As the popularity of Alden Library's new Learning Commons, which opened at the beginning of this quarter, continues to grow, some Ohio University students have found it increasingly hard to find an open computer terminal at which to work.
The Learning Commons features 120 new high-end computer terminals spread throughout a more spacious and visually appealing second level. However, during high-traffic periods throughout the day, the Commons sometimes becomes overcrowded.
It's usually pretty crowded between noon and five
said Callie Stimson, an OU sophomore and library employee. The library staff has not had any major complaints regarding the wait for open stations but does have methods to curb overcrowding.
Students having trouble finding a workstation on the second level are usually redirected to those located on the third and fourth levels, said Wanda Weinberg, head of reference and instruction.
People tend to think that (because) the commons is new that it's the only place they can do what they need to do Weinberg said.
There are 72 additional machines on the two other levels, which handle the second floor overflow quite well, Weinberg said.
Kathy Sellers, an OU junior, has not experienced any trouble with available computers and said the speed of the new computers and the open atmosphere of the commons make it an improvement over last year's lab.
Now you can study and work on computers at the same time Sellers said.
I'm very pleased about the fact that people use not only the technology but also the study space
Weinberg said. It's exactly what we intended.
In anticipation of the end-of-the-quarter rush, plans are in place to add 10 new workstations in the Learning Commons and 12 more throughout the stacks with the same capabilities as the 120 in the Commons by the end of the quarter. Weinberg said she hopes a laptop loan program that will provide an additional 16 machines will be in place by Homecoming, which should further expand the Learning Commons' capabilities.
Beginning Oct. 24, the Commons will also offer new extended hours, including four days a week of 24-hour access.
The new Learning Commons lab, along with the other computers throughout Alden, is just one of four computer labs on campus available for all students. Additionally, there are 50 other labs throughout campus available for specific programs or classes that help curb the competition found in the open labs, according to the OU Web site.
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