Dec. 5 marked the beginning of renovations at the Welland Campus Library and Learning Commons. The space is being redesigned with today’s student in mind and when complete in Spring 2019, will provide students with a modern, open learning environment.
“We know that students and faculty do many different activities in the library – they study, research, reflect, contemplate, tutor and get tutoring, do hands-on learning and sometimes just chill between the busy times. They do these things on their own and they do them together. The renovation project is our attempt to meet those needs. We’ll have redesigned space and brand new furnishings – all more suited to the work of 21st century students. Our high levels of commitment to supporting our students will not change – their success is our success,” said Cynthia Williamson, manager at the Welland Campus Library and Learning Commons.
The renovated Eva M. Lewis Library and Learning Commons will offer new and more seating for students and flexible library space to accommodate individual and collaborative study and work. The former cafeteria will be converted into usable space and will house the Exploratory (digital media makerspace) for enhanced active and experiential learning, an improved Test Centre with more individual testing rooms in a more central location, individual study spaces, library service desk, staff offices, academic drop-ins and book stacks.
During construction, sections of the Library and Learning Commons, including study rooms and academic drop-ins, will be available at alternate locations. Academic drop-in sessions will be held in Secord SE124. The carrels previously used in the silent study room have been moved into the main library.
Library study rooms have been temporarily relocated to Simcoe S106A to F during the renovations. Six rooms with capacity for four students each and equipped with AV and whiteboards are now available for booking.
ncLibraries and Learning Commons are sensitive to the inconvenience the work may cause students and staff, and is working closely with Facilities Management Services to minimize disruptions from dust and noise. Most construction will take place after hours. Throughout construction, students, staff and faculty are encouraged to provide comments and feedback directly to Library and Learning Commons staff at [email protected].
The new Eva M. Lewis Library and Learning Commons is part of Niagara College’s $65 million Campus Redevelopment project, which is creating new and expanded facilities at the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses to support growth, enhance the student experience, and expand Niagara College’s research and innovation capabilities. In spring 2019, construction will also begin on a similar renovation of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus’ Library and Learning Commons. Visit niagaracollege.ca/campusredevelopment for more information.
