A modern and cozy haven seeks not just to accommodate Ateneans but also to inspire 21st century learning among the Xavier University community.

Opening on December 4, in time for the XU Festival Days 2015, the renovated fifth floor of the Annex Library, now called as “Learning Spaces,” aims to provide students with a learning environment that supports and inspires excellent academic performance.

“Our dream here in the XU Libraries is to improve the grades of the students because the learning environment has an effect on the performance of the students,” remarked XU Libraries director Estrella Cabudoy.

[XU Libraries director Estrella Cabudoy says they are excited to open the Learning Spaces on December 4, in celebration of "Xavier: Our Common Home."]

“Active participation in the classroom plus improved learning spaces equals excellent overall academic performance.”

The Learning Spaces, designed by architect Ernest Martin Soriano, house the Nursing and Filipiniana sections, Fr Miguel Anselmo Bernad SJ Exhibit Room, American Corner, and confab spaces.

Constructed from March until October of this year, the Learning Spaces feature laptop tables, rolling bookshelves, open areas, Wi-Fi and a self-service printing room where students can print and photocopy documents for free. Students can also freely borrow a laptop or a tablet for up to four hours for their research assignments.

“Our Learning Spaces are unique in Mindanao; there is no other facility alike in other schools in Mindanao. The way we see it is that our Learning Spaces will inspire our present and incoming students more,” Cabudoy expressed.

“We built this also for the needs of the Outcome-Based Education Program of each department. We want to be on the same page in providing a conducive learning area for students.”

Other renovation projects are underway, from the top floors down. In the meantime, books are being transferred to the fifth floor while finishing touches are being made to other features of LS.

The XU Libraries management is also excited to accommodate XU Senior High School students next year.

“Students are learning on their own and the spaces we provide them are for their comfort,” Cabudoy said, adding that, “the Learning Spaces are an extension of their living room, where they can discuss, stay in a corner or sit on the floor according to their likes.”

“We give this new breed of learners freedom here in our new Learning Spaces. They are free to choose how they want to study.”