Round-the-clock studying in new Norlin

‘Learning Commons’ to include coffee shop

With construction presumed to begin May 2008, the completed Learning Commons in Norlin Library will give students a new place to work 24/7.

Matt Hamilton, a former CU student and marketing and promotions coordinator for the library’s outreach department, talked with The Campus Press about the Learning Commons.

“A Learning Commons is something that a lot of academic libraries have been adapting around the country,” Hamilton said. “It will be open 24/7 and centered around computer stations. This was a request from one of the senior classes. They made it their senior gift to the libraries to work on an area like this.”

Deborah Fink, the outreach librarian for Norlin Libraries, said construction will be finished between spring and summer of 2009. Fink says that the construction will “dramatically change the entire east side” of Norlin.

Fink says the total budget is $5 million, $1 million of which was given to Norlin from the University of Colorado Student Government.

“It will be built in what is now the reference department,” Fink said. “The reference desk will be moved to the second floor. The Learning Commons will have an added restroom, coffee-shop and outdoor seating.”

Andrew Shewmaker, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said he likes the idea of this spot.

“I’ll probably use it when I’m on campus so I can get studying done so I don’t have to go back and forth,” Shewmaker said. “The idea of a 24 hour service will allow people to have more flexibility in their schedule and not have to just get it done during normal business hours.”

Hamilton said he believes students working together and being with other students in an easily accessible forum like a library commons is an integral learning advantage for students.

“The library as a place to go, to study and to collaborate has taken on a greater importance than it once did,” he said. “Libraries have made a shift to a quiet place to being a vibrant dynamic place where people can get together and work together.”

Meredith Parsley, a freshman pre-journalism and mass communication major, said she plans on using the Learning Commons when it is finished.

“I often feel nervous about staying in the library late at night because it feels deserted and a bit creepy, but with one specific area where students will be together studying late, it will make everyone feel more secure,” Parsley said.

Cara Scott, a sophomore psychology major said she doesn’t think she will use this new Learning Commons.

“It wouldn’t affect me that much. I like to go to coffee shops, I need a little bit more commotion even though that sounds ironic,” Scott said.

Kimberly Potter, a freshman open-option major, says she doesn’t use the library to study now, but would consider using the Learning Commons since it will be open all the time.

Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Jennifer Jacobs at [email protected]