This semester marks the 5th anniversary of the Integrative Design, Arts and Technology network (IDeATe). Housed in Hunt Library, IDeATe exemplifies the forward-thinking momentum on the Carnegie Mellon University campus by offering undergraduate minors and courses that “advance education, research and creative practice in domains that merge technology and arts expertise.” With CMU recognized as a leader for its phenomenal interdisciplinary research, it’s only fitting that the University Libraries and IDeATe would partner together to offer students access to a wealth of resources rarely seen in the library environment.
IDeATe’s primary role is helping students augment their disciplinary education with an exposure to the skills and techniques of working with other people. We know our graduates will have to work with others when they enter the workforce, and we want them to understand the skills and habits of mind from colleagues in other fields. Many of our courses involve collaboration and making as practical ways of allowing interdisciplinary skills to be developed and practiced. These practical approaches are highly relevant in a time of interest in maker-movements. - Keith Webster, Dean of University Libraries and Director of Emerging and Integrative Media Initiatives.
Read more about the history of IDeATe and its role in the library of the future in our Information Environment Blog.