Learning Commons Background Info

Just the Facts

History of Development

The Learning Commons is designed for students of all disciplines and all levels. It focuses on providing students with everything required to learn, presented conveniently and with style. Here students find integrated access to electronic information resources, services, and computing with experts at hand to provide advice and help.

Planning for the Learning Commons began in 2000 as a project to renovate of Alden Library's second floor. With new and expanded academic buildings on the lower campus and the new University enter planned across the street, it seemed reasonable that the 2nd floor would become the main entry into Alden Library. In addition, the location of Alden Library physically in the middle of the Ohio University campus and situated on a cross-campus pedestrian artery,the second floor could provide a convenient focal point for academic activities. But the congested hallways, illogical design, and worn carpet of that area did little to encourage its use.

Discussions with other University units and a review of other libraries' renovation and reorganization activities led to a broad vision for the second floor of Alden Library, one that recognized learning as a collaborative process and technology as integral to learning activities. The Writing Center, Academic Technology, and the Academic Advancement Center all joined in a partnership to enhance the space and to create an environment centered on student learning and engagement.

With successful support pledged and additional funding assured, the project moved into active planning during the spring of 2003. The project's Core Team completed a statement of Mission, Goals, and Program Components; other teams participated in planning, including an Advisory Committee with faculty and staff membership and a Student Advisory Group. DesignGroup Architects of Columbus, Ohio was the architect for the project. The $1.5 million cost for Phase 1 was largely the result of private contributions. The renovation was a featured gift opportunity during the Libraries' Bicentennial Campaign. Donors were generous. Additional funds for the project were provided by the University's capital (building) budget, from University College, and from Facilities Management.

Phase I began in the spring of 2004 and include approximately half of the second floor, the main entrance and lobby, a new service desk, group study rooms, a Multimedia Center, tutorial space for the Writing Center, the Rollins Room, and the Shostak Assistive Technology Room. The project was completed and the doors opened the first day of Fall Quarter, 2004.

Phase II began in the spring of 2005 and include expansion of Multimedia Center, an instruction lab,additional group study rooms, additional study space, and Cafe BiblioTech. The project was completed and the doors opened the first day of Fall Quarter, 2004.

Plans for "Phase III" are currently under consideration.

News Stories from 2004

This page contains links to news stories regarding the Learning Commons.

• OU's Alden Library opens upscale coffeehouse/cafe on second floor - The Athens News (September 12, 2005)
• Students praise renovated library Learning Commons - The Athens News (January 3, 2005)
• Commons cast as 'cool' study spot - Outlook (September 23, 2004)
• Students beginning to exploit new features, opportunities at library - The Athens News (September 13, 2004)
• Library set to open 'learning commons' - The Athens News (August 30, 2004)
• Alden Overhaul Under Way - The Post (April 22, 2004)
• Alden director discusses copying charges and second-floor renovations - The Athens News (April 19, 2004)
• Alden Library plans renovation and new Learning Commons - Ohio University Outlook (March 15, 2004)
• Major renovation planned for Alden Library - The Athens News (March 11, 2004)

Power Point Presentation (2004)