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Lamson Learning Commons

Lamson Learning Commons, Plymouth State University’s center for academic, technology and research resources, represents a collaborative union between library and information technology services. September 2006 marked the official opening of the Learning Commons to the PSU community.

Technology resources within the Commons include the Information Technology Services help desk, multimedia presentation center, WebCT and Banner support services, laptop and equipment rentals and wireless Internet access throughout the building. The Commons also houses a full array of online digital resources, books, periodicals, audio-visual materials and other research tools, as well as the Plymouth Academic Support Services office, Writing and Reading Center and an Internet café.

According to Chief Information Officer Dwight C. Fischer, the integration of library and information technology is a “natural evolution of services in a world of rich online resources.”

Fischer added, “We need to base our services on the changing needs of students and researchers, providing access and support for information tools when and where users need it.”

Lamson Learning Commons also represents continuity and “one-stop” research possibilities. Instead of going from one location to another, students, faculty and staff have access to the materials and resources they need to begin a research project, find relevant information and present their findings in a variety of digital and written formats, including multimedia presentations, all in one building.

Library Director David A. Beronä sees this initiative as a promising venture during a time when new technologies and other forces are changing the nature of the college library and the services it provides.“Academic libraries will either integrate and collaborate with services across their campuses in the future or remain static like mausoleums,” said Beronä. “Rather than keep our heads buried in sand, we have been actively planning for the future. The Learning Commons is one of these changes that redefines our library and provides our students with multiple services at one location.  I am proud to be part of this dynamic initiative that integrates new technologies with traditional library services that creates a vital physical presence on campus for our library.”