Grand opening for new Technology Learning Center set for Oct. 22

By Katie Land, news editor

Students collaborate on projects utilizing equipment at the Kresge Library's new Technology Learning Center.

The Kresge Library is geared up to celebrate the grand opening of its new Technology Learning Center at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. The TLC will bring together an information commons, e-learning and instructional support and the UTS help desk.

The state-of-the-art facility offers computer workstations, laptops, software, peripherals and media computers with large-screen LCD monitors in a flexible learning space.

“The Technology Learning Center in Kresge Library represents a visionary work of our faculty and staff and places Oakland in a position at the forefront of faculty creativity and student learning,” said Virinder Moudgil, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “The Information Commons, the e-Learning and Instructional Support, and the Writing Center coupled with the Help Desk offer a one-stop, state-of-the-art educational support facility that strengthens the role of the library as the heart of campus.”

Students will have immediate access to staff for computer assistance and librarians for research assistance. They also can take full advantage of the wireless network, digital library resources, Web 2.0 and other technologies at their disposal.

The new center boasts centralized academic units that focus on creative collaboration and innovation in technology-based teaching, learning and research.

The Information Commons offers a vast improvement over the old lab and pushes OU beyond similar facilities at other universities, according to Julie Voelck, dean of the library.
“Students need spaces like the Information Commons to work collaboratively and use new technology to do course work, prepare presentations, access digital library collections and so on,” Voelck said. “We expect that students will find creative uses for the commons that we have not yet imagined.”

Student input and participation played a large role in designing the new center. Students and library administrators are collaborating on a plan to one day add a café to the center. Feedback from students and visitors will help determine the course of the TLC as it evolves.

“I have visited many information or learning commons in other university libraries, and I think ours is one of the best in terms of flexibility and user support,” she said. “It’s a wonderful space.”

The grand opening ceremony will feature remarks by Voelck, University President Gary Russi, Senior Vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost Virinder Moudgil, and Assistant Vice President of e-Learning and Instructional Support Cathryn Cheal. Guests will then be encouraged to explore the new center. For more information, call (248) 370-2486.

For more information about Oakland's library and resources, visit library.oakland.edu.