Moving on Up: Library Unveils New Instruction Classroom A new first-floor instruction classroom accommodating 41 students will open this semester in the Cheng Library. A new first-floor instruction classroom accommodating 41 students will open this semester in the Cheng Library. The space is bright and airy and enclosed by frosted glass walls on one side to ensure privacy. The classroom is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) space with plenty of outlets for students to plug in and charge their devices. An instructor podium with a computer, HoverCam, and a state-of-the-art projection system, complete the technical specifications. The new classroom will supplement the existing Library instruction classroom located on the Library's lower level. This instruction classroom, L01, opened in 1995 after extensive renovations of the building. Often hard to find, L01 is a windowless room that may have been state-of-the-art in 1995, but that is no longer the case. Seeking a more visible location, Dean Edward Owusu-Ansah identified a few areas on the first floor of the Library as potential spaces that, with some renovations, could become the primary Library instruction classroom. The Dean selected a reading area adjacent to windows facing Speert Hall for the new instruction classroom, and construction began in May 2021. With an active User Education Program averaging upwards of 300-library instruction sessions annually, it is not unusual to have multiple classes scheduled simultaneously. The Library will now have a second classroom to help accommodate these demands. Having a primary Library instruction classroom with expanded seating will help accommodate larger classes, and the room will be easier to access on the first floor of the Library. Information literacy instruction remains a crucial part of the William Paterson students' experience, as it teaches them to search, retrieve, and evaluate information. Students benefit from developing these skills to support lifelong learning. The Library looks forward to teaching students these skills in the brand-new classroom. If you are interested in learning more about information literacy or are a faculty member who wishes to schedule a session with one of our librarians, contact us at instruction@wpunj.edu or 973-720-2663. February 08, 2022
