Event Title
Designing Spaces, Mapping Disciplines: Toward Better Collaboration Between Writing Centers and Libraries
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
English
Mentor Information
Ellen Schendel, schendee@gvsu.edu
Department
Writing
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 39
Start Date
13-4-2011 11:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
Keywords
Changing Ideas/Changing Worlds, Creativity/ Innovation
Abstract
The Mary Idema Pew Learning and Information Commons at Grand Valley State University will house a new collaboration between the writing center and the library. I conducted a research project to answer the following questions: How can writing center theory and practice, and core principles in libraries, inform each other and push each other toward better collaborative models? Given their similarities and differences, how can libraries and writing centers collaborate in physical spaces? After studying existing collaborations, I examined writing center and library professional documents to discover areas of overlap and divergence. I also attended library design planning meetings and conducted interviews of program directors, librarians, and administrators about their visions for the new library. My findings indicate that new consultation models, innovative space design and advanced technology could streamline the writing process for students, as well as modeling effective collaboration.
Designing Spaces, Mapping Disciplines: Toward Better Collaboration Between Writing Centers and Libraries
Henry Hall Atrium 39
The Mary Idema Pew Learning and Information Commons at Grand Valley State University will house a new collaboration between the writing center and the library. I conducted a research project to answer the following questions: How can writing center theory and practice, and core principles in libraries, inform each other and push each other toward better collaborative models? Given their similarities and differences, how can libraries and writing centers collaborate in physical spaces? After studying existing collaborations, I examined writing center and library professional documents to discover areas of overlap and divergence. I also attended library design planning meetings and conducted interviews of program directors, librarians, and administrators about their visions for the new library. My findings indicate that new consultation models, innovative space design and advanced technology could streamline the writing process for students, as well as modeling effective collaboration.