Friday, June 6, 2008

IT + Library + Media Services = Learning Commons

On Wednesday, June 4th, I went on an SLA tour of the Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center and Orradre Library at Santa Clara University. Wow! It was impressive. I guess it shouldn't be surprising given the money that private universities can spend (this particular building cost $82 million!). Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera (or SCU pictures), so I can only tell you about it. All the computers have wide screen monitors (perhaps 24-in.) For each room, there is a fancy electronic box with a digital screen for immediate room reservation. If the box lights are red, the room is currently in use or unavailable to the public. If the lights are green, anyone can use it or reserve it. AND in each room, there is a huge (perhaps 32-in.) TV screen that I guess is set up to be connected to students' computers. Apparently, also in these rooms are whiteboard wallpaper for floor-to-ceiling note-taking.

On the tour we were also taken to observe the Automated Retrieval System in action. This learning commons building has a room with windows where you can view the machines retrieving or putting away books. They say it takes only ten minutes to retrieve a book. My biggest concern with ARS is that patrons do not have the browsing retrieval option with this system. During my internship, I would frequently suggested to patrons that they browse the area near the book that I had recommended to them. Not having the capacity to do this hinders access to information. Of course, it does provide them with more space for seating and study rooms.

On the fourth floor, we were shown the terraces. Again, wow! They had huge cushioned couches and chairs plus additional plush pillows. These terraces also offered a great view of the Santa Clara County. It felt very resort-like, which makes me wonder if that would actually be conducive to studying.

As to service desks, they has several. There were two small desks (one near the main entrance and one on the lower floor), each staffed with a student to function as a greeter/help point. Farther in on the main floor were the information services desk and the circulation desk. At the information services desk, there three service personnel: 1) general questions, 2) reference librarian, and 3) info tech services. My main complaint with the set-up was that the reference librarian was not clearly labeled. In fact, I would not have known that was who she was had not our tour guide pointed her out to us. This is not good for marketing reference services to students and to the administration of a library.

So I think that is about it. I highly recommend if you are in the area, to stop by and visit the Learning Commons yourself. It is open to the public, as are the computer terminals.

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