Edward S. Wolak Library Learning Commons

The Edward S. Wolak Library Learning Commons empowers SNHU students to learn and grow in our modern, complex, and interconnected world. Built in 2014 and renamed this fall to honor the generosity and leadership of SNHU alumnus and Trustee Ed Wolak ’74, the building sees more than 250,000 visitors annually and supports the academic and research needs of nearly 85,000 current students.

Dean Bill Mayer says that the Wolak Library Learning Commons embodies SNHU’s dedication to student success. As the University evolves and grows, the library is evolving with it, finding new ways to provide academic services to students wherever and whenever they may need them. “You might have the idea that a library is old-fashioned –not this one,” says Mayer.

The striking building at the heart of the Manchester campus houses a variety of resources: the Shapiro Library – the University’s library collections, both in print and online, and the University Archives – the IT help desk, learning and faculty centers, silent and group study areas, instructional support, the Zachos Commons Café, the digital and 3D media production suite, and the Learning Center.

But according to Mayer, patrons of the library are not only visiting in person, and the print collection is not the only resource at their fingertips. “We have an incredible array of electronic resources – more than one million items online – accessible through something called patron-driven acquisition, a cost-savings system that allows us to provide access to far more information than we could ever dreamed of, but only pay for what is actually used.”

Students can also chat with support teams 24/7 to ensure they have access to the right material at the right time. Mayer says that one of his staff members recently worked with a student in Korea for 45 minutes to help render a document correctly and get them what they needed to finish a project. “That’s part of my role here, as well: making sure my staff works in an environment of success, with the tools and resources they need to reach students.”

In addition to serving current students, the library is also open to all SNHU alumni, who enjoy access to selected databases and resources to continue their research through lifelong learning. “We recognize that learning continues even after you get your degree, whether or not you’re working on your next degree. SNHU alumni have the opportunity for lifetime engagement, and we’llbe there to connect with them no matter what their needs,” explains Mayer.

Mayer says the modern library must also ensure its collection is relevant. “Frankly, we live in a time where information is ubiquitous. So what makes a library useful? Anything students need for their studies, whenever and wherever they need it, we can get for them. And that’s an amazing power, to provide that service.”

The Wolak Library Learning Commons also stores some of the most precious moments of the institution. By showcasing the work of alumni authors, artists, and photographers and archiving the University’s experience, the building becomes a model of living history. Visitors can view photos from the institution’s first home on Hanover Street in Manchester; they can read undergraduate research projects; or they can browse through past yearbooks. It’s all contained in the University Archives and displayed throughout the building, reminders of the SNHU community’s past and present.

Mayer says it was a conscious decision to share that pride.“The SNHU community is boundless, and we want to foster that community. The library is an enabler of success for our students, alumni, and faculty.”

Bill Mayer
Dean of the Wolak Library Learning Commons

By Dan Martel, Class of 2018

This fall, Southern New Hampshire University welcomed Bill Mayer as Dean of the Wolak Library Learning Commons.

Mayer previously worked as the University Librarian at American University in Washington DC. Prior to relocating earlier this year to New England, Mayer was Executive for Research Services at the National Archives – a position where he says “it was a privilege to care for the records of our republic.

Eager to return to higher education, the opportunity at SNHU stood out to him. Mayer has found that the job exceeds his expectations daily: “It’s an incredible environment in which to serve students, and it’s rewarding to see how excited students and faculty are about their work.” Mayer says he feels lucky to be part of the SNHU community. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in the past that have led me here, and I’m grateful for what the future holds for me and the students of  SNHU.”

Edward S. Wolak '74

Alumnus and Trustee Edward Wolak ’74 presented a generous gift to the University this fall to ensure SNHU can continue working to make college more accessible and affordable to all students.

As a first-generation college student, Wolak paid his way through college by baking for Dunkin’ Donuts. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur and owns more than 95 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Maine, New Hampshire, and upstate New York, and is the president and CEO of the Wolak Group. With more than 40 years as a successful developer and operator of Dunkin’ Donuts, Wolak is known for challenging his managers and rewarding them when they succeed.

Wolak’s commitment to his alma mater is reflected not only in this gift, but also in his partnership with College for America at Southern New Hampshire University, through which his employees can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree online, building relevant and promotable skills in an employer-sponsored program. Wolak knows firsthand that a quality education is what moves someone forward, and says his company has made it their mission “to demonstrate to every new recruit that no position in our company is out of reach.”