3.1 DigiLab at the University of Manchester Library – Experiment, Play, Learn
Creators: name: Beard, Lorraine Joanne
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2016
Subjects: DigiLab, University of Manchester, technology, learning

description: DigiLab is an ambitious strategic project at the University of Manchester Library to transform students’ confidence and skills in using the latest technologies in their learning. The Library is leading in this domain within the University and the project fits strongly with the Library’s drive towards a more innovative, risk-taking and creative culture. The Library has developed an exciting programme of DigiLab events and workshops including virtual and augmented reality, 3d printing, coding and electronics, apps and games to enhance and enable learning. DigiLab is different to other ‘maker spaces’ – we have engaged with students to shape and deliver the programme; we have developed new and emerging relationships with researchers and academics wanting to showcase their developments to students ;and finally we are building links with technology start-ups to deliver DigiLab as a true partnership. We have engaged with digital thought leaders in the technology community in the University and beyond to stimulate panel discussion on topics such as the ‘ethics of wearable technology’ – designed to encourage debate and challenge students’ perceptions and views on technology. This talk will outline the strategic thinking behind DigiLab, and step through our marketing and implementation approach. It will describe how we have created the unique DigiLab brand and ethos, and how this fits with the Library key strategic role in students’ skills development at Manchester. It will describe how we have successfully overcome financial, practical and cultural obstacles in delivering DigiLab. It will outline the benefits and significant impact and profile we have realised through DigiLab and importantly for those libraries contemplating your own DigiLab, will highlight our key lessons learnt and future plans. ‘Being able to experience the advances in technology bought me up to date with current times. Great stuff’ – DigiLab event attendee Jonny CT Smith‏@jctsmith: Well, look who made a games console. Oh, so proud with myself. Thanks @madlabuk #UoMDigiLab <strong>Lorraine Joanne Beard</strong> is responsible for leading a team which manages and develops the Library’s eLibrary infrastructure, digitisation infrastructure, the Library Management System and the Institutional Repository. She is a member of both the Library Leadership Team and the IT Leadership Team for the University of Manchester and in these roles has been involved in the development of the Library and IT Strategies for the University. Recently, she has been closely involved in improving the user experience at Manchester by implementing a new LMS and developing a research data management service. She has also led the development of the Library’s digitisation strategy and led the team which has developed the University’s institutional repository, Manchester eScholar, which is now one of the largest in the UK. She is also the Library’s lead on innovation, and has led a number of new projects and services emerging from this including the Eureka innovation challenge competition and gamification. She has had various roles in academic libraries over the last 18 years, including Faculty Librarian and Electronic Resources Librarian. Before pursuing a career in libraries, Lorraine worked for several years in biological sciences research, after finishing her degree in biology at the University of Manchester.