Desjardins Information Hub

Narratives

Desjardins Information Hub

The Desjardins Information Hub, developed in the summer of 2004, is a stimulating and dynamic learning environment, dedicated to the students and staff at Shawinigan College, which brings together various services such as the library, the guidance and career counselling center, the General Help Center along with the French Help Center, and the teachers activities and development department. Everyone has the same purpose: to contribute to the students success by enhancing certain values that are recommended in the college s educational project: personal development, mutual respect, commitment and mutual aid.

At the Desjardins Information Hub, it is possible to do individual or group assignments; tables, cubicles, or seminars may be used for research, writing and learning. The work areas are set up in such a way that it creates a variety of surroundings. Allowing users to be able to choose a workspace which is adapted to their needs adds to the Hub s versatility.

Easy access to appropriate work spaces, to documentary, technological and informative resources is what allows students to persevere, succeed in their courses and obtain their diploma. The public areas of the library open towards the outdoors, thereby providing sunny, functional working spaces. Three reading areas have been created near the windows, one of which is located close to the novel collection.

The integration of information technology into the existing resources was a key objective of this project. The Desjardins Information Hub is an evolutionary, adaptable environment at the leading edge of technology.

In addition to being integrated into the environment, information technology plays a decisive role in supporting teaching and learning. The presence of a media laboratory as well as a wireless network on site permits the development of skills through the use of information. One can also rely on staff competence when it comes to aid and support for research, exploiting and processing data as well as for the use of different types of software such as writing or managing documents.

Through its redevelopment, the Desjardins Information Hub has become a central place for exchanging and acquiring knowledge.