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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Your first question is probably “what is a learning commons”?

What is a Learning Commons?

The Learning Commons is a new state-of-the-art student learning space that accommodates a variety of different uses: from group work to collaborative learning to individual study. At the heart of the Learning Commons are academic supports and services offered by research, writing, learning skills and career services partners. The Learning Commons is located on the 2nd floor of Scott Library.

Answers to your questions about the Learning Commons Services, Workshops and Space are provided.

Services

Workshops

Spaces

Services

Who provides the drop-in assistance?

Quick (about 15 minutes or less) drop-in assistance in the Learning Commons Hub is provided by writing instructors from the Writing Department (Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies), learning skills specialists from Learning Skills Services (a branch of Counseling and Disability Services) and research librarians from the York University Libraries.

Can I just show up for assistance or do I have to register in advance?

Quick (about 15 minutes or less) drop-in assistance in the Learning Commons Hub is available from writing instructors, learning skills specialists and research librarians. For more in-depth research help you can book a 30-minute appointment with a research librarian. For more in-depth writing assistance, register online with the Writing Centre to book a 1-hour appointment with a writing instructor. For more in-depth consultations with a learning skills specialists go to the N110, Bennett Centre.

If I drop in, what is the average wait time to talk to somebody?

Average wait time for drop-in services varies, depending on the type of service, the time of year and time of day. The afternoon hours tend to be busier times for research and writing services (especially in late September and October). Research and writing drop-in services are usually 15 minutes. To avoid waiting in line why not book a 30-minute appointment with a research librarian to discuss your research needs?

Can I drop in with a friend so we can get help together?

Research and writing drop-in services are usually about 15 minutes. If you are working on the same project with your friend then you can get help together. However if you are working on different projects/different topics it is best to meet with the writing instructor, research librarian or learning skills specialist individually to maximize use of the services.

Workshops

What types of workshops are offered in the Learning Commons?

The Learning Commons (2nd floor, Scott Library) offers a variety of workshops to help you with their academic work (research, writing and learning skills) and career planning. The Learning Commons provides workshops on such topics as:
Essay Writing: Planning & Drafts
Library Research
Reading & Note-taking
Exam Prep
What Can I Do With My Degree?

Check out the calendar for a list of workshops offered in the Learning Commons!

Where are the workshops held?

Workshop locations will vary. Workshops may be located in:
• Rm 124, Sound and Moving Image Library (SMIL) Screening Room, 1st Floor Scott Library
• Room 531, 5th Floor Scott Library
• Room 503, 5th Floor Scott Library
• Room N204B, Bennett Centre for Student Services
• Refer to the Learning Commons workshop section for exact workshop locations.

Space

What are the pods/booths for? Can I use one? Do I have to book it ahead of time?

There are 5 pods/booths located in the Learning Commons Hub:

The pods/booths are not bookable and can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that you may be asked to vacate the pod/booths 10 minutes before it is used for writing, research or learning skills services.

How many group rooms do you have?

There are two group study rooms in the Learning Commons (2nd floor Scott Library). More study rooms are planned for Phase 2 of the Learning Commons. Additional study rooms are available on the 1st floor of Scott Library.

Can I book a group room to study in? If so, how?

Group study rooms in Scott Library are bookable online. The group study rooms, Room 202D and Room 202E, located the Learning Commons can also be booked online using your Passport York account. To book Room 202D click here. To book Room 202E click here.

Please note:

  • As a courtesy to other students, each group is only allowed to use the rooms for one 2 hour session per day.
  • Your group must consist of a minimum of four individuals in order to use the room.
  • You have 10 minutes from the start of your booking to occupy the room. If you do not arrive during this time, another group may claim the room for the rest of your booked time.
  • These rooms are for quiet and collaborative work and are located in a quiet study zone.
  • The library’s food policy applies to these rooms. Only drinks and cold snack foods are allowed.

Is there someplace I can plug in my laptop?

Electrical outlets are available in the Salon, Collaboratory and Hub section of the Learning Commons. There are wall outlets available throughout the Learning Commons. Floor outlets are available in the Salon and Collaboratory.

Do you have computers available for me to use? Can I access the Internet? Do I have to book one?

Desktop computers are available in the Learning Common’s Salon, Hub and Collaboratory. Most computers have Internet access and require either a guest or Passport York login.