The Basement at the UTA Central Library has become a place for gaming, learning, and building community. 

Britt LaRiviere, a FabLab technician, stated that daily, The Basement is busy with activity as students gather around gaming consoles and game tables, competing against one another in friendly competition. 

"The Basement is a recreational space where people can come down to play against each other in video games as well as tabletop games," Britt said. "We also have just as much a focus on the learning side of things. We're going to offer different development opportunities through workshops." 

Some of the past workshops The Basement has offered included video game literacy workshops. 

One of the upcoming workshops will focus on using the Unreal Engine software suite that will teach people to create their video games. Some of the games made with this software include titles such as "Bioshock," "Gears of War," and "Batman: Arkham." 

Britt shared in this workshop that the staff at The Basement wants to give students the fundamentals of game design and an overview of the program so they can successfully bring their vision to life on screen. 

"Potentially, it might not be their major, but (game design) might just be something they want to get their feet wet in and learn more about," Britt said. "The workshops are a good place to go and get an introduction to it. They can get that confidence to take it from a hobby to something more." 

Britt shared that the workshops are not just centered around video games but tabletop games as well. During the fall semester, a workshop was held around creating characters for "Dungeons and Dragons" using creative writing. 

Along with these workshops, The Basement has game-watch parties and gaming tournaments. Gaming consoles available for use include the Play Station 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Mini, and the Super NES mini, along with stand-up arcade machines. Students and staff members have donated older game consoles as well, which adds to what The Basement can offer. 

For more information about The Basement, what it offers, and its hours of operation, go to UTA Libraries website at https://libraries.uta.edu/services/technology/the-basement. 

The UTA Central Library will be undergoing a facelift, with the latest construction project set to get underway in April. Funding from the state will allow the libraries to replace all outside windows with new energy-efficient ones. 

Rebecca Bichel, Dean of Libraries, stated that the project is expected to take place over four to five months. Once complete, it will be a significant upgrade to improve the building’s efficiency and comfort. 

“The plan is that the builders will go one side of the building by one side of the building. They will start on the first floor on one side and move to the top floor on that side,” Rebecca said. “Their goal will be to work on a span of eight windows at a time.” 

Rebecca stated that the project would impact library staff and patrons with sections closed off to allow work to take place. 

The work in each of these sections will take around three weeks to complete. The first week will be for moving furniture and staff out of office suites. University furniture will not be moved by staff but by professional movers hired by UTA Libraries. 

The second week is when the workers will start the window installations and repair the window frames. By the end of the third week, it is anticipated that impacted library staff will be allowed to move back into their offices. The work schedule will need to be flexible, as bad weather may extend the three-week timeline or cause timelines to shift. 

"I want to emphasize to staff and patrons that while the team will be as flexible as possible, spaces that are closed off will be secured and off limits for the safety of everyone,” Rebecca said. “For staff, that means if you may need an item from your office during that period, you need to take it with you as you will not be able to just drop back in to pick up items. The project team also recognizes that some spaces have greater time urgency, such as classrooms, and they will try to respond to those needs as much as possible.” 

There will be signage inside and outside of the Central Library alerting people to construction work that is taking place around the building. Safety barricades will be put in place in the areas where construction is taking place.  

Work is anticipated to start the second week of April starting on the north side of the Central Library building in rooms 108 and 109 on the first floor. Construction crews will evaluate the installation of these windows to see if any adjustments need to be made in the overall project.  

In total, there will be about 440 windows that will be replaced. The windows that are currently installed in the building have been in place since the 1960s. They will be replaced with energy efficient windows that will not require any window treatments.  

Since the library is a very active building, if a window is taken out, a new window will be installed the same day. If the weather is not optimal, a window scheduled to be replaced will be rescheduled. 

Rebecca stated that at certain times during the construction period, such as finals week, no work would take place in public spaces, so students would not be negatively impacted while studying. 

