Take a sneak peek into the Creator Commons
Students, staff, and faculty got a chance to explore the newly renovated space
Librarian Leanne Nay assists a visitor with a heat press during the Creator Commons Open House on May 2, 2025.
Interested in VR? What about sewing? Maybe photography, or recording music? No matter your interest, it's likely Creator Commons has something for you.
Students, staff, faculty and more dropped in May 2 for a sneak peek of the newly renovated Creator Commons on the first floor of the West Tower in Herman B Wells Library to explore the space and try the new equipment. From Meta Quest 3s to synthesizers, and sewing machines to 3D printers, there really is something for every student in the Creator Commons.
The space is a collaboration between IU Libraries and University Information Technology Services (UITS). The Creator Commons is larger and has lots of new equipment, but its purpose remains the same as that of the original Wells Library Makerspace and IUI Idea Garden: To offer a beginner-friendly space that removes as many barriers to material and equipment as possible.
“The Creator Commons is an expansion of our Wells Library Makerspace,” Leanne Nay, Creative Technologies Librarian, said. “We want this to be a creative space where students can try new things. We want to continue to reach all disciplines, reach all people from across IU, and just bring them into this glorious world of making.”
The new space provides a significantly larger place for activities and looks out over the Wells Library patio.
“I think it's going to grow a lot more because of our bigger space,” Nada Abdelrahim, the Creative Instruction and Outreach Librarian, said.
The expansion of equipment offered isn’t limited to items that stay in space. The official opening of the new Creator Commons in the fall will also mean an increase in the number of items that can be checked out by students. For example, instead of having five cameras, there will be closer to 40. Students use the equipment for assignments as well as personal projects.
It means we’ll have a better chance of serving more students and serving this gigantic campus,”
Leanne Nay, Creative Technologies Librarian
The expansion of the space comes from great enthusiasm from students of all disciplines. Kathryn Thompson, UITS Student Outreach and Engagement Consultant, has discussed emerging technologies with students across the IU campus.
“I’ve talked to lots of students around campus and they’re very excited for this technology. They want more VR, and they want more 3D printing,” she said.
The Creator Commons was one of three spaces recently upgraded at IU Libraries. The renovations totaled 26,350 square feet of improved spaces for research, discovery, and exploration. Most of the $1.5M renovations were funded thanks to IU Libraries donors.
The other two spaces include the 4th floor of the West Tower; a large area designed for group and individual study. It was finished the week before finals and students swarmed the space for study prior to final exams. Additionally, the Reference Reading Room was transformed from the original 1970’s layout and furnishings to a revitalized, modern, and appealing space.
Much like the Creator Commons, the space now highlights the large windows to allow natural light to pour in.
“It has been a thrill to usher these spaces into more modern and welcoming environments for students and faculty. I hope these reimagined areas inspire users in their learning journey,” Amy Cope, the IU Libraries Director of Operations, said.
Contributors
Authored byTaylor Burnette
Railsback Fellow 2024-2025
Photography byEllie Pursley