With the semester off to a great start, chances are you’ve been spending a good bit of time in Fang and Tang Library on the 5th and 6th floor of the New Bund campus. But do you know about all the hidden library resources throughout the campus and online?
Check out these valuable resources the Research & Instructional Technology Services (RITS) library staff have thoughtfully prepared to make learning and teaching at NYU Shanghai more efficient, engaging and, dare we say, fun.
XR (Extended Reality) Space (W519)
As we learn more about the power of extended reality tools, faculty are exploring ways to use it to engage students. In the XR Space, which features padded walls, ambient lighting, and comfy bean bag chairs, students can transport themselves to alternate realities. The design of the space allows students to use XR headsets and move freely without having to worry about any barriers or obstacles.
Assistant Arts Professor of Dance Zhao Yuting used the XR Space for her dance choreography classes. The students were able to visualize their dancers’ floor pattern with the help of the Tilt Brush app on Meta Quest headsets. “It creates a drastic effect in comparison to the traditional classroom,” Zhao says. “It allows the students to forget about what they usually are afraid of. It’s surprising to me how instantly they jump out of their habits and are able to explore more dynamics, movement, and [their] own personalities.”
One Button Studio (West 518)
Creating your next video project is as easy as 1,2,3 at the One Button Studio! In a quiet hallway nestled in the West building, the One Button Studio is a dedicated self-service recording space for students offers an iMac equipped with the Adobe Creative Suite, a professional SONY camcorder, soundproof walls, and several backdrop options, including a green screen. “Community members can produce media-related content effortlessly in this quiet space and experience the general flow of media production,” says Digital Studio Manager Ashley Shi.
Assistant Professor of Practice in Interactive Media Business (IMB) Nicole Wang used the studio to show her students how to shoot interviews and monologue-style videos for her Content Creation and Management on Social Media class. “It allows me to demonstrate to the students studio-quality video techniques in a compact, all-in-one space,” she says.
Sound Box (West 521)
Hey… is this thing on? Put your voice recording and storytelling skills to the test in the Sound Box, hidden inside the Digital Studio. The thoughtfully designed recording studio is high-tech and easy to use, with soundproof walls, ambient lighting and state-of-the-art technology, including Blue Yeti microphones and audio editing software.
Communications and Events Manager Vickie Chen utilizes the space for her “Facul-Tea Podcast,” an engaging audio series that showcases NYU Shanghai faculty’s experiences.“The enclosed setting provides a secure space where ideas flow freely, shielded from distractions,” she says. “Sound Box is easy to use, delivers pristine sound, and allows me to produce content efficiently.”
Active Learning Classroom (West 507)
Want to rev up your classroom engagement? The Active Learning Classroom allows faculty to utilize an open floor plan to deliver their most compelling presentations and insightful discussions. With six different screens, the ALC is useful for faculty who lead group discussions, presentations, and brainstorming workshops with their students.
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow for Global Perspectives on Society (GPS) Warren Stanislaus used the space to engage students before asking them to discuss in small groups. “In a normal classroom this would not be feasible as it would require large scale color printing or the instructor projecting it only on one screen, which would naturally reduce the dynamism of the classroom and take away from the ‘active learning’ or ‘gallery’ feel,” he says.
Digital Studio (West 522)
Lights… Camera… Action! The digital studio is a space where faculty can create next-level video presentations, utilizing sophisticated Aputure LED studio lighting and cinematic DSLRs, all against a minimalist cyclorama. The digital studio is also the production home for the library’s Mini Course series, where faculty present their research findings in online video lessons to audiences beyond the NYU Shanghai community.
Research Assistant Professor of Psychology Daniel Jin Blum used the studio to film his mini-course on overcoming jet lag, which he researched with funding from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “The library staff’s knowledge and editing skills are exceptional in their ability to add animation to these videos,” he says. The equipment’s quality is exceptional in terms of setup and the design.” “
Visualization Lab (West 516)
Want to share multimedia presentations in a more intimate environment than a classroom setting allows? The Visualization Lab brings your dream presentation to life. The space is defined by its large 4K short throw projector and 72" LCD wall panel, making it the ideal location to host large group discussions and a popular spot for student presentations.
Assistant Professor of Interactive Media Business (IMB) Wang Jing used the lab for one of her Global Media and Finance classes for group viewing and discussion. “I was able to focus on lecture prep and not worry about logistics at all because the screening settings and room layout were perfect for my class design,” she says.
High Performance Computer Lab (North 508)
Frustrated by slow processing time on your computer and frequent screen freezes? If you like to switch between multiple programs and never close your tabs, then the High Performance Computer Lab could be a lifesaver. With 16 desktop stations available, the lab offers the highest-speed processing capacity computers on campus, especially useful for the Interactive Media Arts, Computer Science and Data Science students whose projects require high processing computing power.
Data Science student Liu Zhaodong ’26 says he appreciates the efficiency and processing power of the computers in this lab, “The HPCL makes it easier for me to work on projects because when I use my own computer, I usually need to download software first, then follow a series of other steps before I can even start,” he says. “The HPCL fast-tracks that process for my course studies.”
Interdisciplinary Research Lab (North 507)
The Interdisciplinary Research Lab allows students and faculty to really get their gears turning, whether in a class discussion or a cram session deep dive. The room’s seating layout is movable, allowing for easy group breakout discussions and classroom engagement with an HD screen at the front of the room. All this and natural light too, in a quiet and peaceful environment.
Assistant Professor of History Heather Ruth Lee used the lab for her weekly Humanities Research Lab meetings. “The MaxHub nook has been a comfortable corner for our meetings,” she says, adding, “The support of the library staff is even more important than space. I have been collaborating with Adrian Hodge, Yun Dai, and Fan Luo for years, and they have provided important feedback as we develop and refine the digital methods of the lab.”
Private Generative AI Pilot Program (Online)
Want to improve your AI literacy? The Private Generative AI Pilot Program is supported by NYU IT and provides a gateway to ChatGPT via OpenAI Azure.
Senior Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes Sarah Warfield used the program for her Art in the City class. “AI literacy is the new digital literacy,” she says. “In three years when they apply to graduate school, they need to know the pros and cons of AI, and [be able to] talk about it intelligently.”