iSci Finds Home at Thode Library

September 2009 marked the beginning of the Faculty of Science's new four-year Integrated Science (iSci) program, and now the H.G. Thode Library of Science & Engineering is ready to welcome this program into its learning space. The third floor of Thode Library has undergone renovations over the summer, and has been transformed into the home base for the brand-new program.

The Director of the iSci program, Dr. Carolyn Eyles is excited to move iSci into the Thode Library, "It is wonderful to have the home base for this research-focused interdisciplinary program in the library where our students will have ready access to many excellent resources."

The West wing of the third floor is now the Thode Interactive Knowledge Classroom, known simply as the 'ThInK Space'. This technologically advanced classroom, to be shared by the Library and the iSci program, has been fitted with computers, presentation screens, large whiteboards and a SMART board. The North wing has become an iSci study space, ideal for collaborative group work, which is a critical component of teaching and learning for the new program. Finally, the centre core area will house an iSci Faculty work space and offices for the Director; two teaching faculty, Drs. Chad Harvey and Sarah Symons; and the Science Fluencies Librarian, Andrew Colgoni.

The housing of iSci within the library will allow for unprecedented collaboration between an academic program and the library. Jeffrey Trzeciak, university librarian, says of the move, "We are thrilled to have iSci located within Thode.  The location allows us to integrate library services directly into the program, which is an incubator for new strategies, new technologies and new relationships. What we learn from the relationship can be then translated into other programs."

Eyles also acknowledges the collaboration as a significant one. "The move of iSci into the library truly recognizes the fundamental role that the libraries play in the teaching and learning environment at McMaster. Once again, McMaster is demonstrating its committment to creativity, innovation and excellence by providing new and stimulating learning environments for undergraduate students."

For more information, please contact Science Fluencies Librarian, Andrew Colgoni.