September 2, 2009

Purdue revamps Hicks Undergraduate Library

Hicks Undergraduate Library has dispersed entry- and intermediate-level books and materials to disciplinary subject libraries across campus. The change means related subject materials of all levels now can be found together. It also frees space at Hicks to be used for student collaboration.

The library's collaborative area features an interactive white board and multi-monitor work stations that allow groups of up to six people view a project simultaneously.

Hicks also includes a large meeting room, smaller study rooms and the Undergrounds coffee shop.

"Hicks Undergraduate Library is a high-use facility that has been voted by students as the best place on campus to study," said Tomalee Doan, head of Hicks Undergraduate Library. "This summer's reorganization will only enhance that usage of Hicks."

Hicks retains an array of library services and resources including reference, circulation services, reserves at the iDesk, and general popular reading books and periodicals. It also houses the Digital Learning Collaboratory, a state-of-the-art facility created with Information Technology at Purdue. The DLC teaches students how to use the latest computer software, partners with faculty to enhance their course curriculum, and lends digital equipment to students via the iDesk.

"Hicks will remain an excellent point of entry for all of our undergraduates for a library system that spans the Purdue campus," said Beth McNeil, Purdue Libraries associate dean of academic affairs. "We continue to re-envision how the Hicks Undergraduate Library will evolve into a learning and knowledge commons targeted to the ways in which our students learn today."

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: Tomalee Doan, 765-494-2928, tdoan@purdue.edu

Beth McNeil, 765-496-2261, memcneil@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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