The Greenwood Library at Longwood University now has a new addition to its facilities. The DIGILab, first unveiled in September this semester, brings new supplies and equipment to students using the library for projects. The lab is run by Longwood’s Digital Education Collaborative (DEC), which is the information and technology support group on campus.
Ashlyn Honor is an instructional technological specialist at the DEC, and also the primary staff member for issues related to the DIGILab. She described the DIGILab as being a “makerspace.”
“This is a space that students can come and use technology and equipment that they might not have regular access to elsewhere. There is a 3D printer, sewing machines, vinyl cutters and more.”
Though the larger library itself has its own 3D printers, the DIGILab has a wider selection of appliances that students might need in order to complete their projects. The DIGILab is also the only makerspace in the library, and students can use this equipment free of charge.
The DIGILab operates on a different schedule than the rest of the library. The DIGILab is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the operating hours on those days are much more limited than those for the general library. The DIGILab is also available on Tuesday and Friday, provided that the student arranges an appointment in advance.
Honor said that the DIGILab “is staffed by (herself), two graduate assistants, and an undergraduate intern.”
These are the primary staff members at the DIGILab, though Honor added that there are other employees from the DEC that work there, as well. The Instructional Technology Collaborators (ITC) also work at the DIGILab.
The ITC are undergraduate students who provide technical support for faculty, staff and students at Longwood. They are different from the Residential Technology Assistants, who provide tech support services for residential students at the university.
