Tutoring and learning centre moves to new space in Casa Loma library learning commons
The snip of a ribbon and a round of applause ushered in the grand opening of Casa Loma campus’ brand-new integrated library learning commons (LLC) on Oct. 6.
“What is most gratifying is the fact that after years of coping with a serious shortage of Casa Loma facilities and project spaces, we have now been able to significantly increase what’s available,” said John Hardy, former director of academic services and learning resources, speaking at the ceremony.
Under construction for months, the new LLC brings together a range of student resources that were formerly scattered across multiple buildings, which made co-operation and co-ordination between the services challenging.
“We often do referrals to each other, and when the (tutoring and learning centre) was in D building, it was more difficult to contact,” said Bill McAskill, a Casa Loma LLC librarian. He explained that bringing the tutoring and learning centre into the LLC’s physical space will make student referrals between the services much easier.
GBC president Anne Sado cuts the ribbon on the renovated library learning commons at Casa Loma campus. Photo: Alex Resendes / The Dialog
In addition to centralizing existing services, academic resources for students have been expanded and improved. Extra group study rooms have been added, bringing the total to nine, and new resources such as the drafting tables and 3D printers have been brought together to create an area optimized for working on physical projects. The LLC will also have a bookable computer work room with twenty seats, set to open soon.
“We’ve been trying to create more of a makerspace part of the library, and it’s early days,” said McAskill. “We still have that stereotype that we’re all about books. We’re so not just about books. We get your textbooks, but we really do try to be as responsive as we can to student learning needs.”
The ceremony for the LLC’s opening was lead by James Mei, director of academic services and learning resources at George Brown College (GBC) and featured president Anne Sado. The opening also had remarks from several additional LLC-affiliated GBC staff members, including Kathryn Campbell, Marilyn McNeil-Morin and Adel Esayed.
