Each spring the Monroe Library invites parents to support a teaching and learning initiative in the library. These projects vary from year to year, but the goal is always to enhance student learning. Past projects include Education on the Move, Library Living Room, Virtual Reference Service, Imagination on the Move, Student Technology Expert Program, and Laptop Loan Program. The Monroe Library thanks the Loyola parents who funded these projects. Their generosity ensures that our students will continue to have access to the best facilities and equipment available.

Contributions may also be made online.

Spring 2007: Learning Commons

The Monroe Library transformed the first floor of the library into a Learning Commons, a collaborative space where students, faculty, and staff can come together to study, learn, teach, create, and socialize. At the Learning Commons desk, students can get assistance with standard circulation, reference, and technology questions. Users wanting or needing more in-depth knowledge are connected to appropriate experts, materials, programs, or workshops. The Learning Commons encourages engagement with information in its various forms, reinforces the value of collaborative inquiry, creates new opportunities for community interaction, and supports student success at Loyola. The Learning Commons builds on existing partnerships with individuals, departments, and centers on campus.

Spring 2006: Comfortable Study

Students spend many hours in the Monroe Library working independently and in groups. The library has many different types of study spaces, including group study rooms, individual carrels, computer stations, tables, and open seating. The first floor of the library is an active learning area while the second and third floors are quiet study areas. With donations from parents, the library upgraded the furnishings in the first floor library tower, a wonderful octagonal space, with comfortable, flexible furniture. This collaborative learning space can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from individual reading and reflection to group study sessions and small seminars.

Spring 2005: Education on the Move

The need for students and faculty to access information during class time is increasing, and hands-on instruction plays a critical role in student learning. In response to this need, the library partnered with the Parents Committee to raise money for the creation of a mobile classroom to complement the library's unique learning spaces. The mobile classroom, consisting of 30 fully equipped laptops with cart for recharging and storing the laptops, can support a variety of curricular needs, allowing students to turn any space into a virtual learning portal.

Spring 2004: Library Living Room

The Center for Information Literacy Living Room & Lab, known as the Living Room, is a unique space designed to encourage creative collaboration among students, faculty, instructional technologists, and librarians. The room's contemporary furniture can be arranged for many purposes, including group study, presentations, and workshops. The Living Room is also a place to relax -- students watch DVDs, enjoy the annual Library Tea, and hang out here. Funds from parents purchased the furnishings, lighting, carpet, and equipment.

Spring 2003: Virtual Reference Service

Loyola's Virtual Reference Service Ask A Librarian allows students to ask a librarian questions 24/7. In 2003 Loyola parents funded the purchase of our virtual reference software. This software gives librarians and students the ability to co-browse databases and web sites regardless of physical location, enables librarians to share electronic content so students can see how a search is progressing, and provides a full transcript of the session for future reference.

Spring 2002: Imagination on the Move

The Imagination on the Move project was designed to increase the number and availability of multimedia equipment available to students. With the support of Loyola parents, the Monroe Library purchased still and video digital cameras, tripods, and graphic workstations with computers, printers, scanners, and multimedia software. Students can use this equipment in the library or check it out to use for a class project.

Spring 2001: Student Technology Expert Program

Technology is used more and more in the classroom, and the library is committed to providing students the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. In 2001 the Monroe Library started the Student Technology Expert Program (STEP) to train technology-savvy students to support the use of instructional technologies and related equipment. The library's STEP students provide peer-to-peer assistance, and they also assist faculty and staff across campus.

Spring 2000: Laptop Loan Program

In 2000 Loyola parents sponsored the purchase of a pool of laptops for the library. These laptops are equipped with the application software students need to complete assignments, and can be checked out for four hours for use in the library. Individual students as well as study groups use the laptops to complete assignments, conduct research, create a presentation, or take notes.