The new center replaces the campus’s prior Verde Library, Learning Center and Disability Resource spaces.
The design and technology featured in this new state-of-the-art center is going to provide a modernized learning environment for our students. It’s going to provide them an opportunity to learn and use the latest media and technology and adaptive learning spaces, while still providing the resources of a traditional library.
Located in Building M of YC’s Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale, the Center for Learning & Innovation (CLIV) blends community and technology, offering students the tools to learn in a variety of traditional and innovative methods.
The new, 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility includes space for artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tutoring platforms and interactive learning experiences to provide students with personalized support. The center also features experimental classrooms and immersive learning labs; media production rooms to accommodate podcasting and video production; a fast-capture studio, and dedicated spaces for faculty and students to use advanced technologies in the exploration and development of virtual reality and augmented reality-based learning tools.
These learning innovations are spread across a scenic, open floorplan that accommodates all the traditional library services like tutoring, collaborative work, quiet study and check-out of books, videos and other tactile learning materials. The library will continue to provide in-person and asynchronous “recorded” library instruction, expand no-cost Open Educational Resources (OER) and checkout for equipment such as laptops, hotspots, lab kits, digital filmmaking, virtual reality headsets and other learning technologies.
The Center for Learning and Innovation was designed by SmithGroup, following a master plan developed after extensive county input. The design reflects a growing trend among colleges across the country to integrate traditional library services with emerging learning technologies and incorporate both into a library and learning commons format. Hayley Construction broke ground on the renovation in May 2023. The new center replaces the campus’s prior Verde Library, Learning Center and Disability Resource spaces. The Center for Learning & Innovation mirrors, in direction and philosophy, the ongoing Prescott Campus library renovation, which is expected to be completed in spring 2026. QCBN
By Lisa B. Rhine
The center is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday. For more information, call 928-634-6541 or visit www.yc.edu/library.
Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.
Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona, and the Prescott Airport.
Courtesy Photo: YC President Lisa Rhine and members of the college opened the new state-of-the art facility in Clarkdale last month, designed provide AI-assisted tutoring platforms and interactive learning experiences.
Leave a Reply