A state-of-the-art “Learning Commons” is under development at the Homer D. Babbidge Library, thanks to a commitment of private giving from the classes of 1957 and 1997.
A learning commons is an integrated learning space that brings together, in one convenient environment, tools and support services that enable students to fully research, develop, enhance, produce and finalize their academic work assignments. These include computer workstations, printers and scanners, research databases, academic software programs, collaborative work spaces and on-demand tutoring assistance.
Designed for group collaboration and self-directed research, the Learning Commons will be located on Level 1 of the Homer Babbidge Library, where many of these elements are already in place, including a computer lab offering access to a variety of academic software, Internet cafes for information exploration and retrieval, hands-on information technology training rooms, and reference and research services.
Several tutoring areas for computer competency, writing, math and statistics are still under development.
When the project is complete, students will be able to meet in glass-walled i-Studios with large plasma displays, white boards, and other tools for group learning and collaboration; utilize a multi-media center for creating image, video and audio presentations; and take advantage of new lounge furniture for study or casual conversation.
The University of Connecticut libraries form the largest public research collection in the state, with more than 2.6 million volumes, 6,000 currently received print periodicals, 41,000 electronic journals, 2.8 million units of microform, 35,000 reference sources, 200,000 maps, sound and video recordings, musical scores, and a growing array of electronic resources including eBooks, eSound recordings and image databases. Approximately 1 million patrons visit the Babbidge Library every year.
“A library is so much more than simply a collection of books and materials, but really a hub of discovery and learning,” says Brinley Franklin, vice provost for University libraries. “The Learning Commons will allow students and groups to easily collaborate, learn interactively and complete their academic work using the latest technology.”
The UConn libraries are traditionally the beneficiary of the tenth and fiftieth anniversary class gifts. While the libraries impact every graduate of the University, they have no alumni of their own.
