Weigle Information Commons Brings Technology, Support, Space to Students
April 2006
The David B. Weigle Information Commons, a joint undertaking of the School of Arts and Sciences and the University Library, will officially open to students on April 6. Located in the west wing of the first floor of Van Pelt Library, the Commons offers a range of resources designed to support undergraduates in using information technology, conducting research and engaging in collaborative learning.
Resources available in the Weigle Information Commons include the following:
- 12 group study booths equipped with a 20" monitor on an articulate arm, laptop, and connections for user computers
- 6 group study rooms, also equipped with a 20" monitor on an articulate arm, laptop, and connections for user computers
- 4 group study rooms equipped with a 42" plasma monitor, an installed computer with wireless keyboard, and connections for user computers
- 2 study alcoves with a 42" plasma monitor, an installed computer with wireless keyboard, and connections for user computers
- A seminar room with a projection screen and laptops with table seating for 24 and total seating of 34
- Digital Media Lab with 10 high-performance Apple workstations, scanners, printers, a high-definition video recorder, a CD/cassette combination, and a projection system. In addition to equipment, training and support in working with digital media, including video, audio, imaging, and web publishing, will be available. This is the first facility of its kind available to Penn's general population.
To facilitate students' access to academic support services, the Commons will also house staff from a number of programs including the Critical Writing Program, the Weingarten Learning Resources Center, Communication within the Curriculum, the Penn Library, and the Center for Teaching and Learning.
The new facility and the services that are available there will be showcased at an open house on Tuesday, April 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Demonstrations and information on available services, as well as refreshments and a raffle of several prizes including an iPod nano.
Construction of this new facility was made possible by a $1 million gift from Penn alumnus David B. Weigle, W'69. David Weigle is an SAS Overseer, a former Library Overseer and President of Swan Engineering & Machine in Bettendorf, Iowa.