There are 12 group study rooms in the Harrington Learning Center (HLC) available for use by students of Quinsigamond Community College.  During the 2008 academic year 12,944 people used these rooms. We thought you might appreciate a reminder about how this service works.

1. Why are group study rooms so important on a community college campus?

2. Who can use an HLC group study room?

3. What kinds of activities take place in a group study room?

4. How do I sign up for a group study room?

5. How many people can use a group study room?

6. How are group study rooms equipped?

7. How long can a group study room be used?

8. Can group study rooms be reserved in advance?

9. Are there any general rules about the use of the rooms?

10. Why do I have to fill out a registration card for every time I use a group study room?

11. Why are group study rooms kept locked?

12. When I visit the HLC it doesn’t seem like all the rooms are in use.

Why are group study rooms so important on a community college campus?

Especially in the areas of business, human services, and health care, much QCC curriculum focuses on collaborative learning. Students need space to meet as a group and prepare group reports, presentations, and projects. In addition, students in all disciplines often form study groups spontaneously around preparation for quizzes and exams.

Who can use an HLC group study room?

Any current QCC student may check out a group study room key from the Information Desk. (Student IDs are held until the key is returned.) A group is defined a two or more students. These rooms are not available for use by the general public and they are not available for campus meetings.

What kinds of activities take place in a group study room?

These spaces are devoted to academic group study. Appropriate use includes: small group collaborative learning projects, tutoring sessions, exam study groups, small group viewing of course related videos, etc. Two of the rooms have assistive technology and are designated for the exclusive use of our disabled students.

How do I sign up for a group study room?

Group study rooms can be “booked” in person at the Information Desk in HLC or by phone at x.7492. You will be asked to identify yourself and fill out a data card when you arrive to pick up a key.  When you have your group assembled, you will be given the key to a room. Rooms are assigned based on the number of people in your group and the availability of the rooms.

How many people can use a group study room?

We have rooms of different sizes to accommodate different sized groups. We have four rooms that accommodate two people, five that hold four people, and one that holds eight. The largest room is most often used for group video viewing. Disabled students use assistive technology in two additional rooms.

How are group study rooms equipped?

Every room has a white board, a table, and several chairs. Some of the rooms have TV/VCRs and any room can have this equipment if requested. One room has an adjustable table. Markers and erasers for the white boards are available at the HLC Information Desk. All rooms have access to the wireless guest network for use with laptops.

How long can a group study room be used?

The rooms may be used for two hours at a time. If no one is waiting for a study room, the registration can be renewed for one more two-hour session.

Can group study rooms be reserved in advance?

Yes, groups of two or more people may reserve group study rooms up to one week in advance. If the group does not appear, we hold the room for ten minutes before reassigning it. Group study rooms can be “booked” in person at the Information Desk in HLC or by phone at 508.854.7492.

Are there any general rules about the use of the rooms?

HLC policies on food, drink, cell phones, electronic devices, rowdy behavior, and unattended children apply to all group study rooms. Rooms may not be used for game playing. Windows may not be covered. Rooms must be left in the condition found, trash in appropriate containers, whiteboard erased, etc.

Why do I have to fill out a registration card for every time I use a group study room?

We compile data from the cards because we want to be able to report the amount of appropriate use these group study rooms receive. 

Why are group study rooms kept locked?

The rooms are kept locked to ensure that they are empty and available for use when needed.

When I visit the HLC it doesn’t seem like all the rooms are in use.

All the rooms aren’t in use every minute, just as many QCC classrooms are empty at 3:00 p.m.  The use builds as the semester progresses, peaking from midterms through final exams.

We hope this FAQ has been helpful.  If you have a question or if would like to reserve a room, call the HLC Information Desk at 508.854.7492

George I. Alden Library, Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 854-4366