Project leaders say new Main Library study space is taking shape

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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Written by: University Communication and Marketing

University of Iowa Libraries and Information Technology Services (ITS) staff are beginning to see their vision for a new study and social space in the Main Library take shape. The Learning Commons project team shared a preview with Iowa Now just before spring break, highlighting major sections now framed and a two-story atrium rising over a new Madison Street entrance.

This rendering is closely aligned with the photo above, with the shadow figures in roughly the same place as Learning Commons project director Chris Clark and UI Libraries public relations manager Kristi Bontrager.

This rendering is closely aligned with the photo above, with the shadow figures in roughly the same place as Learning Commons project director Chris Clark and UI Libraries public relations manager Kristi Bontrager.

Here the plywood frames that mark the corners of four new group study rooms are visible.

Here the plywood frames that mark the corners of four new group study rooms are visible. When the project is complete, it will look like this:

Full rendering of the final Learning Commons

Designed with significant input from students, the new Learning Commons will provide an “intellectual hub” with space for 500-plus students. The 37,000-square-foot space in the UI Main Library is the product of a unique partnership among ITS, University Libraries, and the Office of the Provost.

For more information about the project, visit learningcommons.uiowa.edu/.

To read a related story, see University librarian finalists visit in April: Open forums will introduce candidates to the UI community.