Thaw Hall to become the new home of Scots Learning Commons
Many MC Students may have questions about changes taking place in Maryville College’s library in Thaw Hall: Why are there so many renovations, and what are these rumors about the Lamar Memorial Library not being a library anymore?
The biggest project that Maryville College is putting in place in Thaw is the Scots Learning Commons. A learning commons is a model that centralizes all programs and services supporting academic success into one physical location.
An information desk situated at the front of the MC library, directly to the right of the main entrance doors, will be staffed by a hospitality team to answer any questions from students, such as: How do I print in the library? How do I access the library’s database on the Maryville website? Who do I need to talk to fill out these forms? Who is in charge of Academic Advising, and where do I go to get there? Where do I go for Disability Resources and Accessibility? Where is the Academic Success office?
Hospitality staff will be accessible to answer these questions and more.
Academic Success, Disability Resources and Accessibility, and Academic Advising will all be found in Thaw. Once the ongoing renovations to the building are done, students will find Academic Support on the main level instead of the Thaw basement, along with a new computer lab space called Digital Edge.
Another important development is taking place in the management of the Scots Learning Commons. Angela Quick, Maryville College’s current library director will be splitting off some of her duties and handing them over to the new Learning Commons Coordinator, Vickie Skates.
“I’m excited for the Learning Commons and the possibilities of what it can offer for the future. I look forward to getting feedback from the students and hope to make this the best place to meet their academic support needs. Let’s work together to make this a great space for everyone!” Skates said.
The library will still have its role in the building under Quick’s direction, but it will not be the only system in place there. The library’s book collection will remain in the lower floors, ready to be accessed by students. The Scots Learning Commons will serve as the epicenter for all student service systems, allowing for more efficient and effective communications.
Due to the fact that construction of the Scots Learning Commons is still in progress, many logistics are yet to be decided. Weekend and weekday hours are one example. Currently, data is continuously being reviewed to help determine facility usage rates and identify the peak usage hours. This data will be used to establish the hours of operation.
A final addition students can expect is new furniture in the Learning Commons space. Once implemented, students’ reviews and opinions on the furniture will be not only greatly appreciated, but heavily valued. So please, try out the new furniture when it arrives and tell the staff what you think.