Informing innovation: Contextual investigation for effective academic technology practice

In this era of relentless change in higher education and information technology, it is essential to investigate local learning contexts to inform strategic programming and facilitate productive partnerships between libraries and academic institutions. From direct research into user needs and characteristics using environmental scanning, ethnography, and survey methodology to innovative tech-supported collaborations that inform library service models and pedagogy, this talk will explore established and emerging methods for developing an informed orientation to local communities of academic technology practice.