New Brunswick Libraries Public Spaces: JetStream

JetStream (Joint Experimental Teaching Space for TRansdisciplinary REseArch Methods)

The purpose of the JetStream is to provide a space that catalyzes interdisciplinary learning and advanced research methods.  It will be used to host workshops, discussions, trainings, and presentations that blur boundaries (between presenter and participant, between disciplines, between methodologies) to enable rapid and fast-moving thoughts, in the metaphorical spirit of its namesake.  JetStream events will be high-level but open to all of the Rutgers Community, listed on the Libraries Events page, and frequently co-sponsored and co-hosted with other Rutgers departments and units to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

As a physical space, the JetStream is designed for active and dynamic learning, being a space that can be reconfigured for multiple learning styles and functions.

The JetStream is furnished with 10 trapezoidal tables, a shape that easily adapts to seating configurations for many group sizes, along with 24 chairs.  All furniture is on wheels so that the setup can be changed quickly. Two large and bright (75”) 4K monitors provide presentation space. Each monitor can be connected to wirelessly by anyone in the room thanks to the two Solstice pods. Three power towers and three glass whiteboards, also on wheels, complement the environment.  It is expected that the majority of participants will BYOD (“bring your own device”) to events, but four MacBook Pro laptops are available for lending as well.

JetStream Policies

The purpose of the JetStream is to provide a space that catalyzes interdisciplinary learning and advanced research methods via events that are open to all.

It is NOT intended as a regular classroom space to be booked by specific classes on an ongoing basis, and it is NOT intended for use as an internal committee meeting space (even for the Libraries).  The transparent glass of the room is an embodiment of the ideal of openness and that events held here should be a visible inspiration and manifestation of the intellectual activity of Rutgers as a research university.

JetStream events that are hosted or co-sponsored by the Libraries will be open to all members of the Rutgers Community (subject to the 24 seat capacity of the space), and will be listed on the Libraries Events Calendar.  These events will be free of charge to the attendees, and also free of any room booking fee.  Preference will be given in scheduling to those events that meet the goals of providing open discussion and learning around interdisciplinary topics and research methods.

Since the JetStream is part of the Scholarly Communication Center facilities that can be rented out for conferences and meetings, the JetStream may also be booked in conjunction with those events, but there will be a room booking fee for such events, or any events not meeting the criteria of openness, interdisciplinarity, and support of advanced research.