Materials Library
The Materials Library is a teaching collection that supports students and faculty across the University of Connecticut by offering open, hands-on access to raw, manufactured, and reclaimed material samples. The Library mission is to drive research, creativity, and innovation across academic disciplines by providing a collaborative platform for investigating the materials that shape our world. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and physical dimensions of materials while encouraging sustainable practices. Guided by forward-thinking curiosity, we strive to empower the stewardship of both natural and built environments, promoting a sustainable and equitable future through knowledge and discovery.
Goals
Materials Library Objectives
The goal of the library is to build and maintain a teaching collection to serve students and faculty across a range of disciplines by providing hands-on access to raw, manufactured and reclaimed material samples for independent and class related academic research.
The focus of this collection is to build awareness and dialog around the use and impact of materials in the built environment and our world.
We seek to support existing programs as well as new curriculum, and to promote student led creativity and innovation through diverse disciplinary synergies.
The Materials Library is located in the Design Center as an initiative within the Department of Art and Art History. Art Building Room 108
For more information contact:
Assistant Professor Chris Sancomb Industrial Design
Department of Art and Art History
Opportunities
Internship Guidelines
The Materials Library Internship is an opportunity for students across the university to engage in research with an object based collection of raw, manufactured and reclaimed materials. Students can sign up for credit hours to participate in the internship program, and will divide their time between assisting in the creation and management of the collections, and a self directed materials focused research project.
Anticipated commitment of 4-6 hours per week:
50%-1-3 hours assisting with Library work*
50%-1-3 hours working on independent material focused research projects.
Opportunities
Library Work
This category encompasses several different activities that help build and support Materials Library operation, including collection building, collection management, curated exhibits, and graphics. Each area is essential to the growth and operation of the library.
Opportunities
Independent Research Project
The Materials Library is intended to support engagement and self directed interdisciplinary research with materials. Student Interns are required to conduct a semester-long research project as part of their work. Students may propose a project focused in an area of their choice, and will be asked to create a work plan outline, and project outcome(s).
Research projects must center materials as the primary subject, but can and should overlap with other fields of study including areas such as engineering, design, human rights, sustainability, ecology, etc. Projects that cross boundaries and seek to uncover interdisciplinary connections are especially encouraged.