Student Intranet - News

Monday, 07 April 2025

The Learning Commons - Kaarlak - at ECU City is set to be a modern, integrated study space intended to provide students with everything they need to succeed, all in one place.

It has been designed not just for study, but for connection, collaboration, and seamless access to a whole range of student services and a variety of study spaces, reinforcing the Library's role at the heart of the University.

Associate University Librarian Nicole Johnston said consultation with students was a big part of the design process.

“We’ve listened to what students want, and that’s shaped everything from the furniture to the technology to the kinds of support services we’ll have on hand,” she said.

"The idea was to bring together all the services students need in one place. At Mount Lawley, those services are spread across different buildings – the library, the E-Lab, learning support and careers – but at the city campus, everything will be together to create a really seamless experience.”

The Learning Commons will span two levels, right in the centre of the campus, including indoor and outdoor space, with each floor designed to cater to different ways of working. Level four will be a more collaborative, social space, where students can meet in groups, access technology in the E-Lab, or get help from student support services. Level five will offer quieter study spaces alongside the physical library collection as well as areas for individual study and reflection.

Despite the shift to a digital-first approach across all of ECU’s libraries, Nicole said the physical collection would still play an important role at ECU City.  

“There’s been a lot of consultation with academics and Schools about what’s needed, especially for more specialised collections,” she said.

“We’re still going to have a significant physical collection in the city, including specialist materials for disciplines like music and the arts, as well as high-use and unique items that aren’t available digitally. And if a student or staff member ever needs something we don’t have, Library staff will be on hand to help track down resources, whether from ECU’s own collection or through interlibrary loans.”

Students will have access to support no matter how they prefer to study – whether they’re visiting the Learning Commons in person, calling, emailing, or chatting online.

“We know that students really value having a variety of study options and spaces and knowing that help is close at hand, so we’ve kept that in mind,” Nicole said.

“Students who visit the Learning Commons in person will have one entry point where they can speak to our Library Peer Assistance team, who are students themselves, and they can help direct them to whatever service they need.

“Whether it’s help finding a book, music score, playscript, accessing a journal article, or booking a career advice appointment, students will be able to get guidance on the spot.

“That’s something we’ve already seen work really well at Joondalup, where we’ve had a similar model for a few years now.”

ECU City will also offer some inclusive features, including a sensory room and accessible technology to ensure the space is welcoming for all students. There will be several outdoor spaces giving students the opportunity to study in the fresh air and digital signage throughout the Learning Commons will help orient visitors and promote upcoming workshops and events.

With the State Library of WA and the City of Perth Library just a short walk away, the city location also opens new opportunities for collaboration and shared resources.

Above all, the vision for the Learning Commons is to create a vibrant, student-focused space.

“It’s going to be a really modern, high-tech space, but with a real sense of belonging,” said Nicole.

“It will be amazing for students to be able to sit and study and look across the city, inside the library or in one of the different outdoor spaces, and just soak up the atmosphere of being in that vibrant city location. I think it’s really exciting!”

Learn more about ECU City.