It’s Fall Break! We are all in need of a break to recharge or tackle those reminders on sticky notes that have been on our monitors since the beginning of the semester. What a great feeling to crumble those once completed. The Library Learning Commons has a few updates to share as we move into the second half of the semester.
Library
The librarians continue to implement the library’s new library services platform (LSP). URSearch is up and running with its modernized search capabilities. We are continuing to implement features to enhance the user experience and adjust when we see things are not providing the expected results.
Training has begun on our new platform that will hold our digital collections, and to ring in the new year we will begin training and implementing a tool that will integrate the library into the D2L. More information will be forthcoming.
Over the summer an inventory was conducted on the rare book collection in Haessly Boardroom. Items were identified that can be digitized, and they will be made available once our digital collections platform goes live.
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
Tutoring services began using Navigate at the beginning of the Fall semester. Students can now schedule time with a tutor through Navigate by accessing it through MyUrsuline or downloading the app. If a student does not see an opportunity for tutoring that matches their needs they are encouraged to talk with Tiffany Mackie about a solution. Faculty and advisers are now able to log in to Navigate via MyUrsuline to track their students’ participation in these activities and more.
Instruction Design & Technology
Instructional Design and Technology has been working hard on elements to discover ways to integrate with Gannon. Over the summer we evaluated our video streaming platforms, Panopto and Kaltura, to find the best fit for Gannon and Ursuline. After talks with both companies it was found that Kaltura was our best option. We are currently working with both companies to establish a timeline for migrating our content and training users. We also looked at our course evaluation systems Anthology and Watermark to identify a common platform. Applying the same strategy used for video streaming, we landed on Watermark. More information will be coming on our plan for migration. While we were working through these items, we also developed an RFP to identify a common LMS. The RFP was provided to five vendors. Anthology (Blackboard), Desire@Learn, and Canvas expressed interest and will be presenting demos in late October and early November. ITC membership will be participating in the demos and providing their input towards a recommendation. Connect with a member of this group if you have any questions.
The Fall semester is flying by. Enjoy the break, and we will see you back on campus soon.