.

• Student groups are scheduled in the collaboration space to work on a group project or assignment.

• A guest speaker is scheduled to present in person or by Zoom in the classroom space.

• The classroom space is scheduled for particular X hours so students can engage further with curated collections.

• The collaboration space is reserved for specific tutoring or study sessions for the class.

• Librarian offers research consultations in the meeting rooms.