Alkek One opened its doors in 2020 and is rapidly expanding. In 2021, the library’s technology engagement hub shared equipment and workshops with the Texas State University Round Rock Campus. The effort was part of a pilot program that developed into a permanent program by Summer 2022.
The Alkek One and Round Rock Campus Library teams worked together to select the equipment they believed would benefit Round Rock’s students the most. Now the Round Rock Campus Library has a RodeCaster Pro mixer with a microphone for recording podcasts, virtual reality headsets, Microsoft Surface Pro computers, and iMacs.
The group not only shared its technology but also its expertise. In Fall 2021, each Alkek One expert taught in-person workshops in Round Rock, which were open to all students, faculty, and staff. Patrons learned about audio editing, Geographic Information Systems, 3D design, and more. Plus, they were able to book consultations with Alkek One experts.
The RodeCaster Pro Mixer is now available for use at the Round Rock Campus Library.
For some, it might have seemed like it was early for such a young program to be expanding. But for those involved, this move was simply a matter of time.
“The timing of this could not have been better,” said Round Rock Librarian Lynn Bostwick. “I actually had a faculty member reach out to me about podcasting equipment right before this pilot’s proposal was submitted. Faculty are aware of technology that’s out there now, and they’re ready to incorporate it into their curriculum.”
The Alkek One equipment is available to use at the Round Rock Campus Library.
Kira Wright is YouStar Studios supervisor for University Libraries.