Transforming a Curriculum Center for the 21st Century at Eastern Washington University Libraries

Abstract

Abstract:Teacher education is a vital component of Eastern Washington University's (EWU) mission and history. In 2006, after several years of decline in collections and usage of its curriculum center, EWU Libraries made a commitment to transform it into a center for twenty-first century educators. The center has changed greatly in a short time with five conditions facilitating the center's rapid transformation from an outdated, infrequently used corner of the library to a vibrant and busy hub. These conditions for change include: a librarian who acts as catalyst; a visioning process; essential structures upon which to build; the ability to reallocate resources, and the underlying element in this transformation: organizational leadership. Next steps in the transformation will include systematic assessment of resources and services, increased access to instructional technologies, and development of collaboration spaces.

Collaboration at the Center: Librarian, Faculty, and Students Partner to Revive Their Curriculum Lab

“…Both documents emphasized collaboration between librarians and education faculty, especially in developing policies for a CMC, and recommended developing a mission statement early in the process to focus its purpose and goals and to use as a foundation for making decisions (Association of College & Research Libraries [ACRL], 2017;Fabbi, Bressler, & Earp, 2007). When librarians consult with education faculty and students while writing the mission statement, that statement will reflect their values and can become a powerful tool to promote the CMC and rally stakeholders (Miller & Meyer, 2008). In her 2007 article, O'Neill Uhl wrote that student needs are the "essential question [that] determines the core collection and mission of a CMC" (p. 44).…”