Several services offered in library

By Victoria Marshall
TC News Reporter

Tonja Mackey, Library Director, said, “We’ve changed our name to academic learning commons because all of the services that students need are in one place.”

The Palmer Memorial Library has expanded to include more than books and computers. The Testing Center was moved from the BCT building to the academic commons. Large, glass windows are used as walls and allow for natural in the space. The desk where students sign in to take their tests has small built in lockers for students to store their belongings.

Across from the Testing Center in the space previously used as the math lab, is the Compass Center. The space is still somewhat bare, but seating, tables, and charging stations will be added later in the semester.

The second floor of the building now includes Student Support Services and the Math Lab as well as the computers that used to be on the first floor.

“The computers from downstairs were moved upstairs because the previous area consisted of brick walls and concrete ceilings. IT couldn’t provide a network because they couldn’t get the wiring. The conditions upstairs of better for wiring and make it better able to sustain the network,” Mackey said.

Student Support was relocated upstairs because of the Testing Center being moved, and the Math Lab was moved upstairs to be closer to student support.

“We wanted to keep those services together,” Mackey said. “If someone was sick from the Math Lab, someone from Student Support would help out.”

The addition of the Testing Center to the academic commons provides great benefit for students. They are able to study or receive help before taking their test without having to go to a different building.

Student Support Services offers several workshops during the semester.

Coordinator of Student Support Services, Robert Guillory, he said, “Last year, we came up with this idea to help students with study habits and more. This is the first time we’ve decided to have the tutorial upstairs. I believe this is a great opportunity for our TC students.”

For more details, contact Robert Guillory at 903-823-3254 or Dr. Tonja Mackey at 903-823-3028.

 

TC News Reporter Jemesha Perry contributed to this report.