First of all, welcome to all you new Saints and welcome back to all you returning Saints!
Secondly, for you returners, you’ll notice a big change on the main-floor of the library:
More space and fewer computers.
Last year, we did a study of the numbers of students using this space and found many more students were using their own devices instead of the library computers. Additionally, those of you who answered the questionnaire during last spring's Library Snapshot day indicated you wanted more space to work together. In response, we’re opening this area up to support more collaborative learning (there’s your fancy professional lingo)…moving from an information commons model to a learning commons model (more professional lingo). Basically, the difference is a greater emphasis on this as a learning space rather than just one for gathering information.
Right now, the tables we have set up are temporary while we wait for furniture on back order. If you want a sense of what this space will look like eventually, think about the tutoring area of the Center for Student Success.
The space will feature movable whiteboards, chairs, and tables so that you can make the space fit your needs!
Additionally, the computers have been updated, so they boot up quicker—we’re happy about that too! To accommodate those who need to use computers when the ones in the learning commons are all being used or who may need a quieter space, we’ll open up the Main-Level Classroom whenever classes are not in session.