Late last month, the Penn Libraries announced the opening of the Education Commons at Franklin Field, a state-of-the-art study and information facility that supports teaching and collaborative learning.

Designed by architect Joel Sanders, the Education Commons is located on the mezzanine of the George A. Weiss Pavilion, and is 6,400 square feet with 168 seats. Its flexible work environment was inspired by the Weigle Information Commons in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. In the Education Commons, students and faculty can access an 18-seat, glass-enclosed seminar room, equipped with a computer and an 80-inch video display. There are eight study rooms that can be reserved and can accommodate groups of four to 10—each room has a computer and flat panel LCD screen. Additionally, open seating provides flexibility for individual or group use. Librarians will staff the facility to help students with technology and to work with faculty and staff on program development.