Zimmerman Library recently opened a renovated collaborative space for students on the eastern end of the first floor. The Zimmerman Library Learning Commons implemented many of the features suggested by students. The “beta opening” features triple the number of outlets, greatly improved wireless with additional wireless access points, new energy saving LED lighting and access to the windows facing the Smith Plaza, totally gutted and renovated bathrooms and other energy saving features.

New service desks will make it easier to find help with research, online and hard copy course readings/reserve items, research materials whether at UNM or across the world via Interlibrary Loan/Library Express and help connecting to and using equipment in the Zimmerman Library Learning Commons.

For the beta opening rental furniture acts as placeholders for a wide-range of colorful and comfortable lounge and workspace options scheduled for delivery in October, November and December. In addition to furniture there will be rolling privacy panels for creating meeting rooms on the fly, mobile glass dry erase boards in a dozen juicy colors, mobile flat panels to connect with your devices, additional scanning and printing to save energy and paper, new computer tables with privacy panels and new library furniture.

“We’ve done a lot of research on how to make this a space that students can use and rearrange for the way they want to study," said Teresa Neely, director of Learning Space Initiatives. "We sincerely hope students will give us feedback either in person or by visiting the Learning Commons web page at and completing the feedback form.

In keeping with UNM’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the project is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) at the silver level.

The grand opening for the Learning Commons will be scheduled for January 2015.