Technical college opens resource center on Columbia, S.C., campus

Midlands Technical College has officially opened a $14.5 million Learning Resource Center on its Beltline Campus in downtown Columbia, S.C.

Officials says the 43,000-square-foot facility the the new "front door" to the Beltline Campus.

“It is specifically designed to provide a space for our students that encourages collaboration, as well as educational and personal success,” says College President Ronald L. Rhames.

The Learning Resource Center replaces the 24,000-square-foot Beltline Campus Library, which was constructed in 1967.

The new facility has classrooms, study rooms, dedicated tutoring space, and other student-resource rooms spread throughout its three floors. More than 100 computers are available to students throughout the two levels of the main library area.

The building is also designed as a place for students to mingle, collaborate, and stay on campus rather than returning home between classes. Ten study rooms of various sizes are situated throughout the building.

“We are giving students what they need – collaborative space where they can study productively and study together," says Library Director Florence Mays.

Students can also engage in interactive learning through research portals, touch screens, whiteboard walls, multimedia classrooms, and the library’s collection of print and electronic informational materials.

The architect for the new facility is Quackenbush Architects + Planners.