It’s difficult to imagine Evans Library without the Digital Scholarship Lab (or the DSL as many know it today). But just ten years ago, the DSL was transformed from a dark, cramped computer lab into an innovative, comfortable, and collaborative space complete with cutting-edge technologies.
The Origin Story/ A Vision for Innovation: The Story Behind the Digital Scholarship Lab
In 2014, former Dean of Libraries Dr. Sohair Wastawy anticipated the growing need to support Big Data on campus. Having worked for over 17 years at ITT Technical Institute, she knew the importance of senior design projects and the challenges students faced in completing them. “Students needed more than just access to technology,” Dr. Wastawy explained. “They needed help learning complex software, a place to test ideas, and a community where collaboration could happen naturally.”
At the time, students often had to move between different computer labs across campus to find the software they needed. Dr. Wastawy imagined a single, central space equipped with specialized tools and comfortable seating —“a coffeehouse-like environment where students would want to stay, study, and create.” The library could be that “third place” on campus, a home away from home that offered a welcoming, inclusive environment beyond classrooms and dorms.
Dr. Wastawy proposed the creation of a lab that would house five interdisciplinary data visualization stations, including ESRI’s ArcGIS. While the original plan placed the DSL on the library’s third floor, attention soon turned to the second-floor pavilion. With its natural light and open layout, the space offered the perfect setting to highlight not only data visualization but also technologies that could inspire creativity, collaboration, and design.
Thanks to faculty support, student input, and university resources, the renovations began in 2015. With support from university administrator Angela Taylor, resources were temporarily redirected from the standard annual budgets to save funds for the renovation project. The transformation began with simple yet impactful changes: fresh paint, modern furniture, original artwork, and a welcoming layout.
The now-signature green walls were inspired by an airport Dr. Wastawy visited in Ireland. She noticed how a particular section in the airport attracted passengers simply by using the vibrant color and comfortable seating. The textile and fiber artwork decorating the DSL was carefully selected and specially commissioned from an Orlando artist, bringing energy and originality to the space. Even the Library’s iDesk was redesigned to better connect staff and students.
Where we are Now
Today, the DSL is a thriving space for innovation and collaboration. It serves as a hub for student projects, library events, and discussion panels, while continuously expanding its offerings. Students now have access to a podcast and recording studio, a 3D printing lab, laser engraving equipment, graphics-intensive applications, advanced software suites like GIS, and even a massage chair.
Another person who has been instrumental to the DSL over the past ten years is Martin Gallagher, Digital Scholarship & Innovation Specialist. Martin finds it essential to provide access to equipment and technology so that students are prepared to enter the workforce when they graduate. He has helped countless students turn their ideas into reality – their projects have ranged from building artificial coral reefs, to 3D printing robotic arms. His passion for sharing knowledge and sparking curiosity has been an important part of the lab’s growth.
“I love what I do. I love the interaction. I love the challenge,” Gallagher commented. “I love to share with students and anybody who wants to sit and talk [about] what this technology is and how it works. And [to] give people a concept of a spark -- the biggest thing with learning and students. If you trigger somebody to be excited about something, that’s when they’re going to learn. And if they love doing it, that’s the best job you can have.”
Looking Ahead
Thanks to Dr. Wastawy’s vision and the continued support from the Evans Library staff, the DSL has become one of the most vibrant parts of Evans Library—a place where students not only access technology but also discover inspiration, collaboration, and community.
The library will be hosting a ten-year birthday party for the DSL in January 2026. And as for what’s to come in the next decade of the DSL? When we asked Martin what he thinks, he responded with the two words that he has found to be the most instrumental in his experience and his lab: “What if?” Martin expanded-- “What else is possible? Don’t always think there’s just one way of doing something. We wouldn’t have advanced in science, technology, and space if we hadn’t asked the ‘what if?’ question.”