For updates about the window replacement project, contact Kevin Schuck, director of library Budget and finance, at keschuck@uta.edu.  

People can also check the UTA Libraries website, https://libraries.uta.edu, or its social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.   

Since its launch in February, The Studios has become a place for students to show their talents by creating digital art and audio projects. The Studios connects people with the latest technology to turn a passion project into reality. 

Paul Carlile, Coordinator for The Studios and Tech Lending, stated that The Studios adds to the tools available for UTA Libraries patrons.  

"The Studios is a space for students to come in and learn using resources like the sound studio and the photography studio and use equipment paired with those spaces like cameras." Paul said. "The Studios already complements what we do with the FabLab and the basement spaces." 

The first space open for library patrons to use is the Sound Studio. This space allows people to learn how to make music or do podcast production with industry-level equipment. Three sound booths allow recording high-quality audio with instruments and have a computer for editing.  

The next space is the photography studio, which opens even more creative possibilities. Each room contains three LED studio lights for illumination and mood effects and a green screen backdrop.  

Library patrons can check out cameras, tripods, voice recording equipment, and other items from UTA Libraries with the assistance of The Studios staff. 

The final space, the Coding, Robotics and Electronics at the Studio. This is a multi-use space for programming, drones, robotics and electronics. The room is equipped with two PCs with the software used for programming and Printed Circuit Board Computer-Aided Design and six worktables equipped to assist with electronics work and soldering. 

Paul stated that a dedicated space is needed because it supports students' work in and outside the classroom and has become a creative outlet.  

"The Studios helps to support academic work that students are doing with projects for their classes, but it is also, a place where they can come in and learn for their interests," Paul said. "We have found a lot of nursing students coming in to do recording projects as a creative outlet." 

A fourth space, the motion capture studio, was initially set to open this fall, but some delays have pushed the opening to the spring 2023 semester. When opened, the motion capture studio will feature an eight-camera motion capture system and use the Captury Live software.  

"The delay has mostly been waiting on a couple of infrastructure type of things. We need tinting on the windows because they are UV cameras, and sunlight will interfere with that," Paul said. "We also are waiting on the company that we purchased (the system) from to come out and give us training so that we can have more expertise in it to provide students a better experience." 

The Studios offers consultations for students seeking help with personal or academic digital media projects. People can sign up for a consultation online through The Studios' website. For more information about The Studios and its resources, go to  https://libraries.uta.edu/services/studios. 

Opening for the fall semester, students, faculty, and staff members can take ideas from the real world into the virtual world with the UTA Libraries' newest resource, the motion capture studio. The technology inside the studio gives people the tools to create projects ranging from movies to video games.  

Callum Knitowski, a Creative Specialist for The Studios, stated the data that this system provides to designers is extremely valuable. Anyone unfamiliar with the system could use it with some instruction from library staff members. He shared that while the studio's space is small, 10-by-10 feet, it is used to its full potential.  

"There are eight cameras in the room's ceiling, and they all point down,” Callum said. “There is a computer that processes it, and it is all connected through an ethernet switch.” 

Callum stated one of the eight camera feeds shows a circle on the screen. The person being recorded steps into that circle to record their motion on the computer. Once inside the circle, the operator hits the search option in the program, and then it starts tracking the user. 

The system used in the studio does not require a person to wear a specialized suit as other systems do. A person can wear their regular clothes as they are recording. This technology captures the physical movement of a person creating a skeleton with animation data that can be applied to a character model.  

Motion Capture technology is not just limited to movie making, animation, or video games but is used by several groups. These groups include the military, the medical field, and sports organizations. 

"With the studios, we want to enable students to create their creative visions. Part of that is not just photography and video, but also with animation," Callum said. "With motion tracking, it is far easier to produce actual animation data to be used in animated content. The other big use is in partnership with 'The Basement' for game design and development, which needs that animation data." 

Callum shared that the motion capture system in place at the library is one of the only systems approved for medical use.  

