Learning Spaces and Services Projects
About this department: The Learning Spaces & Services (LSS) department, part of the Libraries’ Student Success division, curates spaces, technologies, and programs that enable learning, discovery, and research across all disciplines. We connect students and faculty with essential tools, expert guidance, and innovative environments that support creativity, research, and undergraduate student success. LSS leads a range of instructional programs, services and workshops that give the campus community hands-on opportunities to learn, create, and explore new technologies.Instruction & ConsultationsBy collaborating with instructors and students, our team emphasizes critical thinking and information… More about Learning Spaces & Services
Projects on this page represent a selection of the work of this department.
Refreshing Software and Technology Lending Descriptions with Agent-Based AI
We audited and rewrote the descriptions for roughly 300 devices and 150 software titles in the Libraries' technology lending and software catalogs, replacing outdated, vague, or manufacturer-supplied copy with consistent, informative descriptions—…
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Collaboration with User Experience
Historical Photographs in the Erdahl-Cloyd West Wing
The goal of this project was to install twelve framed historical images from the NC State University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center in the Erdahl-Cloyd West Wing of the D. H. Hill Jr. Library. The selected images connect the current…
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Collaboration with Special Collections Research Center, Libraries Communications, Administration, Operations, Logistics, & Environments
Esports + Tiny Café
The NC State Gaming and Esports Lab (GEL) opened in the Hunt Library in January 2024. We conducted two user research studies using the Tiny Café model to learn how patrons were utilizing the new space. We received a highly positive response from…
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Collaboration with User Experience
Maker Studio: Survey + Tiny Café
User research suggests that students are excited about the Maker Studio’s mix of engineering tools and creative outlets. Awareness is growing, and staff support is a major strength.
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Aquarium: Ambient Experience for Large Displays
"Aquarium" is a virtual oasis of tranquility designed for the Libraries' numerous immersive media showcase spaces, including the Cyma Rubin Visualization Gallery and Teaching & Visualization Lab. This demonstration offers visitors a dynamic and…
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"Mason": An Adventure Platforming Game for the Visualization Studio
"Mason" is an action-adventure video game demo made by NC State alumnus RJ Washington and adapted specifically for the Visualization Studio at the D. H. Hill Jr Library. In this 360-dregree adaption of Mason, users are surrounded by the game…
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Collaboration with Collections & Research Engagement
Showcasing Student Creativity via Holograms
To exhibit student and campus community creativity, the Libraries' Virtual Reality staff have utilized 3D digital displays (or 'holograms') within our buildings. These light field displays allow a better understanding of the creativity, scholarship…
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Card sort for virtual reality, digital media, and “maker” activities + Tiny Café
Libraries staff gave students a set of terms we use on the website for virtual reality, digital media, and “maker” activities, watched the students categorize the terms, and gained insights for improving our information architecture in the future.
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Collaboration with Acquisitions & Discovery, User Experience
Innovation Studio Usability Study
The Innovation Studio is a new type of learning space for the Libraries that focuses on showcasing the innovative work of NC State’s students and faculty and teaching innovation methods to the campus community. We conducted a usability study and,…
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The Escape Room
An interactive, game-based experience which introduces students to various elements of the library.
Completed onGame Space: User Observation
In February and March 2018, the NCSU Libraries conducted a series of space observations to learn more about patron use of the Game Space at the D. H. Hill Jr. Library, identify potential barriers to use, and determine ways to improve discoverability…
Completed onHow much money did you spend on textbooks?
In March 2018 the Libraries' Alt-Textbook Project team placed whiteboards in the D. H. Hill Jr. and Hunt libraries with the question "How much money did you spend on textbooks?" Students answered.
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Collaboration with Open Knowledge CenterVirtual Reality Survey
In Spring of 2017, NCSU Libraries was experimenting with virtual reality (VR) services and preparing to launch two VR learning spaces. We had questions about our users' general knowledge of this emerging technology. We conducted a user survey to…
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StudiosBot: Custom Automation for Studios Service
StudiosBot is an in-house automation suite designed to streamline operations across the Libraries' five staffed experiential learning spaces that comprise The Studios. By layering structured administrative workflows over a low-friction communication…
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The Inaugural Collegiate Game Jam
The inaugural NC State Collegiate Game Jam was a four-day creative sprint held on September 25-28, 2025 that mobilized NC State students to build playable games and digital art from the ground up.
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Collaboration with Finance & Business, Information Technology, User Experience, Libraries Communications, Operations, Logistics, & Environments, Non-Library Faculty, DevelopmentUsing Livestreaming to Reach Beyond Hands-on Learning Spaces
A Libraries channel on a popular live streaming platform that features our Makerspace, VR Studio, and Libraries staff.
Report published onA Personal Librarian Program for Transfer Students
A program for transfer students where each new transfer student is assigned a personal librarian.
Report published onNCSU Libraries Mobile Scavenger Hunt
The NCSU Libraries Mobile Scavenger Hunt is an interactive, technology-rich way to introduce students to the library. Developed in response to student and instructor feedback, it leverages the motivating power of situated learning and the fun…
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