Learning Commons expansion celebrated
More than 75 people attended the Feb. 8 dedication of the recently expanded Learning Commons on the lower level of the Du Bois Library, but they were vastly outnumbered by the students who filled all of the 200 computer work stations and most of the commons’ 30,000 square feet.
I can’t tell you how much this means to students, having this resource,” said Ngozi Mbawuike, president of the Student Government Association. “No matter what your needs are, there is a place for everyone here.”
Provost James V. Staros said that the Learning Commons, with its high-tech work stations and group learning environments, has “transformed the library, the campus and student life.”
Chancellor Robert Holub credited the Library staff with the success of the commons and its expansion. Despite the sophistication of the technology, and the congeniality of commons, he reminded the group, “It is the people who make the space.”
The expansion, completed in January, includes:
• A 20-percent increase in the size of the Learning Commons to about 30,000 square feet
• A 60-percent boost in seating, from 250 to 450
• Eight new group study rooms, bringing to 26 the total number of glass cubicles where students can gather to work together without disturbing their library neighbors
The Learning Commons also now has 42 computer work stations that are open to the public and a room specially equipped to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities. There are specially equipped Mac workstations for multi-media production and editing, as well as a high-quality large format poster printer. Students have access to online lecture notes and course material. Librarians stand ready to offer assistance in specific academic areas, or to steer students toward the Writing Center or Academic Advising. Like the rest of the Library, the Learning Commons offers fill wireless access, and Office of Information Technology support is available onsite.
February 11, 2010.
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