Using the Center for Engaged Learning

The IWU Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) is the area on the east side of Ames Library’s first floor. The area was upgraded in 2020 with new furniture and technology to create a flexible learning environment. Groups of all sizes are welcome in the CEL. This outline offers guidance on the best way to maximize your use of the space.

Reserving the Space

To reserve the CEL, please use 25Live. For any questions regarding the reservation process, please contact Emily McMicken at (309) 556-3172 or via email at emcmicke@iwu.edu.

When planning your reservation, please specify which parts of the CEL you would like to book, such as the booths, tables, or stadium seating. If you need to reserve the entire space, let us know as well. Additionally, please consider any equipment you would like to reserve, such as the mobile display, TVs, or whiteboards. If extra seating or tables are needed, please let us know. Example photos are provided below.

The Ames Library also offers a variety of other reservable spaces, including the Beckman Auditorium (Max Cap. 70), and Instruction Lab (Max Cap. 26), and Study/Project Rooms. For assistance with reserving these spaces, please contact Emily McMicken.

Ways to Use the CEL Space

Large/Small/Large: The CEL is very effective for large-group lectures followed by small group work with a return to the large group for reporting out

Start in the stadium seating area and use the mobile display (if needed)
Assign each small group to a booth or study table. Both of these areas work well if the students have worksheets or materials they need to spread out on a table. Mobile dry erase boards are available. Students should bring markers or they are available at the front desk.
Return to the stadium seating area for students to share from their small group work

Stations: Use the CEL space to spread out learning stations

Students can easily move from a easel display to a video to a table-top activity
Multiple guest speakers would have enough room to speak with a small group and not distract other groups

Showcase events: Poster presentations work especially well in the CEL space

Presentations by individual students or small groups can easily be displayed with room for interaction with visitors
It is possible for posters to remain on display for varying lengths of time so that others can visit (for example, if a department wants students from a 200-level class to see the posters from a 400-level class)
Presentations can feature work at the end of a class or work-in-progress throughout the semester

Large Group & Individual Meetings: with a large group working independently in the CEL, individual or small group meetings can easily be arranged to discuss grades, review papers, or a simple check-in

Book Study Room 113, which is directly connected to the CEL to have one-on-one meetings with students. There is a table with four chairs in this space (can easily add more chairs). Reserve this space (or other study rooms in the library) in LibCal or with Emily McMicken (not through 25Live)
Use a booth or even the “Star Trek” chairs which are near the entrance to the Writing Center if you don’t need the same privacy level of a separate study room. You can use the big round screens for a little extra privacy, if needed.

Combine the CEL & the Writing Center: Writing Center tutors are trained to improve student writing across all academic disciplines

Reserve the CEL and book a Writing Center tutor or two: https://libcal.iwu.edu/appointments
Students can work independently in the CEL space and drop in with a tutor, or tutors can circle through the CEL area checking in with students
Introductory meetings ease the way for future appointments which can be booked using LibCal
Email bjarvisf@iwu.edu ahead of time with your prompt or assignment so that tutors can offer specific helps

Meet Your Library Liaison: using the CEL is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the Ames Library connect with an Ames Librarian

Arrange an appointment with the Library Liaison for your department for a quick introduction or a session on Ames Library resources
Encourage students to book future appointments for help with research papers/projects
Request a tour of Ames if time allows so students are familiar with library spaces and resources

Other considerations

Snacks/refreshments are allowed
Not all seating can be moved due to power connections. Pac Man chairs, Star Trek chairs, and screens can be moved.
Even with a reservation, traffic will continue to the Library Services Desk, the Writing Center, and the men’s bathroom
Depending on the weather, the patio can be a good place for gatherings
The Ames Library is a convenient location for off-campus guests as the parking lot is accessible and nearby