Sherrod Library News

Meet the Innovation Commons: A New Sherrod Space

Guests visit the welcome table

On August 7, 2024, faculty, staff and administrators from across the university gathered on the second floor of the Sherrod Library to tour the former periodicals area, now dubbed “Innovation Commons.” Since last year, the library has worked to reinvent this space as a multipurpose tech and creativity hub. It currently features an audio recording studio, a computer lab loaded with editing software, a makerspace, and a VR set-up. This technology is freely available to students from any major, whether they are interested in career exploration, digital design, sewing, or whatever else (we’re taking suggestions!). 

The main, guiding principle behind the Innovation Commons is that it should be an area where any student can drop in and explore something new. If a computing major wants to try out the sewing machine, they are welcome to do so. If an English major wants to learn how to 3D print, there will be staff as well as student workers who can help make that dream a reality. This space is designed to make broadly available the technology and creative outlets normally only available to students enrolled in relevant programs.

Librarians take a selfie with the virtual anatomy model

During the Innovation Commons Open House, visitors were given the opportunity to make a button using the equipment which, come fall, will be open for student use. The VR equipment was set up and was demonstrated by Discovery and Access Specialist, Aaron Castle. Using the anatomy program, he showed how a user of this technology could do something as minute as look at each individual bone in the human ear, how those bones fit into each other, and much more. 

In the Makerspace and in Studio 205, visitors could step into the Whisper Room, a near-soundless studio for audio recording, learn more about 3D printing in the library, and look at some of the projects already created by staff. Innovation Commons Customer Support Specialist, Ariel Adams showed interested faculty around the room. “I’m excited to see students make this space their own,” she said. “It’ll be great to see them try new things and discover new interests.” 

Though much progress has been made, the Innovation Commons will continue to take shape throughout this year and beyond. If you have any questions or are interested in collaborating with the Innovation Commons, give us a visit or email innovation@etsu.edu.