October 5, 2006 Source: :
http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=4270 A purple ribbon in support of
non-violence will be prominent at the first-ever Non-Violence Awaremess Fair
in the MUSC Marketplace on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. Students inquire,
discover and learn at newly renovated facilty
by Anne Plessl
October 05, 2006 The McLay Reading Room, the large study space on the 2nd floor of Mills
Library, received a major makeover this past summer. The renovation of McLay is Phase 1 of the Mills Learning Commons Project. The room re-opened on Sept. 20 and was filled with students within a few
hours--some with their own laptops, others using the library's desktop
computers or working at the brand new study tables. Students claimed the room immediately and are thrilled with the
transformation. "Sweet," said one of the first five students entering the room on the first
day. "The new library commons room rocks!" said another. In particular, students
like the new computer chairs, for which they "voted with their seats" late
last spring. The Mills Learning Commons is a place for students to continue the process
of learning that begins in the classroom; they come to learn individually or
in groups with access to expert help when and how they need it. They can get research help from librarians in person or via chat, or get
help with a variety of IT problems from peers who work as student
consultants in University Technology Services. Additionally, the Centre for Student Development (CSD) offers writing
clinics and academic skills counseling, and there are services and adaptive
software for students with disabilities. Key features of the physical space include more computers (Mills students'
top priority in the 2005 Space Survey) and more software, including MS
Office. There are powered laptop zones, including a laptop area with bistro seating,
lounge seating for those who like to study in comfort, and wireless access
throughout. Another new addition is the digital signage in the commons and in the lobby
of Mills that displays important library and commons partners news. Still to come are quick-access stations for quick searches, refurbishing of
the Reference Area, and completion of group study rooms on the 3rd floor. The Mills Learning Commons was funded through a generous grant from the
University's Refining Directions fund and a generous gift from McMaster
alumni Alan and Brenda Wong. The Commons Project is a collaborative project of the Centre for Leadership
in Learning, the Centre for Student Development, McMaster University Library
and University Technology Services. The McMaster community is invited to celebrate the official opening of the
Mills Learning Commons on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. on the 2nd floor of
Mills Library.
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