A library at a university exists to support student learning and faculty scholarship and research. Traditionally that has been done by providing materials, services, and space. In the past, the materials were mostly books and journals; the services were mostly checking out books and answering reference questions; and the space has consisted of book stacks, study tables and study carrels. Times have changed. Information has changed; and teaching has changed. Consequently, the library needs to change. Our mission is the same, but how we accomplish it must be different. One of the ways libraries are changing is by creating a space called, among other things, a learning commons.

The idea of a learning commons is to bring together in one convenient and comfortable space, tools and services to foster the learning and scholarship of students and faculty. For example, we expect to provide services such as: writing assistance, math tutoring, training and assistance with various technologies and software, and access to and help with information resources. There will be services we have not thought of yet. Within the space, we will have areas for group study, collaboration, and creation and practice of presentations among other things.

Creating a learning commons in the library requires the best thinking and efforts of many people. We are currently moving forward in two areas. We are preparing the physical space; and we are planning all of the activities, services, and equipment that will make up the new commons. Preparing the space will be disruptive for the next 8 to 10 months. The library efforts in space preparation are under the direction of a team of library staff consisting of Sharon Buckner, Nelda Gaines, Susan LaFever, Regina Lee, and Randy Raper. We will do our best to keep everyone informed about what is happening in the library.

Planning for the commons is under the direction of a team that includes: Doug Bates, Randle Bell, Annette Littrell, Alan Mills, Deanna Nipp-Kientz, and Linda Null. We want to create effective partnerships with many people in the university community to help students succeed. Our goal is to create space and services that will add value to the learning and scholarship of students and faculty.

Doug Bates

Dean of Library & Learning Assistance