Check out the new Learning Commons at the Sherratt Library, including:

• Multimedia Lab for digital video production and sound recording with on-site assistance
• Teaching Cluster for hands-on library research instruction
• Mediated Study Rooms for group work on a PC
• Flexible group study area with comfortable seating
• Circulating video cameras for creative work
• Lockers for rent by the semester

The Library and Information Technology have joined forces to create the Learning Commons in the Gerald R. Sherratt Library. According to Wikipedia, the term “commons” is derived from the land or common grounds that villagers shared for grazing purposes in simpler times. And according to the Ellis Library Website at the University of Missouri - Columbia, the town “commons” was so-named because it belonged to everyone in the community, and all kinds of commerce took place there. The Learning Commons is a shared space for students and faculty to explore and exchange ideas and knowledge.

This ongoing project started with the installation of a student computer lab in the library and is expanding to provide new facilities and spaces that are designed to be student centered, to promote the social aspects of learning, and to function as a central venue for meeting, sharing and exploring.

The Learning Commons brings together new and traditional library resources with new and innovative computer technologies. A variety of study spaces are available for students working alone or in groups. The Internet is accessible through library and lab computers, or students may use the wireless network with their own laptops or one they checked-out from Circulation throughout the library. A wide variety of resources are available, including books, online databases, computer software and hardware, and self-service printing and photocopying facilities. Library and computing staff are available to help with research and technical needs.

Some of the highlights of the Learning Commons include the Teaching Cluster. The cluster includes a group of computers on the first floor with video projection facilities. It will give professors a dedicated space to bring their classes to for hands-on instruction in library research. Faculty members interested in using the Teaching Lab should contact Richard Eissinger (Eissinger@suu.edu, 586-5435) to make an appointment.

The Multimedia Lab is another element of the Learning Commons. It includes four high-end PC’s and two high-end iMacs for digital video production and sound recording. Trained Student Technology Assistants will staff the Multimedia Lab Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. They will be there to help answer questions about the hardware and software. For more information on what is available in the Multimedia Lab, contact Matt Nickerson (nickerson@suu.edu, 586-1955).