Recording equipment, high-speed computers, graphic design and video editing programs –the Adobe Creative Commons has been a collaborative project between UNM University Libraries, UNM Information Technologies, and Adobe to create a digital media workspace and resource center for all creative pursuits on campus.
Located on the first floor of the historic Zimmerman Library, the space provides resources including high-powered computers, several secluded editing bays, two fully equipped audio booths, and a wide variety of audio-visual equipment available for check out. All of the computers will be equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud apps and services ready to help students create. The space is meant to be a resource for all Lobos – students, staff, and faculty.
The Adobe Creative Commons grand opening event was scheduled to occur late January but was postponed due to the increasing number of COVID cases. The collaborative team behind the Adobe Creative Commons hopes to celebrate in the near future, but are excited to welcome the campus community into the space.
“At the University Libraries, we pride ourselves in providing excellent resources and services to the community. The Adobe Creative Commons is a great addition to Zimmerman Library as we strive to create a wide range of dynamic learning spaces for students,” said Leo Lo, dean of College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences. “We are all excited to see the new opportunities the Adobe Creative Commons will offer UNM students and the UNM community as a whole.”
The Adobe Creative Commons will soon offer workshops to staff, students and faculty on various Adobe software, and feature on-site and online support during operational hours. The space will also include the Lobo Brain Bar – an IT service desk to help community members with basic operating system support.
“UNM’s agreement with Adobe to join the Adobe Creative Campus program made all of Adobe’s Creative Cloud tools available to students, faculty and staff and affirmed UNM’s commitment to inclusion of Digital Literacy concepts across the curriculum. Through a grant from Adobe and contributions from UNM IT and University Libraries, we are really pleased to be opening the Adobe Creative Commons space in Zimmerman Library,” said Elisha Allen, director of Online Strategies and Academic Technologies. “The space will provide a home for the Creative Campus initiative and provide students with a place to experiment, collaborate, and get support for creative projects. I can’t wait to see the innovative work that students will produce using these tools and this space.”
As an Adobe Creative Campus, the UNM community can access the Adobe Creative Cloud software under the special licensing and price structure negotiated with Adobe. This includes access to the Adobe Creative Cloud on all their devices anywhere anytime which includes a collection of 20+ apps for photography, video, design, web, UX, and social media – plus integrated essentials like color palettes, font families, and the power to collaborate on creative projects.
“Adobe and The University of New Mexico are committed to providing students of all majors with the tools that are foundational to building their creative skill sets and ultimately, becoming digitally literate,” said Karen Steele, head of Adobe education enterprise sales. “Greater access to Adobe Creative Cloud enables The University of New Mexico to expand its innovative teaching practices and seamlessly nurture creative problem solving among students to ensure that they are prepared both inside and outside of the classroom.”
As an Adobe Creative Campus, UNM is part of a select group of colleges and universities that are driving the future of digital literacy within the global higher education community. UNM recognizes the value of teaching creative and persuasive digital communication skills, and actively advancing these skills throughout curricula to help students succeed in the classroom and gain an edge in the competitive modern workplace.
“Becoming an Adobe Creative Campus means we can deliver the tools, training, and modalities to help students tell stories, clearly convey ideas, and explore their creativity – skills that are critical in the world today. We’re combining those new digital technologies with an already excellent program, wonderful faculty, and very engaged students – taking our curriculum to new levels in ways that differentiate teaching and learning experiences at UNM,” said Duane Arruti, chief information officer at UNM.
The Adobe Creative Commons is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.. More information about the space and future workshops can be found at creativecampus.unm.edu.