Stephen S. Clark Commons

Inside of Stephen S. Clark Commons, September 18, 2024, by Jihyo Yoo.

A Hub for Research, Resources, and Relaxation

by Jihyo Yoo

The University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library reigns as one of the most popular study spots on campus, its many study spots often filled with hardworking students. But while countless students dedicate themselves to their studies, not all can claim that they have contributed to such a transformative impact to other students’ education like Stephen S. Clark, for whom one of the newest study spaces on campus is appropriately named.

Clark is a UM alumnus and now retired CEO of Dwyer Instruments. He credited much of his academic success to having a space where he was able to focus and wanted to “provide students with a pleasant and comfortable space for collaboration and study" (“About”). In 2011, Clark's "first transformational gift... merged the library’s map collection, government information center, and geographical data services into the Clark Library," named after him ("About"). In April 2023, the third floor of the UGLi was "completely transformed" into the Stephen S. Clark Commons with a bridge now connecting the space to the library in Hatcher also named after Clark ("Clark Commons Opens"). The Clark Library grants students access to map collections and other numeric data to assist them in their research (“Clark Library”).

Before the addition of the Clark Commons, students raised issues about the lack of study spaces available at Shapiro, one of the only buildings open at extended hours, which became extremely packed and difficult to find a spot (Pendell). Clark Commons added seating for over 200 students with study spaces that give students options to study in their preferred atmosphere ("Clark Commons Opens"). The 37,500 square feet houses a variety of tables, soundproof booths, and bookable study rooms (Dhandapani). Although it is known to be social, many students have said they don’t mind because it indicates that those around them are working, enabling them to be productive (Swanson). Clark Commons accommodates those who prefer quiet by reserving a silent reading room. It also offers resources beyond a typical study space: a digital scholarship hub is accessible for researching data, study rooms foster open collaboration, and a display space exhibits projects created by students and faculty (“University of Michigan”).

Apropos, the surname Clark means "wise and intelligent scholar" and is derived from the Latin form clericus, a religious clerk (“Clark History”). Fittingly, the meaning of Clark’s name reflects the values of learning and exploration that both the library spaces at UM represent.

Photo of Stephen Clark at the Clark Commons Celebration (September 2023), courtesy of UM Library.

Inside of Stephen S. Clark Library, September 18, 2024, by Jihyo Yoo.

Photo of Clark Commons, courtesy of UM Library.

Works Cited

“About Stephen Clark.” University of Michigan Library, University of Michigan, n.d., lib.umich.edu/locations-and-hours/clark-commons/about-stephen-clark. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

"Clark Commons Opens." University of Michigan Library, University of Michigan, 23 Apr 2023. lib.umich.edu/about-us/news/clark-commons-opens. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

“Clark History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms.” House of Names, n.d., houseofnames.com/clark-family-crest Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

“Clark Library.” University of Michigan Library, n.d., lib.umich.edu/locations-and-hours/clark-library. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

Dhandapani, Sneha. “Clark Commons Now Open 24/5 On the Third Floor of the UGLi” The Michigan Daily, 3 May 2023, michigandaily.com/news/clark-commons-now-open-24-5-on-the-third-floor-of-the-ugli/ Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

Pendell, Carlin. “After hours at the UGLi: Students Stay Up Late Studying, Hope for More Open locations.” The Michigan Daily, 18 Nov 2022, michigandaily.com/news/campus-life/after-hours-at-the-ugli-students-stay-up-late-studying-hope-for-more-open-locations/#google_vignette. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

Photo of Clark Commons. University of Michigan Library, University of Michigan, ib.umich.edu/visit-and-study/study-spaces/collaborative-spaces/clark-commons-collaborative-spaces, Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.

Photo of Stephen Clark at the Clark Commons Celebration. Sep. 2023. University of Michigan Library, University of Michigan, lib.umich.edu/locations-and-hours/clark-commons/about-stephen-clark, Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.

“Stephen.” Names, n.d., names.org names.org/n/stephen/about Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.

Swanson, Madeline. “Common Ground.” Michigan Giving, University of Michigan, 19 Mar. 2024, giving.umich.edu/um/w/common-ground. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.

“University of Michigan – Shapiro Library Study and Renovation.” Education Snapshots, n.d., educationsnapshots.com/projects/28724/university-of-michigan-shapiro-library-study-and-renovation/ Accessed 28 Sep 2024.

Yoo, Jihyo. Inside of Stephen S. Clark Commons, 18 Sep 2024. Author's personal collection.

Yoo, Jihyo. Inside of Stephen S. Clark Library, 18 Sep 2024. Author's personal collection.

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