Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships (EOCP) coordinates an overall strategy for experiential learning, social innovation, and entrepreneurship services in the Libraries. It leads the Libraries’ makerspaces, media services, virtual reality work, and the Toaster Innovation Hub, as well as advocating for new investments and services around social innovation and place-based and experiential learning. EOCP members take a highly intentional and critical approach to this work, incorporating new tools and programming when user needs and pedagogy support it.
This interdisciplinary, hands-on, and place-based learning complements the work of SELA and Research departments and is grounded in the Libraries strategic commitments for student engagement, learning, knowledge creation, and creativity. EOCP collaborates closely with AIS, SELA, Research and other Libraries units to welcome users into physical spaces, design instruction, and understand curricular and research needs and opportunities. EOCP members also maintain deep relationships with other technology, creative, and entrepreneurship groups/firms on campus and in the Twin Cities. Outreach to P-16 postsecondary educational institutions, and partnerships with community and corporate groups are leveraged to identify areas where the Libraries can provide expertise and impact.