New Strategic Priorities and Transformation of Student Multimedia Design Center to Research Data and Design Commons

The University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press has established three strategic priorities to guide its work in the coming years: enhancing research support by strengthening services, expertise and spaces to help students, faculty and researchers succeed; expanding experiential learning through hands-on, collaborative and immersive opportunities; and advancing open scholarship (including open educational resources) to promote equitable access to scholarly content and educational materials. These priorities are designed to support innovative scholarship, research, teaching and learning while responding to the evolving needs of the University community.

As part of advancing these priorities, the lower level of Morris Library will transition from the Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC) to the Research Data and Design Commons (RDDC), creating a modern, integrated hub for research, data visualization and multimedia scholarship. The RDDC will primarily serve students and junior researchers while remaining a resource for researchers at all levels, enhancing the University’s ability to support high-quality academic work across disciplines.

“These strategic priorities and the launch of the RDDC are more than an update to space—they represent a reimagining of how we support discovery and collaboration and contribute to academic innovation,” said Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian. “The Commons will equip students, faculty and researchers with the tools, expertise and environment they need to explore, experiment and succeed, combining our longstanding strengths in multimedia support with new, advanced data services.”

Key Features of the Research Data and Design Commons:

• Research Data and Visualization Lab: Advanced computer workstations for data-driven analysis and visualization.
• Refreshed Studios: Multimedia creation spaces for podcasts, video and integrated data projects.
• Streamlined Services: Research-focused equipment lending, poster printing and project consultations.

While the transition is expected to be completed by Spring 2026, enhanced Research Data Services—including data management, analysis and visualization—will launch this fall. Room A (on the Lower Level of Morris Library) will temporarily close for a technology refresh in preparation for its conversion into the Data Analysis and Visualization Lab and Studio 2 will receive upgraded workstations and refreshed technology. Existing services such as printing, scanning, assistance with the microforms collection, gaming and viewing carrels, and scheduling the viewing room will transition to the Help Center on the first floor of Morris Library.

 By January 2026, equipment and service resources will be optimized and Studios 1 and 2 fully refreshed. In Spring 2026, the RDDC will officially open, offering a fully equipped, integrated space for research, data visualization and multimedia scholarship. Room A will reopen as the Data Analysis and Visualization Lab.

The creation of the RDDC reflects the Library, Museums and Press’ commitment to providing innovative, user-centered spaces that foster discovery, creativity and scholarly success. For more information, please contact Daniel Peart, Head, Research Data and Design Commons, at dpeart@udel.edu or 302-831-0480 or visit here for updates.