The Digital Media Commons (DMC) in Jackson Library has been updated with new technology, furniture and renovated spaces, including a new maker lab, podcasting station, media editing room and MAC computers. Additionally, several new printers have been added to the space, including a large format poster printer, a resin 3D printer and a risograph printer.
“The DMC refresh is the result of years of feedback given to us by our patrons and employees,”
said Dr. Armondo Collins, head of the DMC for University Libraries and visiting assistant professor for the African American and African Diaspora studies program. “The changes we made over the summer were a collaborative effort.”
Throughout the space, individuals will find updated furniture and technology to accommodate the growing amount of faculty, staff and students served by the DMC every day. The most noticeable upgrade people will see is the Maker Lab, which now has a more prominent location. The DMC has also increased its collection of digital cameras and peripheral technologies, such as tripods, smartphone gimbals and lapel mics in order to provide users access to more emerging technologies.
Having a dedicated Maker Space in Jackson Library, allows University Libraries to continue its strong tradition of contributing to student success at UNCG. Inspiring current and future students to complete their course assignments more efficiently, effectively and creatively, the DMC encourages students to become digital communicators and effective researchers. Similarly, the DMC works with UNCG faculty to offer flexibility in their curriculum by providing support throughout the course assignment process for students.
“Our goal was to create an active learning space that reflected our patrons’ needs and the creative expertise offered by our multimedia professionals,”
said Collins.
This fall, the DMC will launch, “We Make the Culture Hum,” a new internship program that promotes digital research skills among student scholars. These interns will help build UNCG’s “Black Musicians of the Piedmont” collection for University Libraries. The program, administered by Dr. Rhonda Jones, community digital archivist and assistant professor for University Libraries, will be facilitated by the DMC. Public-facing curated projects are slated to roll out this fall and next spring.
