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There is no more central hub for SIU students than Morris Library, and John Pollitz plans to keep it that way.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe library is a place to explore. It\u2019s a place for curiosity,\u201d said Pollitz, dean of library affairs. \u201cEvery student engages with the library. It has always been the place for students to gather and collaborate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since taking over as dean in 2017, Pollitz has shared a forward-thinking vision for the library. With a focus on technology and innovation, he sees big things on the horizon.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents from every college and school utilize the library\u2019s services,\u201d he said. \u201cIt must be a one-stop shop where every student can access the information and technology they need to have a well-rounded educational experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through fundraising success, including money raised during recent Days of Giving, the library has added many technological improvements, including 3D printers, a podcasting booth, and a digital scanner.<\/p>\n
More recently, Pollitz opened space in the library for the Digital Narratives Lab run by professor Pinckney Benedict. The 600 square-foot classroom in the library\u2019s sixth floor offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with virtual reality, podcasting, Twitch streaming, and much more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next step is providing an even larger, more advanced space where students can expand their horizons even further,\u201d Pollitz said.<\/p>\n
Library staff has already worked with architecture students to redesign a large chunk of the library\u2019s first floor. The area where stacks of print reference guides currently sit would be transformed into the Digital Scholarship Commons.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to provide an area and equipment for students to collaborate as they design and create,\u201d Pollitz said. \u201cThe are so many exciting, innovative projects to give to.\u201d<\/p>\n
The possibilities are many, from expanding VR and 3D printing to streaming services to podcasting to video game production and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always wanted to move in this direction,\u201d Pollitz said. \u201cThe library is named for SIU\u2019s greatest visionary, Delyte Morris, and we must strive to further that vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
To support Morris Library, visit siuf.org\/library<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There is no more central hub for SIU students than Morris Library, and John Pollitz plans to keep it that way. \u201cThe library is a place to explore. It\u2019s a place for curiosity,\u201d said Pollitz, dean of library affairs. \u201cEvery student engages with the library. It has always been the place for students to gather … Continue reading Pollitz: Donors drive Morris Library forward<\/span>