PRESTONSBURG — Big Sandy Community & Technical College (BSCTC) recently redesigned the physical spaces of their campus libraries to support student collaborative learning. The redesign includes modular study spaces and active learning environments that inspire creativity and synergy.

Students can now come to the library and choose how they need their space set up to make them comfortable. They can move tables and chairs to accommodate their study group or lounge on the bean bags and join their online class. They are free to make the space their own.

BSCTC librarians have cultivated a welcoming environment that has over time become the center of life on campuses. The redesign is a major milestone in the vision of transformed library services. Students gather in the libraries to study, socialize or have a quick rest. The libraries are a vibrant source of student engagement, where snacks and drinks are readily available at no cost.

The BSCTC resource center, The Nest, also hands out groceries and household items to students for free. The Nest is funded by the generous giving of BSCTC donors.

“At BSCTC, we are focused on student success. We know our students’ names and we care about their everyday needs and successes,” stated Judy Howell, BSCTC Director of Library Services.

The funding for this active learning environment comes from a Title III grant that has also included training tutors, who are certified by the National Tutoring Association. With the ACE Tutoring Center located in one part of the library, students receive accessible tutoring and continue with their studies all in one physical space.

For more information regarding BSCTC libraries, active learning environments or the ACE Tutoring Center, please call 606-886-3863 or email judy.howell@kctcs.edu