The Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library is about to enter the next chapter in its history, as it moves forward with renovations to become a technology-based learning commons. Continued support from restricted gifts to the Canisius Fund will make this necessity a reality.
"Today's students expect more than a great book collection from the library," says Kristine Kasbohm, director of the library. She explains that they check out laptops, e-readers, tablets, headphones and cameras. Students use these digital tools to create multimedia class presentations and come to the library to practice those presentations with their peers. “The re-imagined teaching and learning environment for the library combines the best of traditional academic content and collections with new information technologies in an environment that supports the ways in which our students collect, process and share information.”
Early changes to the library include more collaborative study spaces with flexible seating so students may move about easily to be near their peers or to access instructional technology. Computer clusters replaced the card catalogs and there is now one central location for circulation, reference and technology services.
Future upgrades will feature more flexible student seating, more group study spaces and computer workstations, state-of-the-art media creation facilities, as well as instructional support to ensure functionality. Books will still have a role but the future of the new library learning commons includes a future e-books, MP3 books, graphic novels and other media-rich collections are available.
To make your contribution to the next chapter in the library’s history, visit www.canisius.edu/gift and fill in “Library” in the “Other Gift Designation” box, or contact Dianna Civello, interim vice president for institutional advancement, at 716-888-8220 or @email.
