Merging knowledge, resources and innovative spaces, SLIIT ceremonially inaugurated its new expansive ‘Library Learning Commons’ (LLC) aimed at redefining the academic learning experience for students, amidst a distinguished gathering recently.

The facility was ceremoniously unveiled by Prof Lakshman Ratnayake, the Chancellor, Prof. Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor and Prof. Nimal Rajapakshe, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost. The event was attended by Pro vice Chancellors, faculty Deans and Heads of the departments.

The LLC aims to provide a modern, technology-driven learning environment with a focus on research, collaboration, and academic support. Marking a fundamental shift from traditional library concepts, the Library Learning Commons offers students vast wealth of modern facilities. Spanning across three floors and targeting to serve over 1000 users, the Learning Commons focuses on collaborative learning beyond just accessing resources.

It boasts multipurpose spaces designed for group work, peer learning, hands-on practice as well as individual study modern facilities including discussion booths, collaborative spaces, research services etc.

“The SLIIT LLC caters to present-day independent learners. Besides access to vast physical and digital knowledge resources, we provide facilities supporting skills growth, creativity and research,” said Pushpamala Perera, Senior Librarian, SLIIT

Unique to the facility is the new ‘Makerspace’ area. Designed as a stress relief space, students have access to creative mind games, ability to paint, participate in mind games such as scabble or chess, mathematical games, etc or simply relax and engage in building Lego, creating robots with fellow students. 

Additionally, advanced infrastructure enables seamless access to global digital libraries, journals, eBooks leisure reading materials in digital format, subject-oriented magazines, and access to research guides and newspapers.

“With personalized assistance, eLearning tools and global information access, the LLC empowers students to customize learning aligned with industry needs,” Ms. Perera added.

The facility includes research commons and state-of-the-art group discussion rooms, designed as specialized areas for in-depth exploration and collaborative learning, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. They are equipped with modern amenities including screens, plug points and whiteboards. The cozy conference room facilitates academics for their meetings and special discussions. eBooks by renowned publishers such has Wiley, Pearson etc are available in addition to scholarly databases such as IEEE, Emerald, ProQuest, and Elsevier. The LLC also offers specialized databases including the American Society of Mechanical Engineering data (ASM) and the American Society of Civil Engineering database.

Another distinct feature is the rooftop of the Learning Commons which serves as a unique educational space, integrating learning directly into its design. Constructed with a concrete slab, the roof enables students to physically observe the complexities of designing a building slab, including the incorporation of fire lines, AC lines, electrical lines, etc. The hands-on experience transforms the facility into a practical learning common, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.

The inclusion of a research data archive is a significant resource within the new Library Learning Commons. It serves as a repository for all research published by the university's academic community. The archive collects and publishes research data, making it accessible to students and researchers through web-based platforms. This resource is crucial for academic research and publishing, as it provides support for researchers in various ways.

The LLC also provides research facilities, skill development sessions, and assistance with referencing styles and thesis preparation. The facility also offers 24/7 digital access, online assistance, and research support. Students can also access digitized newspapers and past papers, as well as the ability to reserve and renew books online.

With an aim to become a modern and high-tech learning center, the LLC is set to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) based services in the future. Through AI services students will have access to a more efficient, and easier to navigate facility.

SLIIT's commitment to providing a holistic education is evident in the new LLC’s innovative features, offering students a dynamic learning environment that extends beyond traditional classrooms.