Anderson Learning Commons & Resources

The Anderson Learning Commons offers a space for students to access information in various forms and collaborate or work independently to create knowledge.  The Commons combines the traditional library with state of the art technology for creating recordings, videos, presentations and written works.  There is ample room for students to collaborate on projects or find a comfortable place to read for leisure.

Within the Learning Commons, students can gain support from adult experts who will help students gain skills needed for success in college and use the resources available to support their learning.  Services and resources available include an audio-visual production studio, writing lab, meeting rooms, printers, numerous work spaces, and access to a wealth of scholarly information.

Our students live in a world where video has become an integral part of communication in virtually every area of the society in which we live.  Students are many times assigned or have the option to create videos.  The Digital Studio allows students to develop the ability to create and share knowledge in an increasingly relevant form with the help from the Audio Visual Coordinator.

As experts in teaching boys, we know they can be at a disadvantage when it comes to writing skills.  Our writing lab, The Write Place, is where students can strengthen these skills through one-on-one consultations on assignments or independent writing and is staffed by the members of the English Department.

With a focus on college preparation, how to approach a research project is important to college success.  As such, the librarian teaches information literacy within each grade level and is available for one-on-one student instruction.  More than adequate resources are offered through access to middle school, high school and college level databases, interlibrary loan from public and university libraries and the library's own print and digital collection.

The librarian and English Department recognize that boys are less likely to read for pleasure beginning in adolescence.  As such, the librarian teaches an Independent Reading elective in middle school and offers an optional reading program called Pagers available for all grades through the library and English Department.