Construction for UM Libraries new Digital Scholarship Commons began Monday, September 16, and will continue until Spring 2025. The facility is being built on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, close to the main entrance. The library will remain open throughout construction and the Starbucks will be accessible through another entryway.

The Digital Scholarship Commons is an exciting new collaborative space for research and interactive learning, with a focus on geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization. The space will include state-of-the art technology, such as a large data visualization wall, video conferencing, and programmable sound and lighting. The Digital Scholarship Commons will serve as a dynamic learning environment to support the development of data visualization skills among students, faculty, and staff, and will encourage researchers to explore and communicate their findings in innovative ways.

While there may be some construction noise on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, the Libraries is making every effort to keep excessive noise to a minimum. Quieter study zones are available on the second and third floors of Dafoe, and in other campus libraries.

XR Lab construction begins early October

XR Lab construction is set to begin this Fall, occupying a current first-floor computer lab space. Students can access computers in the Gold Lab around the corner as well as from the library’s Laptop Lending Locker.

The XR Lab is designed to bring learning to life using virtual reality (VR) and other immersive technologies. The Lab will include four VR workstations, along with access to a collection of virtual reality apps and programs for teaching, learning and research.

The XR Lab and its VR capabilities can enhance learning and research by allowing users to dive into an interactive environment, engage with different perspectives in ways textbooks cannot, and enhance collaboration and engagement with others by sharing virtual explorations in real time.

Learn more about how UM Libraries supports learning, teaching, and research.