WIC As a Community Space

Space has the ability to be transformed, depending on one’s perspective. For example, disability culture activist and community performance artist Petra Kuppers explores in her book Studying Disability, Arts, and Culture: An Introduction (2014) how she likes to play with the structure of the room by having students position themselves in places where they may not normally sit, stand, lay down, etc. Her goal is to create livable spaces in the classroom, so students can feel at ease. Petra Kuppers calls this playing with classroom conventions to help students become more aware what works best for them (p. 5). 

Within the Weigle Information Commons (WIC), I am excited how we are playing with such conventions while exploring what it means to develop academic success through community. How are we doing this you ask? By offering the following during the week: 

• Free tea

• Boardgames

Something New: Community Study Sessions

This semester we started Community Study Sessions. These are low-key gatherings where you can work on whatever you need to work on, but with a librarian present to answer questions, point you toward resources, and help you think through your approach. And yes, there are always snacks.

Our February session focuses on "How to Stay on Track" because, let's be honest, February is that moment when the semester stops feeling new and starts feeling real. Students can come in to reset, refocus, and figure out systems to keep themselves organized as coursework intensifies. Our March session is all about "What Resources Do I Need?" A chance to discover how Penn Libraries can support your specific work, whether that's finding sources for a research paper, accessing specialized databases, or figuring out citation management.

We offer sessions with different topics throughout the semester from "What Resources Do I Need?" to "How to Stay on Track," supporting you wherever you are in your academic journey. The beauty of these sessions is that there's no agenda beyond supporting whatever you're working on. Come for ten minutes or stay for two hours. 

Beyond the Study Sessions

We also run workshops on everything from podcasting to using AI for studying. Our staff can consult with you on VR projects, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies. We lend equipment like cameras, microphones, lighting, so you don't need to own expensive gear to create professional-quality work. If this is like something you'd benefit from, keep an eye on our newsletter for dates and topics. We're also planning sessions throughout the semester, each one addressing different challenges students face at different points in the academic calendar.

And through programs like the Hoesley Digital Literacy Fellowship, we support students who want to dive deeper into digital skills and creative technologies.

Looking for a more structured way to navigate Penn Libraries' resources? Check out our 2nd Year Student Guide available on Canvas. This guide helps you find great sources, use library tools with confidence, and connect with real people who can help. Whether you're diving into research or just looking for your next study spot, this guide helps you make the most of everything the Libraries offer—your space to learn, create, and thrive. Simply open the guide and use the Self-enroll/Add to Dashboard option for easy access.

We also partner with the Weingarten Center, Wellness at Penn, and Career Services to make sure you have access to the full spectrum of support you might need, all in one welcoming place.

I hope these simple services will be an opportunity to step away and check in with yourself and others. Students spend much of their time studying and meeting at WIC that it is important that they see it as one of their spaces where you are welcomed while exploring academic resources and possibilities. I am excited to see how the above may contribute to that. It could be having a conversation with a friend or one of our Student Assistants while drinking some tea. It can be exchanging ideas during our latest workshop. Or it can be centering yourself during our Community Study Sessions.

I am excited to see how these offerings evolve and what may be added because of student input. In the meantime, if someone would like to participate, come to the Welcome Table at WIC, across from our digital sign.