Merge with RIT Libraries and T & L Center
Welcome to the new academic year. The teaching/learning continuum contributes to a rich and unique experience for everyone at RIT. RIT continues to grow and evolve while supporting academic excellence for all - and the merger of RIT Libraries with Teaching & Learning Services is recent evidence of that.
Why has the merger happened?
The principle goal of the merger is to provide superior service through innovation, integration and intentionality. We are identifying and implementing innovative methods for providing the most valuable services while maintaining our dedication to student and faculty success. An important element will involve providing more opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful interactions outside the classroom.
One-stop access via our new Web Portal!
Our interim website provides one-stop access to all of our combined services. Visit the portal (http://newlibrary.rit.edu) to see for yourself! The RIT Libraries (http://library.rit.edu) Online Learning (http://online.rit.edu/), Educational Technology Center (http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/etc/) and Teaching Learning Center (http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/tlc/) websites will be updated and fully-functional until our transition is complete.
What has already changed?
The RIT Libraries have merged with Teaching & Learning Services, as of early 2009. The entire staffs and services of RIT Libraries (includes: Wallace Library; Cary Collection; RIT Archive Collections; Lab for Social Computing) and Teaching & Learning Services (includes: Online Learning and ETC - Educational Technology Center and the Teaching Learning Center) are combined under one roof. While a few service points have relocated, our combined resources remain housed inside the five floors (A-level through 4th floor) of Building 5.
What has not changed?
Our new entity is still dedicated to the success of students and faculty. By identifying and reducing duplication of effort, we are striving to provide a more efficient one-stop point of service for the entire RIT Community. Wallace Library remains RIT's main academic Library and provides access to the same vital resources and services as before (i.e.; books, electronic databases, leisure materials, etc.).
The services and support provided by Online Learning, The Educational Technology Center, and the Teaching Learning Center continue. While dramatic changes to the physical structure of the building (Bldg. 5) won't happen right away, they will come in the near future, so stay tuned. We still employ a great many RIT student workers and will continue to provide opportunities for valuable experiential learning. In fact, our new Mission involves a commitment to providing employment opportunities for students that are more than just "jobs", as we strive to support their academic success with meaningful, experiential learning - beyond the classroom.
So, you may be wondering what else is new.
Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Services ("Triage Teams")
Newly-formed 'Triage Teams' are comprised of an Instructional Designer (providing consultation on teaching strategies and course development), a Subject Specialist (a Librarian dedicated to a specific college) and a representative from our Publishing & Scholarship Support Services (assistance with scholarly communication practices, publishing, copyright queries and copyediting). These teams will increase awareness about our services and deepen our understanding of your needs by making regular visits to the colleges. The same professionals will also be available for group or individual consultation. In addition, we continue to be a reliable source of useful information regarding best teaching practices and regional teaching and learning events, as well as a sponsor of programs.
Academic Technology Task Force
The Academic Technology Task Force was formed in late Spring 2009. There are 22 members, representing each of the colleges and administrative units on campus who have direct responsibility or vested interest in academic technology. A student representative will be added this fall. The charge to the task force is to advise and recommend a realistic plan for academic technology that aligns with the Institute Mission and identifies specific academic technology issues and recommendations for action.
For updated information and to provide feedback and comments, interested faculty are encouraged to visit our public wiki space (https://wiki.rit.edu/display/at/Academic+Technology+at+RIT). Faculty are also welcome to contact the task force chairs or the faculty representative from their college.