A new approach to learning will be officially launched by the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, at Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus on Thursday 5 April 2007.

 

The re-design of library facilities across the University into interactive student-focused learning ‘commons’ has been prompted by the new ways students work and study, and represents a total investment by CSU of $20.2 million (2006 – 2011). Stage One of Bathurst Learning Commons has a project cost of $1.4 million.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter says, “This exciting development demonstrates the University’s flexibility and initiative by providing up-to-date technology and innovative learning resources and environments for our students and staff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

“The new Learning Commons is an integrated environment where students can study in a way that suits them - quiet, solitary reading and contemplation, or vibrant, animated like-minded work groups.”

 

According to Ms Shirley Oakley, Executive Director of CSU Library Services, the past 10 years has seen dramatic, technology-driven changes to libraries. “The Learning Commons is a social, collaborative learning space that allows students to use CSU facilities and a range of online resources at any time of the day or night.

 

“This enables students to study before or after work – in fact at any time convenient for them.

 

“There are 28 computers currently in the Bathurst Learning Commons and seven of these are Macs. The area is wireless, so personal laptops or laptops from the Library can be used in the area. The Division of Information Technology (DIT) will be adding more computers after Easter.

 

“The area also provides space for group study around computers, at desks, or in comfortable seats, and this is proving very popular with students, especially as they are able to eat and drink here,” she said.

 

The Learning Commons features secure swipe-card access for current CSU students and staff, there is 24 hour security monitoring of the area and two direct-link alarms to the University’s Security Officers.

 

The Learning Commons also features an Assistive Technology Room which provides around-the-clock access to a range of equipment and software, and students with disabilities are also provided for.

 

Food and beverages are available from a café during the day and from vending machines in the area at night.