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Popular Spaces in Library Places:

The Mills Learning Commons

by: Tamara Monster,
Mills Learning Commons Assistant

			References Learning Commons Daily News article Learning Commons Daily News article McMaster’s Online Student Career and Recruitment site University Technology Services Centre for Student Development Centre for Leadership and Learning Facility Services Suggested Reading Generation Blend: Managing Across the Technology Age Gap   Salkowitz, R.   Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008. Available from McMaster University Libraries as an ebook

When I was considering topics for the final installment in a three part Perspectives series focusing on McMaster Libraries, it was difficult to select one new or valuable service. I chose a place that is my favourite within the library and, although not new, continues to evolve and improve every year: The Mills Learning Commons. It is located within the McLay Reading Room and recently turned 2 years old. McMaster Libraries held an Open House on October 6, 2006. Since that time, the Learning Commons Project has received the McMaster Students Union's Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence. The award "recognizes an outstanding one year achievement which improves the lives of McMaster students." This year, the Learning Commons was recognized by the Project Management Institute as GovSIG (Government Specific Interest Group) Project of the Year.

This unique area of Mills has provided students a space to continue the process of learning that begins in the classroom; they come to learn individually or in groups with access to expert help when and how they need it. It was funded by the Refining Directions fund and a generous gift from McMaster alumni Alan and Brenda Wong. McMaster University Libraries played a large part to bring the Learning Commons to life, as well as partnerships with the Centre for Leadership in Learning, the Centre for Student Development, University Technology Services and Facility Services.

Over the past two years, I have watched this area evolve and increase in popularity with McMaster students. One of the most important factors contributing to its success has and continues to be the staff of twenty students who work on the IT Help Desk in the centre of McLay. It can be easy to overlook or not appreciate the important service support provided from these dedicated and enthusiastic McMaster students who join the library team (as well as other teams and departments all across campus). Their time at McMaster is devoted to excelling in their studies, and yet, this select group of individuals also chooses to be employees of the university.

The Student Consultants and Senior Student Consultants (staff who answer questions at the IT Help desk) are hired and managed by Michael Curwin, University Technology Services. Many students remain in these positions for the duration of their degree. A Consultant’s superior computer skills are extremely useful in what is rapidly becoming a much more sophisticated technological environment. Students seeking help from peers have a comfort level they may not have with staff at a more authoritarian level (real or perceived). When I have a technology dilemma, I’ll often consult them first. (Having been born within the X Generation, I can’t help but feel envious of the technology fluency of the Millenials, or Net/Y Generation!)

The efficaciousness, competence and level of commitment routinely displayed by the Student Consultants is equally as impressive as their knowledge of computers. One of the most satisfying aspects of my involvement with the Learning Commons at Mills is the opportunity to work with these outstanding individuals. I applaud them for their hard work over the last two years.

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