The Main Library Learning Commons is a tech-infused comfortable and flexible learning space and one-stop academic and information help center. The Learning Commons includes student spaces for group collaboration and individual study with modern technology amenities and high-quality assistance with information and technology resources.

Key Features

• Study rooms and areas with large monitors and drawing surfaces can be reserved online (up to 2 hour max) by students
• Lounge seating and movable chairs
• Food for Thought Cafe
• Power outlets are available throughout the Learning Commons
• 90 desktop computers
• Single service point for all library and technology questions

How can your students use the Learning Commons? 

• Students can check in and out library materials, including course reserves materials, get research help and basic technology support by talking to our friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Service Desk. 
• Students can reserve a group space online or in person to work collaboratively on a class assignment or project. Students can also check out a laptop and cable to use in the group spaces and they can use collaborative technology, software and web-tools to create multimedia presentations or projects for your class.
• Students can access the Learning Commons 24/5 during the academic year to find a safe, comfortable and relaxing place to study. They can move tables and chairs around to find a comfortable spot to read or work collaboratively in a group.
• Students can write their research papers from start to finish using a wide variety of software on one of our desktop or laptop computers and by getting personalized help from one of our research librarians. They can print their paper from one of our many printer stations located throughout the first floor.
• Students can connect to the internet wirelessly or check out an Ethernet cord from the Service Desk. Electrical outlets are located throughout the Learning Commons so students can plug in their laptops anywhere. 
• Students can use the welcoming Food for Thought Cafe as a convenient meeting place.

Let your students know about these great resources!

Add the sentence below about the Main Library Learning Commons to your syllabus.

The Main Library Learning Commons offers a variety of resources and services to support you throughout the semester. The group spaces, reservable online and in person, are available for you to use when working on class projects and presentations. The facility, open 24/5, is a space where you can meet with classmates, catch up on class readings and find academic support. If you need help and don't know where to go please see the service desk in the Main Library Learning Commons for a referral.

How can you use the Learning Commons?

The flexible and dynamic spaces have been used by faculty from all disciplines to integrate a variety of innovative learning activities into their curriculum. 

• Give your students a chance to gain public speaking experience by hosting your final class presentations in the Learning Commons. Encourage your students to use the group spaces and the One Button Studio to practice for their upcoming presentations. 
• Teach your students about their rights as content creators and authors by exhibiting their work in the Learning Commons 

Faculty Reservations 

Faculty interested in reserving a group space for a class activity can fill out the group space request form here or contact the Learning Commons Coordinator at lib-learningcommons@uiowa.edu for more information. Priority will go to faculty and staff who are hosting classes, programming, training sessions or other events for undergraduate students.

TILE Classroom

For information on the TILE classroom located in the Learning Commons please go to the TILE Classroom website.

One Button Studio

For information on our One Button Studio located in the Main Library please go to the One Button Studio website.

Hours for the Main Library Entrances & Service Desk

*Restricted access for All Entrances & Learning Commons. The Main Library is open all night, but after 1:00 a.m. access to the first floor Learning Commons (not any of the Main Library Collections) is available by swiping your UI IowaOne card and is open to current UI students, staff, and faculty.