University Libraries

The internet is a gift to anyone who wants to do research. However, it's no substitute for the curated knowledge of a dedicated university library.

When I graduated from NYU's Gallatin School, our class opted to contribute a donation that came with a perk possibility. We voted and chose to have ongoing access to the library. That perk was never fully realized. I'd try over the years to access the stacks digitally and always be limited by what I could access.

A few years ago, I was doing some work for NYU. Sharon Chang, an NYU trustee and founder of Guild of Future Architects, and I had brought a proposal to NYU regarding the burgeoning intersection of games, story, wearables, and behavior change. That initial seed grew to be what is now the Future Imagination Collaboratory.

While helping shape FIC, I ended up spending a bit of time with Dan O'Sullivan, the Chair of ITP. We'd have far-ranging conversations about emerging technologies, academia, philosophy, consciousness, and so forth. At some point, Dan offered to make me a Visiting Scholar in ITP. This status would grant me access to the library!

There was a lot that came out of helping birth the Future Imagination Collaboratory. And reuniting with the NYU library was, without question, a highlight. I've used that library weekly since receiving access. If you're in a university with a robust library, take full advantage because despite the abundance of information anyone with an internet connection has access to, there's no substitute for a quality library. And, sadly, in many cases, access to that library goes away.