New Transylvania active learning classroom planned in honor of former librarian

The Transylvania University library has received a $100,000 gift for an active learning classroom dedicated to the memory of a former librarian.

Timothy Tassie, whose late wife, Carolyn, helped start the library's instructional program, donated the funds to create a space for students and instructors to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their learning and teaching.

The new classroom, which will be named after Carolyn Tassie, is expected to open this fall in the former Media Viewing Room. It will feature a flexible furniture arrangement and multiple touch screens for students to learn together as a class, in small groups or individually. Additionally, renovations made possible through the gift will include new carpet, brighter lighting, fresh paint and more.

The improvements will also create an inviting space for students, their professors and other faculty and staff to experiment with the latest classroom technology, including educational software.

"We want to update the technology to once again make this a space in which librarians and others can play with new technologies to expand their pedagogical practices," Director of the Library Susan Brown said.

She pointed out how the project will enhance student experience in an already strong library instruction program, which Carolyn Tassie provided the foundation for, helping students - from first-year Pioneers to upper level classes - learn academic and professional research skills.

"In the years since Carolyn's retirement from Transylvania, the library's instruction program has continued to grow and develop, reflecting the changing nature of information organization and delivery," Brown said.

"We now use active learning techniques to develop our students' information literacy and to develop their knowledge and use of educational technologies," she continued. "To support our robust program, we would like to create a space, an active learning classroom, in the library that supports innovative teaching and active, student-centered learning. This classroom would help us to place active learning techniques and technology access at the forefront of the library's instruction program."