Where Do We Grow from Here? Assessing the Impact of a Digital Media Commons on Student Success

Slides from a presentation given December 7, 2018 at the Library Assessment Conference in Houston, TX. Digital literacy skills are essential for 21st century students to succeed in their academic work and future professions. Academic libraries around the country have implemented digital media services to assist students in developing videos, 3D objects, posters and other media for course assignments and other projects. Staff in these services also work with faculty to create and assess effective assignments so that students learn these important skills. At a high-research university a Digital Media Commons (DMC) was implemented in 2012 with technology and expertise in a separate service area to focus on media production projects Services have grown to also include a green screen lab, maker space, virtual reality, drones and a gaming lab. In 2017-18 an assessment project was implemented to determine how the DMC contributes to student success. The project included three phases -- a faculty survey, customer service survey and focus groups. Results of the assessments will be used for a variety of purposes including improvement to instruction, addressing service issues and adding needed services or resources. It will be distributed to Libraries’ administration to use for planning future improvements, services and to address staffing issues. The data will also be used to inform an upcoming major library renovation and addition. The Libraries have employed a consulting firm to provide a master building plan. These assessment results will be most beneficial for planning an updated Digital Media Commons.