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Contribute to the Learning Commons - We Want YOUR Input! (Thursday, September 23, 2010)

Submitted by lnull@tntech.edu
Staff members of the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library are hosting a series of meetings as part of planning for the new Library Commons. The focus of the meetings will be to learn the types of assignments faculty give students and the challenges that students face in completing those assignments. The goal is to shape the commons to help assure the success of both faculty and students. Please join the discussion and share with us the assignments you give, or tell us about the assignments you get. We want to help you succeed. The discussions will be held in the “elbow” of the first floor of the library. To find the elbow, turn left after entering the front door of the library and walk toward the west wing. The elbow is where the main section of the building meets the west wing. Sessions, which will last approximately 30 minutes each, will be held at the following dates and times: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10:30 am; Thursday, Sept. 30, 1:30 pm; Monday, Oct. 4, 7 pm; Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1:30 pm. For more information, contact Deanna Nipp-Kientz, 931-372-3958, dnipp@tntech.edu or Linda Null, 931-372-3345, lnull@tntech.edu.




Books, Journals and the Learning Commons (Thursday, September 9, 2010)

You will probably notice a lot of shifting of books and journals this semester. There are two reasons for this. First, making sure we have the best materials available, and second we are preparing space to move periodicals off the 2nd floor.

Providing the best books is an important part of administering a library. It is a process that requires the advice and input of the faculty. We are currently working with the faculty on the collection to make sure we have the best books available. Together, we decide what to buy to support student scholarship and faculty research. Because space is limited we also need to decide what to keep and how long to keep it. Some materials become obsolete or damaged over time. Because our space is limited, it is important to identify those items to make room for new material.

We are also making room to move periodicals. As the older books are removed we are shifting to make room for the periodicals that need to be moved off of the second floor. This will take most of the semester. We do our best to keep you updated with the progress of the work.

Doug Bates

Dean of Library & Learning Assistance