C.Y. Thompson renovation reflects the way students study and learn

C.Y. Thompson renovation reflects the way students study and learn

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C.Y. Thompson Library

The renovation of C.Y. Thompson Library will provide spaces for students to learn collaboratively.

The C.Y. Thompson Library is being reimagined.

The library, located on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's East Campus, has not changed much since it was built in 1966, but the way students study and learn has changed dramatically. Students now are interactive learners who are accustomed to having technology available 24/7, communicating via social media and engaging in collaborative learning.

CY Thompson library entranceA proposed renovation of C.Y. Thompson will reflect students' increasing use of digitally accessed research and information and will enhance interdisciplinary connections through spaces where students gather. Plans call for a technologically rich space that will facilitate both individual and group study with virtual access to thousands of e-books, e-journals and academic articles. The printed word, however, will not go away. A "power library" will house a 60,000-volume collection of the most recent, unique and active parts of the print collection. Faculty and staff also will benefit from cutting edge technologies and instruction resources.

Additionally, the renovated library will provide one central location for many of the student resources of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, including the East Campus Visitors Center, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, the Student Testing Center, Career Services and Education Abroad.

CY Thompson library north side of buildingThe library's transformation from a traditional environment to a collaborative learning commons is being privately funded, said Josh Egley, University of Nebraska Foundation senior development officer for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. A $10 million challenge grant requires $12.5 million to be raised from other sources. Naming opportunities will recognize the generous donors who make the library's transformation possible. In addition to naming the spaces that will be highly frequented by students, donors who make a significant contribution to the C.Y. Thompson renovation initiative will also be recognized on a donor wall located in the west lobby and lounge.

"This is a once–in–a–generation capital improvement that's going to significantly impact the East Campus student experience for many years to come," Egley said.

To learn more and donate, please contact Josh Egley at josh.egley@nufoundation.org or 402-458-1202.