Cochise Newsroom

Cochise College has received a $25,699 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Arizona State Library, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to enhance student learning spaces with new solo study pods at its Douglas Campus.

 

The project Solo Study Pods for Community Spaces aims to improve academic success by creating private, technology-friendly spaces for studying, online learning and phone calls.

 

“We are proud to receive the LSTA grant to expand our commitment to student-centered learning,” said Karly Scarbrough, Director of Libraries at Cochise College. “This project was inspired by two key challenges. Many students prefer to study alone and often leave the library when all private rooms are occupied. Other students are hesitant to attend class in our open computer labs. These patterns led our team to explore ways to create more individualized and private learning environments, and the study pods emerged as the ideal solution.”

 

The initiative aligns with Cochise College’s ongoing mission to deliver accessible, affordable, and innovative education. By improving the library and campus commons areas, the initiative supports learners and online students who rely on the college’s infrastructure for their academic needs.

 

The college completed the installation, and the pods are available to students.

 

Cochise College is one of several institutions across the state to be awarded an LSTA 2025 grant for innovative library services. This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

 

For more information about the Cochise College Libraries, visit www.cochise.edu.