Creighton University Libraries’ Emerging Technologies Program

In 2021, with continuing financial support from Canon Solutions America, Creighton University Libraries rebranded the RAD (Research and Development) Lab and launched the IDEA Hub, a three-year pilot project to explore how the campus community engaged with academic innovations in virtual reality, makerspaces and artificial intelligence. 

As a result of the pilot program, it was determined that innovative technologies are not separate from how we teach, interact with students or complete research but instead should be integrated among the resources available to faculty, staff and students. As a result, the Libraries has integrated dedicated resources and services into larger units within the library. A Virtual Environments and Artificial Intelligence program, part of the Library Systems and Applications unit, will continue to support virtual environment development, classroom use of virtual and augmented reality and student interns interested in emerging technologies. In consultation with a new Libraries Task Group, this area will also explore applications of AI in teaching and research. As part of the Access Services and Operations unit, the Maker Space program will continue to provide a creative workspace that empowers faculty, students and staff through hands-on learning with cutting-edge technologies.

The Libraries is grateful for everyone who participated in the pilot project and for the leadership and work of Kathy Craig, who transitioned the former RAD Lab into the IDEA Hub and created a foundation for further work with emerging technologies at Creighton. Innovation and exploration, augmented by various technologies, are fundamental to education in the 21st century and thus this integrated approach reflects the Libraries’ commitment to serving as a primary resource center for our campus constituents. Connect with or learn more about the Libraries’ Emerging Technologies program.