New learning commons at Anant National University

Learning Commons, Anant National University’s ultra-modern academic resource centre, has been designed to enhance study, research and teaching practices. Spanning 4520 sq feet, it offers a contemporary reading space, a high-tech cyberspace and an integrated information desk. Outfitted with state-of-the-art IT infrastructure - high-performance computers with the latest software, etc., the Learning Commons also engages students with events like book launches, public lectures and seminars. The Learning Commons team provides research support, offering guidance on resources and conducting user education programmes on online tools and plagiarism check software.

Designed by Boston based Sasaki Associates, Inc., Learning Commons is located in Academic Block 1 - an award-winning building. The Learning Commons follows Anant’s pedagogical approach, necessitating flexible spatial typologies that adapt to evolving pedagogical needs.

In line with Anant’s goal of fulfilling the research, educational and learning needs of students and faculty, the Learning Commons utilises custom Library Management Software powered by Koha. Integrated with advanced RFID technology, it streamlines book issuance, returns, circulation and easy access to all e-resources while providing seamless browsing of the book catalogue and convenient booking requests.

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The Learning Commons features a comprehensive collection of books on art, design and architecture, books for general reading, students’ project reports, theses, dissertations and reference materials. It subscribes to multiple Indian and international periodicals and has a special archival collection of research projects and bound volumes of old and rare periodicals. The online resources and archives include video lectures, photographic records of students’ work with their projects, press clipping, current content, e-newspapers, e-books, e-journals and subscriptions to databases such as JSTOR, EBSCO and K-HUB to ensure that the resources are accessible anytime from anywhere.

To offer access to books that may not be available at the university library, the Learning Commons has collaborations with other institutional libraries, enabling Anant students, scholars and researchers to issue resources.