Learning Commons to open in March

November 14, 2008

As with most renovations, there have been a few unexpected surprises uncovered in the transformation of the ground floor of the Murray Library into the new Learning Commons but the project is on track for completion early next year.

Jim Greer, director of both the University Learning Centre (ULC) and the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness, said the new area, to open in March, will accommodate the library circulation desk and patron spaces, including team rooms, technical support for students with disabilities, a study area and a café, likely Starbucks.

Once the circulation desk is moved down from the first floor, which is already home to the university’s math and writing help centres, that area will get a facelift, creating even more space for students. Other services will include the reference desk and an Information Technology (IT) help desk.

Greer said both floors will feature a ULC help desk where students can ask questions related to their academic needs and get referrals to the various support services offered by the centre.

Since the first steps were taken toward establishing the ULC in 2006, “student access to our services has been growing every term,” Greer said, “particularly with our online resources. This is very encouraging to us.”

The positive response has encouraged consideration of extending ULC hours beyond regular library hours, he said, particularly at peak times such as during exams. “There are safe study spaces elsewhere on campus and we’re hoping to move that kind of service into this space.”

Two completed components of the ULC/library transformation project include changes made on the sixth floor of the library, and the move of the Gwenna Moss centre into ground floor space vacated by the College of Graduate Studies and Research. The project is a joint effort by the ULC, the library, Information Technology Services and Disability Services for Students.

The unexpected discoveries during renovation, most related to the original construction of the Murray Building, have strained the project budget somewhat and required use of contingency funds, said Greer, but he expects the final cost will be within the original $7 million budget.