Wednesday, July 18, 2012

New Learning Commons at Northwestern College

Northwestern College (Orange City, IA) dedicated a new multipurpose, $14 million DeWitt Learning Commons which houses the college’s library, academic support center, writing center, multimedia center and institutional technology help desk. September 2013.




Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Coastal Carolina U. - Bryan Information Commons

Barbara Burd, Dean of Library Services, has been updating the progress on the soon-to-open Bryan Information Commons at Kimbel Library.  Grand opening is planned for August 20, 2012. 

"Having had a sneak peek at the Bryan Information Commons, I was impressed by the natural light and the wonderful views of the campus through the expansive windows. Students will be able to relax and reflect in the comfortable couches and chairs provided in these areas. In addition to soft seating, the information commons will feature individual and group work areas, study rooms, presentation areas, a library instruction classroom, a reference/consultation office, and a vending machine area with cafe tables and booths. The Information Commons will support state-of-the-art technology in a wifi environment. Mediascape workstations will provide spaces for collaborative projects. Both Mac and Windows desktop computers will be available at individual workstations. All study rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards to facilitate student learning."  Read more. 

Construction Photos, April, 2012.  


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

GateWay Community College - Integrated Education Building

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) in Arizona was a pioneer in the evolution of the information commons concept.  Phil Tompkins started the ball rolling at Estrella Mountain CC in the mid-1990s.  Now GateWay Community College is about to open the Integrated Education Building, which will include the functions of "student services center, library and classroom building to meet the needs of the rising student population."