"You can use it to analyze the way people walk, for example, to see if there is something wrong with their knees," he said. "It is fascinating." 

The motion capture studio is anticipated to open this fall. Training is underway for the library's student employees, who will assist people with their projects. 

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries has collaborated with UTA Facilities on the first phase of a massive outdoor overhaul of the library mall to enhance the Maverick experience.

The goal of the project, which includes an updated deck, restored fountain feature, and Wi-Fi upgrade, was to soften the mall’s appearance and create additional student study spaces ahead of the Fall 2020 semester.

“We are excited for students to return to the renewed library mall and make the spaces their own,” said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UTA Libraries. “Our Mavericks’ needs are top priority, and we can’t wait to see how these changes impact overall student success. We are thankful for our partners in UTA Facilities for making these updates possible.”

The updates are part of a campus-wide initiative to create new spaces for students and includes the spring grand entrance upgrade to the University Center (UC) and student engagement space at Trimble and Hammond halls. Future renovations are planned for the north and south sides of the mall to add more green spaces and activity spaces.

The project cost nearly $200,000 and was jointly funded by UTA Libraries, Facilities, and Administration.

Pedestrians experiencing the new library mall updates will notice new decking, refreshed landscaping, a renewed fountain feature, and upgraded Wi-Fi that extends well outside Central Library—a wholly new and accessible outdoor study space.

Jeff Johnson, the Director of Maintenance Operations and Special Projects, says this upgrade was a long time coming.

“Over the years, we’ve had various plans,” Johnson said. “We’ve wanted to make the connection between Nedderman and the Libraries for a long time.”

For Johnson, student engagement with the space has been the driving force behind the project.

“All students like to have a place of belonging,” Johnson said. “I have already felt like we’ve had this space that all our students go through constantly that wasn’t being utilized very well, and I hope these improvements will increase students use of the area.”

While Johnson is proud of the entire upgrade, there is one aspect that he expects Libraries users to most appreciate.

“The lighting is now to standard with the rest of campus,” Johnson said. “You can sit out there and read a book now.”

If Mavericks have recommendations for future renovations, they can email Johnson or call the Work Order Center at 817-272-2000.

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries has nearly completed a months-long project to create more student space at Central Library.

Libraries staff have been working since February to identify print journals that are also available digitally or through existing Libraries partnerships, and transfer them from the Central Library’s third floor to the Library Collections Depository (LCD).

The space where these periodicals were once shelved in Central Library will be remodeled for student use once the transfer is complete.

“The LCD transfer and remodel of the third floor reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining access to quality collections while creating access to quality spaces,” said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UTA Libraries. “These improvements, as well as renovations to the second floor, will offer additional collaborative and study space, and make the academic support services in the Academic Plaza more visible to students.”

The project was made possible in part by financial support from the President’s office and the I.D.E.A.S. Center.

David Hayden, stacks manager and lead on the LCD project, says that the driving force behind the transfer is student success.

“We are here to help the student succeed,” Hayden said. “Having these open spaces will create a new and vibrant learning environment for our students.”

This project also required shifting and consolidating of the LCD collection to make space for the transferred periodicals. Chris Simpson, library specialist responsible for the LCD, says the two-pronged approach was essential to accomplish the Libraries goals.

“As our student population continues to grow, the Libraries will need space that can accommodate their needs,” Simpson said. “Removing the third-floor periodicals collection (and the shelving there) will be a big help towards this goal because it provides the Libraries with a creative opportunity to redesign that area in a way that will best support our students.”

Donna Kelley, library specialist in stacks management, says space is an issue facing many academic libraries—and hopes the LCD project will make UTA Libraries more accessible to all.

“Some students will come to the Libraries and discover new worlds and opportunities,” Kelley said. “It is our job to make knowledge available to whomever seeks it at whatever age.”

