University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) C.Y. Thompson Learning Commons Program Statement

The project renovates the C.Y. Thompson Library to accommodate a learning commons, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Partnership, the Rural Future Institute and other programs that will turn the building into a hub of academic activities for East Campus that is envisioned to be available 24/7. It will be a destination for students, faculty , alumni, community members and others desiring information and space for meeting, studying, socializing, and contributing to an environment fostering thought and collaboration. One main difference between the Learning Commons and the East Campus Union is that the Commons will provide access to resources, expertise and learning spaces needed for collaborative study and learning. This is a new concept that is replacing the traditional model of libraries as repositories for books and emphasizes instead, cooperative, experiential learning assisted by state-of-the-art technology. Similar types of learning commons may be found at other Big Ten Universities such as University of Iowa, University of Illinois, Penn State and University of Wisconsin. In January 2014, the University of Nebraska approved the construction of the Love North Learning Commons on City Campus