Over the holiday break, the ground level of Landman Library was redesigned to accommodate students’ need for space that supports computer, collaborative and  individual work. (Photos.)

“This change in design incorporates current library research about the emergence of information commons in libraries, visits to other area institutions that have implemented this concept, as well as observations of our own students’ behavior in the Library,” says Dr. Jeanne Buckley, Director of Library Services and Instructional Technology. “Students have asked for smaller tables able to support wireless laptops, flexible seating areas that they can configure themselves (as opposed to ‘shoeboxes’), and a place that would be conducive to both focused study and leisure reading.

“Together with the recently opened Student Art Gallery, the lower level of the Library is now a truly student-centered space that will support a variety of learning experiences,” adds Buckley. “A big ‘thank you’ goes to José Dieudonne (Chief Information Officer) for identifying funds for this project, Tom Macchi (Associate Vice President for Facilities and Capital Planning) and his stellar crew for making it happen so smoothly, and John Lavigne (Director of Network and Information Security Services) and his staff for seamlessly navigating the technology changes involved in this redesign. It was a concerted effort, and the result is amazing. I personally invite you to stop by and see the changes for yourself.”

In addition to the eight multimedia PCs that had been at the location, four I-Macs were added for Internet-access only. Six movable white boards add to the flexibility of the area. The area has movable tables and seating for about 25 students, plus casual seating for about 18 students.