Creative Zone/Blackstone LaunchPadBoole Library

University College Cork

Overview

• Context

• Access to Information/content/research continually evolving

• Early design phase - experimental

• Blackstone LaunchPad

• Operational Management – Liaison –Co-ordinator

• Implementation & Impact Year 1

• Lessons Learned

• Video – short introduction to Blackstone LaunchPadand Creative Zone

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Collaborations & access – 15th century

Laurentian Library - Florencewww.museumsinflorence.com

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UCC – Medical Faculty and Library -1980’s

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Group study UCC 1980’s

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Boole Library- Group Study – 2007

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21st century……Hunt Library and Institute for Emerging Issues

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Library as Lab

The Library as Lab for testing …….Learning Zone

“Use the Library as a lab for analysing user data, and testing smart devices,

furnishings and designs for experimental classrooms” Jeffrey Schnapp Library Futures Symposium, TCD May 19th 2016.

Valerie King CONUL Conference Athlone 20166/8/2016

Project –early stages

Building & Estates

- Architectural Draughtperson

-Given Brief for different kind of Learning area, would look different , more relaxed than other spaces –you could move furniture, re-configure tables etc……

3D – design……….view on video

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Initial Design….

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…touch points of collaboration

Blackstone LaunchPad……..arrive on campus…….

Location…Location…..Location……

Space and 3D design

Creativity, ideation, energy, open to al

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Location…Location…Location

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Collaboration grows-Lots of meetings, conversations on all aspects

• Library

• Building & Estates

• Blackstone LaunchPad

• Faculty : Business & Law

• Students: Student Union

• IT Services

- AV

-Sound

-IT Infrastructure

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The nuts and bolts

Hardwiring – infrastructure

Furniture

Design – refinement of

AV/sound

Branding/Advertising

Operational Management

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Challenges

Memorandum of Agreement between UCC and Blackstone

Important for the Library to keep it open to all students and staff across all Faculties

50:50 budget split

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Operational Liaison

Support to Blackstone Staff on arrival

- organising office space

- co-ordinating with Library and University staff on requirements

Regular meetings to discuss use of space

Collaborating on help information which is available to potential users

Collaborating on the use of online booking/signage

Working closely to help market each others services

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Future Opportunities

Future collaboration on entrepreneurial projects with Blackstone

Working more with our College Liaison Librarians

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Implementation & Impact

Not all about the look needs to be about the experience

How do students experience the Creative Zone

Some comments:-

“Its fun” “ I find it relaxing” “cool” “bright and cheery”

“Love the freedom to stretch out on couch”

“being able to pitch my ideas to Blackstone staff its so easy”

“ being able to re-arrange the furniture to suit you”

“location is ace”

Valerie King CONUL Conference Athlone 20166/8/2016

Types of Activity

-Group work-Solo working

- Project practice sessions- 1:1 consultations- Student Union consultations-Business & Law – Brainstorming session- Engineers without Borders – Lego build-European Entrepreneurial Conference-University events

- Health Matters – Early morning Tai Chi - pre-exam stress support- pet a dog-Adult colouring

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..all about the chairs

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..and more…

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LaunchPad Reception

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Auditorium style for larger events

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Sound

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External view

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Lessons Learned

Take time to consider your vision – Lab concept

Do your research, visit, consult your users.

It helps to have an Architect who is your champion

Aim for high quality kit-out

Remain open – agile, adaptable, unrestrictive, keep evolving the original concept

Budget constraints will always be there but plan and design for opportunities in the future- they will come

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Creative Zone/Blackstone LaunchPad -Video

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https://youtu.be/G46qd4gn_TQ

Thank you – do come and visit

Valerie King CONUL Conference Athlone 20166/8/2016