The U of M is upgrading its library facilities by constructing the new Digital Scholarship Commons and XR Lab. These state-of-the-art facilities, set to transform research and learning on campus, will offer students, faculty and researchers access to cutting-edge technologies for data visualization, geographic information systems (GIS) and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Construction for the Digital Scholarship Commons began on Sept. 16, 2024, and will continue through spring 2025. The facility is being built on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, near the main entrance. Despite the ongoing construction, the library will remain open throughout the entire process. Starbucks, located within the library, will also be accessible via an alternate entrance to ensure continued access for the campus community.
The Digital Scholarship Commons aims to be a hub for collaborative research and interactive learning, providing a dynamic environment where students, faculty and staff can develop vital data visualization skills. The space will feature modern technology, including a large data visualization wall, video conferencing capabilities and programmable sound and lighting systems. These tools are expected to elevate the learning experience, helping researchers explore and communicate their findings innovatively and engagingly.
The Digital Scholarship Commons will specifically focus on GIS and data visualization, two areas of increasing importance in many fields of study. GIS technology allows users to visualize, analyze and interpret data related to geography, patterns and relationships.
While construction will take place on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, the university is making every effort to minimize noise disruptions. Quieter study zones are available on the second and third floors of the library and other libraries across the campus. In addition to the Digital Scholarship Commons, the university is also constructing the highly anticipated XR Lab, which will begin in early October 2024. The XR Lab will occupy the current first-floor computer lab space in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. In the meantime, students can access computers in the Gold Lab around the corner or use the Laptop Lending Locker provided by the library.
The XR Lab will be equipped with four VR workstations that offer access to a wide range of virtual reality applications and programs for teaching, learning and research. This new facility will allow students, faculty and researchers to engage with information in ways that traditional textbooks simply cannot match.
Beyond enhancing individual learning experiences, the XR Lab will foster collaboration. Sharing virtual environments with peers allows for real-time discussions and teamwork, providing students with a platform to work together on projects or presentations.
As the U of M moves forward with these projects, the university is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The Digital Scholarship Commons and XR Lab are not just spaces, they are tools for exploration, collaboration and discovery that will enrich the academic experience for years.
