March 29, 2024

BY JESSICA PETT

jplrcTen bookable rooms, 560 seats, 580 places to plug in and 80 computers. All of this is housed in the 27,000-square-foot library resource centre (LRC) at the Doon campus. There are many attributes to this newly renovated space and as students it is important to know everything that is available to you.

The bright, modern and inviting library has become a safe haven to a large majority of the student body. Whether it is a place to meet up with a group in one of the study rooms, a place to read in one of the quiet study spaces or a place to hangout in between your classes, the LRC staff can be a helping hand to any student at Conestoga.

The library and all of its resources are available to all Conestoga students. Students at other campuses may not have a physical library like the Doon campus so students there may have to rely on the LRC’s online resources.

Something that some students may not know about the LRC is that even after hours, there are still two study areas for students to use at the library. One is the silent study lab in the hallway outside of the library and the other is the flexible study lab, equipped with tables, chairs and outlets, which can be accessed from the hallway across from Security Services.

Rachel Caldwell, manager for client services and operations at the LRC, said the heart of the library is its research help service.

“Students who are required to do a research component for any of their assignments and aren’t sure where to begin or want to be able to do their research efficiently and effectively, all of the library staff can assist at our information and research help desk at the library’s entrance,” she said.

There are several research liaisons at the college who are available to help in person, over the phone or via an online chat room.

Another service that was a huge hit when the library renovation was complete was the new “tap to print” printing system. Second-year business student Christian Firmi enjoys the convenience of the new printing system.

“Using the ‘tap to print’ at the library allows me to quickly and, with no confusion, print important documents for my classes,” he said.

Students can now save print jobs on their ONE Cards, which they can then tap at the printers when they want them.

Caldwell has noticed an influx in students using the LRC since the major renovation, which was completed in October 2015.

“We have improved the way the space is designed to allow for quiet study but also for collaborative studying. It is a more bright and vibrant environment that students are drawn to for their studying and collaboration needs,” she said.

The LRC is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.

 

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