So if you were in the Brooks Library yesterday (Thursday) during the afternoon, you might have seen and wondered about a giant red ribbon. Well, that giant red ribbon was later cut by a giant pair of scissors. Two and two means yesterday was the grand opening ceremony for the newest student resource: the Academic and Research Commons, also known as the ARC.
I was late to the party, but I was working. Just call me dedicated. After arriving, I noticed that many of the university’s administration, including President James Gaudino, Dean Marji Morgan and Provost Marilyn Levine, were milling about and learning about the new space. There were photographers snapping pictures and tutors demonstrating their skills and the latest technology now available (including an awesome board called a TouchIT which essentially is a projected image connected to your computer and turns it into a giant tablet), and cookies were devoured in record time. Pretty sure someone from “The Observer” was there too.
For those who might be confused about what the ARC is, it is the research, resource and collaboration hub of the Library. The Learning Commons (Math Center, Writing Center, and Individual Tutoring services) have relocated from Hertz Hall to the ARC, joining the Reference Librarians to create a one-stop-shop resource for students. Need help finding a database article? ARC is the place. Want someone to review your essay? Head to the ARC. Looking for a place to hold a group presentation preparation? Reserve one of the awesome media-scapes in the ARC.
Now, I might be a bit biased, but the ARC will no doubt help a lot of students. If the student presence at the grand opening is any indication, it’ll soon become the hot spot on campus for student resources.
CWU Hype 