Klarchek Information Commons: One year of award-winning service

This January, the Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons (KIC) celebrated its first-year anniversary. During the first few months of operation, the KIC recorded approximately 140,000 visitors passing through its doors--a number that continues to grow.

The KIC offers Loyola students unprecedented service in an award-winning, eco-friendly, and stunning location on the shores of Lake Michigan. The group study rooms, in particular, have been popular, with an estimated 90 percent occupied on any given night. "This past year has been both incredibly busy and rewarding," KIC director Leslie Haas says. "The three C's of collaboration, connectivity, and community continue to be our mantra."

In addition to contributing to students' academic success, the KIC officially earned LEED Silver Certification status from the U.S. Green Building Council in November and continues to beat expectations regarding energy usage.

As of October 1, performance evaluations show that the building is on track to meet the University's expected $58,700 annual energy savings goal (compared to a conventional building). In September, the building operated in natural or hybrid mode 51 percent of the time, which means that no mechanical ventilation was used. Rather, breezes were pulled through the building to keep the space comfortable.

Looking ahead, the University will continue to optimize the systems in the KIC to further reduce energy usage. Other highlights of the KIC include the opening of the building's fourth floor, which is available for departmental meetings and special events.

"It's been a busy year, and we're looking forward to our second year and the re-opening of our front doors in January, when we will become the main entrance for both the KIC and the Cudahy Library," Haas says. "We also anticipate developing new programs and services that will help further our mission."