Whether it is the long lines of students that first catch your eye, the rows of computer terminals, clusters of study space, or just the light filled rooms-the Commons is different this year.

The Commons, a collaborative effort between the University Libraries and Office of Information Technology (OIT), first opened last fall in Hodges Library Room 235. The Commons is now located in two rooms on the second floor of Hodges, 235 and across the hall in 220.

Commons Room 235 is the location for equipment checkout (laptops, scanners, headphones and more), SMART board training and practice presentation space, the Stat lab, and a computer lab.

Commons 235 also has after-hours drop-off and referral service for the Digital Media Service from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You can also check out books in the Commons and have library materials retrieved from the closed stacks, Sunday through Thursday midnight to 7 a.m. and Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Commons Room 220 offers library reference services, OIT HelpDesk services, the Student Computer Repair Center, a Department of English Writing Center, and a computer lab. Commons 220 is the previous location of Library Periodicals, which are now located on the first floor of Hodges Library in room 120.

The OIT HelpDesk moved to Commons 220 this semester from its dual locations in Commons 235 and Aconda Court. The HelpDesk answers questions about email, Internet usage, password resets, Blackboard, wireless and many other topics for students, faculty and staff.

The Student Computer Repair Center is also new to Commons Room 220. The Student Computer Repair Center troubleshoots desktop and operating system problems for student-owned computers.

The Writing Center in Hodges Library relocated from the Reference Room to Commons 220 this summer. Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The Writing Center also has a second office in HSS room 212.

For more information on The Commons services and hours, visit http://commons.utk.edu.