Informal learning space: Noel Studio for Academic Creativity Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University, http://studio.eku.edu/

Studio Monitor Wall, courtesy of Noel Studio		Studio Greenhouse, courtesy of Noel Studio

Features

Invention space - includes jumbo wall-to-wall whiteboard and oversized tablet paper, comfy couches,  copycam to take photos of whiteboard, low-tech manipulatives include Legos, Play-doh, Jenga, and various art supplies.
Breakout space - book for up to 2 hours, holds 4-10 people, comfortable chairs and attached desktops, with computer and corresponding wall monitor, and a wall-mounted white board.
Presentation suite - includes private rooms for 1-3 people booked for 2 hours with a computer, a corresponding wall monitor, a wall-mounted whiteboard, a podium, and a wall-mounted video camera; public presentation area with  mobile work tables and chairs; computer cluster for individuals with  HP TouchSmart computers.
Greenhouse - contains Collaboration Station and modular, movable furniture where most consultations happen, several wall-mounted HP Touchsmart computers of various sizes, two Mac computers, with the full Adobe suite, a Cultivation Station  with six HP TouchSmart computers for individual work after consultations, and a reflection stations with  two high-top tables next to several outlets for use with personal laptops.
Discovery classroom - a private room for up to 30 students containing 30 laptops and 3 projectors with movable, comfortable, furniture.
Conference room -  a private, Interactive Tele-Video (ITV), capable room primarily used for meetings containing a projector and a wall-mounted camera

Technology

The Noel Studio “houses the latest technologies for developing and refining a variety of texts and communication pieces. This list includes a CopyCam system, articulating monitors, touch-screen technology, video equipment, Macs, and PCs. And a variety of low-tech resources for collaboration and invention, including mobile dry erase boards, thought-provoking games, and inspiring manipulatives.”

Staffing

Administrators: One director, three coordinators, one technology associate, and one administrative assistant.
Advisers: Interdisciplinary group of leaders from across campus.
Student-consultants: Student staff members-known as consultants-consist of graduate M.A. students, graduate research consultants, and undergraduate students from across the disciplines.

Innovative features, uses

The Noel Studio features spaces where students can focus on invention—highlighting divergent thinking—and focused revision of texts—highlighting convergent thinking. Many of the monitors are also touch-screen, allowing students to fully engage texts during the creation and design process. Visitors will find that the space reflects an appreciation for multiple learning styles.  The studio hosts workshops, seminars, guest speakers, and collaborative sessions including  hosting conferences like Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) conference and National Association of Communication Centers (NACC) conference in 2012; see Features for an array of other uses.

Research and Recognition

Press releases and national recognition, http://studio.eku.edu/insidelook
Papers and presentations, http://studio.eku.edu/scholarly-activity

Contact

Crabbe Library
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 622-7330
noelstudio@eku.edu

Dr. Russell Carpenter, Director
Library 310 P
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 622-7403
russell.carpenter@eku.edu