Pew Campus Steelcase Library expanded

As classes get underway, students on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus will notice the Steelcase Library has been expanded and now provides a collaborative space for students. The expansion takes over what were computer labs. They have been moved to the second floor and students will have continuous open access.

“Before the expansion, Steelcase Library offered good space for quiet study, but little opportunity for students to work in groups,” said Julie Garrison, associate dean of Research and Instruction. “The expanded space is similar to the collaboration areas at the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, with lots of movable tables, chairs and whiteboards where students can create their own spaces.”

A Knowledge Market will have peer consultants in research and writing available Mondays-Thursdays, from 2-7 p.m. The addition also includes two presentation practice and one digital collaboration group rooms. The Learning Lab, used for library related classroom instruction, has also been expanded to accommodate groups of up to 47 students. That room, 114A, will be available as an open lab for students when classes are not scheduled. Workspace for library staff and faculty has also been renovated.

Jason Durham, operations manager of Pew Campus Libraries said “This was badly needed to provide students on the Pew Campus with a defined space for collaborative work. It also makes it possible to maintain the Steelcase Library reading room as a quiet study space.”