Photo Credit: dreamstime.com

By Shane Clausing

GPRC

GPRC launches plan to modernize it’s libraries

Jun 30, 2020 | 5:00 AM

Grande Prairie Regional College says that it will be making major upgrades to its libraries over the next several years.

The college says the renovations and remodeling will help give the library a more modern and student-friendly look.

The model GPRC is using is called a Learning Commons model. This will turn the libraries into a more interactive and collaborative workspace for students and staff.

It will also see other school departments such as academic coaching, testing accommodation, research support, technology assistance, accessibility services and tutor supports all moved into the library.

GPRC’s Dr. Kieren Bailey says that this model will see the school adapt to more current times.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“We are working towards degree-granting at GPRC and we are wanting to set that academic excellence tone at GPRC. We are wanting to create an academic one-stop-shop for research and student learning. Rather than having smaller departments working separately, we (wanted) to bring everyone together.”

“Students and faculty are working in a more collaborative environment these days. Right now in the way the library is designed, it still is not set up for that group atmosphere.”

Dr. Bailey added that this change will not take long for students to adapt to, as many students that have gone through elementary, junior high and high school in Alberta will have had libraries that look similar to what GPRC will be using.

“We are going to modernize the furniture, create more collaborative space, but also keep in mind the need for that silent study atmosphere. The plan is to get somebody to look at the building and space and develop a plan to modernize the whole area. We are going to phase it out over the next few academic years in order to get that space done right.

There is no set date for when the project will be complete.

Dr. Bailey did say that over the next couple of years, the school will begin to experiment with different items such as furniture to get student feedback on what they like and what they don’t like.

She adds she’s looking forward to spearheading this project.

“I’m really excited to create this one-stop-shop of academic support for the students. I think it will benefit the retention that we have with them.”