On the Radar: the College Librarian's Blog

Library. If this word makes you think about stacks and stacks of books and periodicals, then you are several decades behind! The metaphor for libraries of today and certainly the future is that of a laboratory—a place where information is shared, where collaborative learning takes place... [read more]



And nowhere is this more true than at Oxford College. The library is an integral part of teaching and learning. Librarians collaborate with faculty, instructing students in information skills and ensuring that students’ research is integrated with their classroom goals. Technology is fully integrated into library operations and the student experience. Students make extensive use of the library day and night. The library staff has created a welcoming environment that is a hub of living and learning for the Oxford campus.

As you know, Oxford plans to build a new Library and Academic Commons (LAC), a building to properly house the twenty-first century program that we already have in place. But we are not waiting for the new building before we address our needs. As part of the planning for the new facility, Oxford will launch a “proof of concept” study and demonstration project on the first floor. We are in the process of clearing space where we can build a working model of the learning environment that will be at the heart of the new LAC. This area will have teaching, research, and collaborative spaces together with finishes, furniture and equipment like those envisioned for the new building, and everything there can later be used in the new building. This allows us to test the design directly, pinpointing problems and identifying strengths and weakness—all of which will result in refinement to the ultimate LAC design.

The kick-off meeting to begin planning for the first floor "Proof of Concept" will be on April 14, 2010. The group will ask for feedback from students, faculty, and staff throughout the planning. The planning group includes: faculty members Clark Lemons and Katie Vigilante; students Will Canon and Heba El-Hendi; Kitty McNeill; Myra Frady; Mary Murray; Mark Swails; Andrea Heisel; Stuart Adler, Senior Project Manager, Campus Planning; Stephanie Davies-Dickinson, Campus Services, Interior Design; Charles Forrest, Director, Library Facilities, University Libraries; and Andy Akard, Architect.

Hugh Tarbutton, Jr. who is leading the fundraising effort for the LAC says, “The most important function of any school is to provide and promote the best possible learning environment for its students. Technology has significantly and permanently changed the way that students gather and use information. Our library needs to be able to address these advances in learning and adequately meet the needs of our students. Oxford needs a new Library and Academic Commons to keep pace with these demands as well as meet its responsibilities to its students.”

Hugh and numerous other friends of Oxford, including Robert Chappell, the family of Bond Fleming, and others, have already contributed a total of over two million dollars for the facility, but more funds are needed to reach our goal. Your gift to the new Oxford Library and Academic commons will strengthen the Oxford experience, preparing new generations of bright young students to make a difference in the world. - Kitty McNeill [With the assistance of Cathy Wooten, Director of Communications.]