When students return to the Valley Library this fall, they’ll find that the Learning Commons has undergone a refresh over the summer, based on student feedback.
Established in 2008, the Learning Commons features scanners, printers and desktop computers for patron use, as well as individual and group study areas, making it one of the most popular study areas in the library.
“Student needs and learning styles have evolved during the last 17 years, with increased demand for flexibility, comfort, power access, and collaboration,” said Library Spaces Manager Rachel Burgess. “This refresh was an opportunity to repurpose the space to better support today’s students and prepare for future needs.”
Current students were the primary voices guiding the project. Library staff gathered input through surveys, interviews, observational studies and even a multi-day furniture fair where students could try out different furniture options and vote on their favorites. Other key campus partners also weighed in.
“The design was aligned with the library's space principles and the project's guidewords: flexible, vibrant, welcoming, engaging and tech-friendly,” said Richenda Hawkins, leader of the Library Experience and Access Department. “This data-driven approach allowed us to make decisions about space allocation, number of computers, etc., with confidence. And these practices will continue to be central to future space updates.”
Students wanted more comfortable seating, better access to power sources and more separation between quiet and collaborative areas — crucial for concentrating when the average day sees more than 1,000 visits to the commons, with usage climbing during midterms and finals.
“We're excited to welcome students into a space that reflects their needs and voices,” Burgess said. “The new design blends comfort and functionality with furniture that supports different ways of studying like solo focus, group collaboration or hanging out in an active space.”
Sustainability was also a key consideration. Library staff were able to recycle, rehome or reuse nearly all the furniture they replaced, and some furniture was retained and reupholstered. The majority of funding for the new furniture came from the Friends of the Library fund. This represents small donations from hundreds of OSU library supporters. The project was also supported by the Delpha and Donald Campbell library fund and the Franklin A. McEdward Endowment Fund.
A celebration and grand re-opening will be held near the beginning of fall term. Follow the Learning Commons Libguide to learn more about the project and follow Valley Library on Instagram or Facebook to get a peek at the changes in progress.
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