What is the Learning Commons?

The Learning Commons at Peabody Library is a place where Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff can learn together in a comfortable, collaborative environment equipped with appropriate technologies. The purpose of the Learning Commons is:

• to foster critical thinking
• to teach to mine information effectively from the most relevant resources
• to integrate, process, and analyze new information and ideas
• to provide support for increasing individual information competencies
• to bring technology, teaching, and information professionals together in order to enhance student learning

The Learning Commons is located in Room 304 of Peabody Library. The room is open to Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff except when reserved for classroom use. Approachable, helpful staff are available at the Service Desk on the main floor of the library to answer your questions or to refer you. Peabody Library and the Peabody Technology Support Center collaborate to provide this service and facility. The Commons opened in 2005 and is the first information commons in the state of Tennessee. It is funded by Peabody College of Education and Human Development and the James M. Cox, Jr. Foundation.

What Will I Find in the Learning Commons?

• Nineteen workstations with Microsoft Office, SPSS, SAS, and other software. Laptops with wireless cards are accommodated as well.
• An A/V presentation system supports instruction.

Learn more about equipment in the Commons.

I Want to Teach a Class in the Commons. How Can I Do That?

The Commons can be reserved by Peabody faculty and staff for hands-on computer training. There must be a minimum of six students in the class. If there are fewer than six students, or students do not need to use the computers, please to discuss alternative arrangements.

• To reserve the room, as soon as you know that you need the room to avoid reservation conflicts.
• To use software that is not already on the computers, you will need to arrange installation before the class.
  
  NOTE: Software can only be installed if there is a valid license for each machine on which it will be installed. Software MUST be made available for installation at least ONE WEEK before the class.
  
  Contact Ralph Knapp by and provide the following information:
  • the software you wish to have installed;
  • the date by which you need it installed;
  • the number of computers on which the software is to be installed; and
  • license information for the software.
• To get assistance on using the A/V presentation system, contact the Peabody Technology Support Center (phone: 322-6600).