Students visiting the recently renovated second floor of Alden Library will be treated to a one-stop shopping place for all the information and technology they need, said Julia Zimmerman, dean of libraries for Ohio University.
The project was to create a better and more attractive place for students
Zimmerman said. We know they're using technology very heavily in their coursework.
The new Learning Commons at Alden, which opened Tuesday after construction that began last spring, features 120 new computer terminals that allow students to download directly to compact disk, laptop computers that are available for check-out, printing and copying stations, and an information desk that consolidates the circulation, reserve and periodicals desks that were once spread throughout the building.
We learned that often students would come with a question that the assistants couldn't necessarily answer Zimmerman said. Rather than send them off to another desk located elsewhere in the building, the new arrangement is more efficient.
It's more of an integrated approach now
said Wanda Weinberg, head of reference and instruction. It's a more fluid situation for people
and I think that's one of the strengths of this floor.
Students are not the only ones being given the opportunity to experience these new tools, as staff members have also familiarized themselves with the equipment.
The applications that had only been available in the lab are now available at all the stations in the library
Weinberg said.
The best thing students can do to get themselves acquainted with the unfamiliar equipment is to take advantage of the available help, Zimmerman said.
Don't be afraid to ask. Tell them what you need to do and ask them how to do it
she said.
Though the commons have been open less than a week, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, Weinberg said.
Not only is it more visually attractive, but also the expanded area has allowed students to be more spread out, and there is now a much larger variety of stations.
Students have been very positive
especially those who saw the floor before the construction
Weinberg said.
The learning commons highlight what is just the first phase of an ongoing renovation process. The library is open during its normal hours, but starting Oct. 25, the learning commons will be open 24 hours Sunday through Thursday.
Construction will continue next summer, and by this time next year, the second floor will be expanded further and will include a new multimedia lab and project center, and a coffee shop, Zimmerman said.
17