The LCD transfer should be complete by Fall 2020. Students and faculty can learn how to request items from the LCD on the Libraries website.

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries has expanded and enhanced the FabLab Shop Room to support the success of UTA students and faculty. The upgrades include an increase of square footage, new welding equipment, and optimized infrastructure.

Katie Musick Peery, Director of the FabLab, says these renovations came in response to an increased demand for the Shop Room and will lead to greater student success, regardless of area of study.

“We believe the increased capacity—in physical space, in equipment offerings, and in expanded instruction—will lead to increased opportunities for creative exploration and discovery in our students,” Musick Peery said. “They will have greater options and flexibility for when and how they use the space, and will be gleaning both practical equipment- and safety-based skills as well as critical design thinking abilities they can carry forward into their professional careers.”

The Shop Room is a space in the FabLab that features a host of manual and computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies that facilitate working with woods and metals. These tools are free to use by UTA Libraries students, faculty, and staff who have completed the appropriate trainings, all of which are offered by FabLab staff.

With these updates, the Shop Room is growing by about 550 square feet, an increase of about 40%. This will allow for a more efficient and safer layout of equipment. The Libraries is also adding an isolated HVAC air system for the Shop Room, updating the electrical system, adding plumbing, and extending compressed air lines for pneumatic tools.

In addition, the FabLab is installing a new metal CNC router. This will facilitate more metal fabrication techniques that were previously unavailable to Libraries users. A new instructional area with multiple work tables and screen to share presentations will allow FabLab staff to offer more programming, like the Furniture Workshop Series.

Timothy Neill, FabLab technician and lead on the Shop Room remodel, says these upgrades were essential to grow the FabLab’s offerings.

“We see programs like the Furniture Workshop Series as another way to engage with our learners,” Neill said. “Providing step-by-step, hands-on instruction…lowers the inherent intimidation factor of working with our shop equipment. To facilitate more programs, the Shop Room [needed] to be expanded.”

The Furniture Workshop Series, which has run two four-week sessions in the last year, has been well-received by participants. Vikram Gupta, a graduate student in Computer Science Engineering, has attended both Furniture Workshop Series sessions, and credits the program for helping him feel comfortable with certain tools.

“I am no more hesitant of using power tools,” Gupta said. “They seemed daunting before the workshop; I now think I can use them more confidently.”

For Ashlley Tapia, an undergraduate student studying Public Health and Spanish Translation, the Furniture Workshop Series in Fall 2019 was an important learning experience that required no prior skills to participate.

“I was able to really connect with why I need this particular life skill,” Tapia said. “The more confident I feel in my skills to build, the more creative I can get with what I make.”

The upgrades are expected to be unveiled in early August. Due to social distancing guidelines, the reopening of the Shop Room to the public is still to be determined.

Users can follow the progress of the project—and learn more about the Shop Room offerings in the era of COVID-19—on the FabLab’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Five years after the opening of the FabLab, UTA Libraries is paving the way for makerspaces across the country.

Makerspaces like the FabLab and the sound studio in the Architecture and Fine Arts Library are designed to provide creative spaces for students, faculty and staff to explore new ways of making. This includes everything from 3D printing to embroidery to woodwork to sound mixing—all of which articulate a set of transferable skills.

“UTA Libraries aims to provide resources for students—no matter how unconventional—and encourage other academic libraries to follow suit,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of UTA Libraries. “Our makerspaces are innovative and reimagine what a library can be, and we hope to continue to grow in our own understanding of the library’s role on campus.”

Gretchen Trkay, Department Head of Libraries’ Department of Experiential Learning and Undergraduate Success (ELUS), says maker literacies don’t seem like an obvious area of interest for traditional library settings, but libraries are perfect for makerspaces.

“One of the most important things we do as a library is empower students to create,” Trkay said. “That’s what’s going to be expected from them once they move on from UTA, so we want to equip them so that they feel confident in their abilities and attain skills that will help them be successful.”

