Wright-Patt Information and Learning Center, new and improved research facility

  • Published
  • By Sandy Simison
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Formerly known as the base library, the Information and Learning Center recently underwent changes to update the facility and now supports professional development in a more efficient manner. 

"We have a customer-oriented staff that has really stepped up to take care of our patrons with their research projects and to provide excellent customer service here," said Jason Eskew, Training Operations chief at the learning center. "The staff includes an education advisor, available by appointment, to help airmen with their educational requirements."   

The center also houses the Airman Leadership School, and provides materials and study areas specific to the student's needs.  

The staff works closely with the students, said Eskew.

Eskew also described the many upgrades and improved capabilities.

The furniture was upgraded--making it more inviting and user-friendly--with added computer ports and power adapters to utilize laptops and tablets, with enhanced network connection. There is an open network for wireless and wired connections.  Tables are set up in areas for groups to do research projects, as well as areas for quiet study.  Some tables are bare, while others have connections for use with laptops.  A computer, which is on a commercial internet account and not on the Air Force network, is available to perform more extensive searches

Further, a computer lab capable of holding up to 20 individuals is available for use.  Students may use the room to do online training.  In addition to the lab, there is a conference room readily obtainable, which can hold up to 60 people and can also be split into halves.

The ILC offers numerous reference materials according to Eskew.

Hardback and paperback books are still available for use and can be checked out for three weeks.  Some of the most popular items in circulation are study materials, which may assist airmen in testing out of college courses.  Study guides are available such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES), along with a variety of other study materials to prepare for taking exams.

There are educational courses available on CD and DVD, such as the Rosetta stone and Online Transparent language courses, which offer foreign language learning technology.  The material can be used there or can be checked out and used at home.  Youth-oriented adult-centric material is also available for those interested in home schooling.


Books are also available from the Air Force Chief of Staff reading list, created by General Ronald Fogleman in 1996, to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members. Each Chief of Staff since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program.

For more information about the Information Learning Center, located at Bldg. 1226, Kittyhawk Area A, call (937) 257-4815.