By: Stephanie Savage
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Lori Barile
Handcrafted kites by Sue Letourneau
Newport, RI- In recognition of the many expansions made to Salve’s McKillop Library this year, an official celebratory opening of the new Learning Commons was held on Sept. 23, 2009.
The redesigned first floor, displaying handcrafted kites by Sue Letourneau, now offers more workspace, advanced technology and comfortable seating. The area was revamped this past summer to allow students to work collaboratively in groups as well as to create a more socially interactive environment while undertaking research. New carrels have been brought in with space for students to work together on any of the many new computers, including four iMacs and 15 PCs. The library has also added new data ports to accommodate more laptop use, as well as new printers with enhanced printing capabilities, including color and duplex printing. As part of the expansion process, several offices have been moved, including the Academic Learning Center which has relocated to McAuley. A multimedia classroom, complete with 14 built-in laptops and an interactive SmartBoard, has also recently been introduced to the library. This room, which also features a new teacher station, may be booked for multimedia use by both students and faculty. Students will also find that the designated quiet area, previously located on the library’s second floor, has now moved to the third floor to eliminate the distraction caused by students passing from one floor to the next. All of these renovations have been funded by two separate grants received by the library back in November. Many of the changes made to the first floor came from a grant of $110,000 made by the Champlin Foundation. The new Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning was created on the second floor with support from a two-year grant of $200,000 made by the Davis Educational Foundation. The library’s brief celebration of its developmental expansions offered live music by Salve students, door prizes, as well as cupcakes and refreshments for students, faculty, and staff. The official opening of the first floor learning commons was also recognized with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