The FabLab and ELUS are being recognized nationally for their work—they were recently awarded more than $240,000 in grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

In the first phase of this grant, UTA Libraries will work with nine institutions, including the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, to improve rubrics used to assess student learning through maker assignments (and help those partner institutions to develop new curriculum for those courses, if needed). In the second phase of the grant, UTA, UNR and UMA will be focusing on training librarians and makerspace staff so that they are better equipped to collaborate with faculty on curriculum design and assessment that incorporates the makerspace.

“The projects we develop with our faculty partners give students practical experience with the situations they are likely to face once they enter the workforce,” said Katie Peery, Director of the FabLab. “Once a student graduates, they may never use these specific tools again. However, they will need to work with people who think differently than them and take on tasks that require time and practice to master—all skills they can learn through making.”

ELUS and the FabLab are just beginning the work on this grant, and hope to continue to receive funding to maintain the momentum around this project once this three-year grant cycle wraps up.

UTA Libraries launched its new gaming space, The Basement, with free pizza, swag and more on Sept. 7 at the Central Library.

The Basement, which was funded in part by a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is open for students to build community and engage in critical thinking while enjoying PC, console and table-top games. Future collaborations with campus organizations like the Collectible Card Game (CCG) Club and the Game Development Club will bring student-led initiatives into a playful learning environment.

“UTA Libraries designed this space to promote holistic student success,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of UTA Libraries. “We are excited to see how the students make the space their own.”

During the launch, students explored all areas of The Basement, including the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality studio—which not only allows students to play AR/VR games, but to build them as well.

The launch also featured a workshop on the basics of game development. Students learned about universal game development concepts that are present in all types of games (console, PC and tabletop). They were then challenged to use those concepts to develop a game while thinking about the different roles people play (storyteller, artist and developer). Each student chose their role beforehand and were assigned to teams based on the chosen roles.

 “We are proud to offer students a place to make connections and develop their analytical skills—all while having a lot of fun,” said Milaun Murry, Experiential Learning Outreach & Events Specialist and head of the UTA Libraries Gaming Committee. “We hope The Basement—in conjunction with our Level Up! game design workshops—will encourage students to think creatively and strategically beyond their everyday coursework.”

The event also featured a raffle for gaming-themed prizes, such as figurines and metal signs.

Students who attended the event were impressed by The Basement’s aesthetic and said they felt welcome in the space.

“It’s really cool to just see so many people with similar interests in one place, especially given the community is typically really introverted,” said Emily Bee Bulloch, a senior in the theatre department. “Seeing everybody just walking up and talking to each other—it’s like, ‘aww, yay!’”

Students are also looking forward to the opportunity to connect with other players in The Basement.

“The thing I’m most excited about with The Basement is being able to have a place for my [Dungeons and Dragons] campaigns in real life,” said Ophelia Sugar, also a senior in the theatre department. “Having this place where I can come together [with friends] and also meet other people who like D&D on campus is really important to me as somebody who sees community as a big part of college.”

Student organizations also attended the launch. Angel Juanez, junior studying business information systems and president of the CCG club, says he’s looking forward to collaborating with The Basement to promote community.

“I’m hoping the CCG club can work with The Basement to promote more gaming culture [on campus],” Juanez said. “It’s a really nice setup.”

Juanez expects to return to The Basement for his down-time, too.

“I can definitely see myself coming over here to unwind after a long day of class,” Juanez said.

GDC and the UTA Esports student organization contributed to the development of The Basement, providing feedback on everything from programming to equipment. GDC has also partnered with UTA Libraries on monthly Level Up! workshops and critique sessions. The president of GDC, Jacob Wilbur, is a student member of the Gaming Committee.

The Basement commons area and AR/VR studio will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. The commons area will be open outside of these hours for table-top gaming only.

For more information, students can contact the Central Library’s customer service at 817-272-3000 or by email at AskUs@uta.edu.