One of the many wonderful things about Library Instruction West was getting a chance to explore the University of Utah’s Marriott Library.
Happy hallways
Oddly, a hallway was a highlight for me, but perhaps that shouldn’t be so odd - perhaps more library hallways should get this kind of attention. I loved the big red spinning things - though do be careful if you decide to try to sit in one. I also really liked this placement of browsing collections, as well as the booth-style study lounges along the side (with ample outlets and fancy kitchen countertops!).
Academic Services Hub
The library has a suite of academic services, including a research consultation space, little cubicles for campus advising, and a digital scholarship lab.
There were plenty of cozy chairs all around, as well as ample group study space. Many of the group study rooms came outfitted with iMacs.
As I wandered around, I found a large, open floorplan computer lab with a few surprises - an accessibility room adjacent to the lab, a small collection of linux workstations, and ….
a tidy little area for 3D printing.
Powder 3D printing vs plastic at the Marriott Library. Wow! #liw16 pic.twitter.com/CrvFgF1CJD
— Bridget Nowlin (@bknowlin) June 10, 2016
The social events at the conference are certainly worth a mention, in particular the Tracy Aviary, which featured these lovely folks:
Getting social at Tracy Aviary. Thanks for the fun evening! #liw16 pic.twitter.com/an1AIq3aMN
— Emily Glenn (@ejglenn030) June 10, 2016
this rather elegant creature:
Peacock showing off for the librarians at Tracy Aviary last night! #liw16 pic.twitter.com/0j7C4DZ2kT
— Emily Bullough (@leap4emily) June 10, 2016
and quite a bit more Macaw-flying-right-over-head than I’m used to:
Rembrandt the Macaw @ #liw16! pic.twitter.com/YSlO2OnadI
— Liz King (@liblizking) June 10, 2016
All in all, a splendidly organized conference.
This note is part of a short series of reflections on Library Instruction West 2016