Learning Commons Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Learning Commons?
    The Learning Commons is a dynamic learning space that combines the services of the library with academic computing and other academic support units. It is a one-stop resource for students needing research, technology, or writing help.
  • How can these improvements help me?
    By combining library, technology, and tutoring support services in one building, students will find all of the resources needed to work on class assignments and papers from research to finished product. Computers with common campus software make it easy for students to transfer work on thumb drives from the computer classroom lab to the Learning Commons.
  • What new things will I find there? What type of equipment and/or software is available?
    PCs, Macs, LaserJet Printers (Black/White, Color), Photo type Inkjet Printers, Scanners, Adaptive Technology Workstation.There are a lot of different software applications available for students. Some of the important ones include:
    • Office Enterprise 2007 Suite (Access, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
    • Adobe CS3 Design Premium Suite (Acrobat, Illustrator, Indesign, Dreamweaver, Flash)
    • Adobe Photo Elements
    • and a host of other software titles.
  • How Many computers are in the Library/Learning Commons?
    Currently the total number of computers is 96. 1st Floor: 57 PCs and Macs (46 PCs, 11 Macs) 2nd Floor: 27 PCs 3rd Floor: 12 PCs Future additions include 6 PCs near the windows in the Periodicals area and 11additional PCs on the 3 rd floor.
  • Is Printing Free in the Library/Learning Commons?
    YES! Printing is free in the Learning Commons and throughout all three floors in the Library. Simply enter your my RWU login at the computer you are working at and then re-enter it at the print workstation located on the first floor. Don't worry, your print job will stay safely stored for one hour and will not be released until you enter your login at the print workstation. Remember – in order to keep down costs, printing is available for Academic Use Only ( no posters, flyers, etc.), there is a 2 copy limit on all print jobs, and Duplex Printing (print on both sides is the Default.

    Total number of Printers (all on 1st Floor): 5 -- 2 Black/White LaserJet, 1 Color LaserJet, 2 Epson Photo Stylus 2400 Inkjet

  • Who can help me?
    All Learning Commons & Library staff is here to help you! Please feel free to stop by the Information Desk from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. for assistance. If you are not on campus, please call us at 401-254-3375, send an email to libref@rwu.edu or IM us. Our screen name is Library 911. For in-depth research assistance, you can make an appointment to meet with one of our reference librarians. For more information, please link to Ask Us from the web site – http://library.rwu.edu.
  • How can I save my computer files/projects that I'm working on? What kind of storage devices can I use in the Learning Commons?
    Students should primarilybe saving there work on their own "USBMedia Devices" whether it's a Thumb Drive, Jump Drive (there are many namesfor them), an external hard drive, or iPod. A secondary place for "temporary" storage is the "My Documents" folder which is only available on the PC the student is working on. However, this "temporary"folder can be deleted, viewed, copied, printed by anyone that uses that computer and can be "cleaned out" by IT at anytime if it deemsnecessary.Lastly, the S: Drive or Shared Drive is available againfor temporary storage however EVERYONEin the LC can see these files so therefore they can bedeleted, viewed, copied, etc.Again, the S: drive or Shared Drive can be and will be "cleaned out" on a periodicalbasis.

    I.T. is NOT responsible forANY files stored in the "My Documents" folder and on the " Shared Drive " and has full rights to delete these files if deemed necessary.

    Anotheralternatives is to use myRWU, Blackboard file storage areas or email your files to yourself. Just be aware of disk space allocations when using these alternatives.

  • Will my files/data get cleared out after I logoff?
    Only files saved in the "My Documents" folderon the computer will remain after logoff, reboot, or shutdown. Seeabove answer for exceptionsand the definition of "temporary".
  • How do I access online journals and databases from home?
    To gain access to online databases and journals from any off-campus location, you must connect to them through the library home page – http://library.rwu.edu . If you are searching for a specific journal title, select the E-journals link found under research tools. To search for articles in library databases, select the Articles & Databases link found under Research Tools. At the next screen, type your name and your library barcode number (no spaces) found on the back of student ID. Then click on Go to Database button. You will need an activated library barcode to connect from home. Stop by the Library's circulation desk to see if you card is activated.
  • What are the rules about noise in the Learning Commons?
    The Learning Commons, located on the first floor of the Library is designed as an interactive space with a moderate level of noise. Quiet conversation and discussion is welcome on the first floor. The Third floor of the library is our designated quiet floor. This floor is for individual quiet study. Please refrain from conversation or loud group work on this level.
  • Can I use the Library Classroom whenever I want?
    You may use the library classroom when it is not scheduled for library instruction classes. If the room is locked, just ask someone at the Information Desk to open it. We generally close this room at 10 p.m.
  • We are required to do a group project for class. Do you have space where we can work together?
    We have designated 6 computer workstations for collaborative work near the front windows of the Learning Commons. You also may find the library classroom to be a good place to work on group projects when it is available. Since the Library is a wireless environment, you can also find spaces to plug in your laptop in the Mary Tefft White Cultural Center or on the second floor or third floors. Unfortunately, we do not have individual group study rooms available at this time, but they will be an important component of our Learning Commons as we move into the next phases of the project.