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University Library and Academic Technologies create an Information Commons
Northwestern faculty and students now have access to an Information Commons designed to integrate information, technology, and learning. The new space, located just inside the Lantern entrance, is filled with computer workstations and offers faculty and students support in the use of computer applications and ever-expanding digital resources. The commons is designed to encourage collaboration, group and independent study, and greater interaction with library and technology staff.
The concept of the Information Commons has become popular with universities as more information is published in electronic formats and is accessible remotely. As described by a writer in the December 2002 issue of ARL, “There has been a shift in the sense of ‘importance of place’ for the research library’s physical facility and a new appreciation for the value of ennobling space for learning. Although where information resides matters less to the user, the library as place -- the physical entity -- remains more important than ever and performs a host of functions vital to learning and research.”
“With the dramatic increase in digital library information that is accessible remotely, use of Library space shifts from required to optional,” says David Bishop, Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian. “Increasingly, faculty and students are in the Library because they want to be. We view the Information Commons as a ‘one-stop-shopping’ area where users can learn to locate and manipulate information.”
User centered, technologically rich
Construction of Northwestern’s Information Commons began last summer, after Library staff spent close to six months working with an architect and reviewing models at schools including Emory University, the University of Chicago, the University of Southern California, and Princeton University. The new space houses more than 50 workstations equipped with software including Microsoft Office, EndNote, and RefWorks. Computer workstations are located at the center of the commons, with access to three printers, and are equipped with flat-screen monitors, USB plug-ins, and CD burners that can read DVDs. Additional software and equipment will be considered as user needs expand.
The space is designed with considerable flexibility to encourage interaction and discussion. “Our objective was to provide furniture that can be moved around so that students can work independently or in groups,” says John Blosser, head of the Serials Department, acquisitions coordinator, and liaison with architectural and construction personnel. “Tables are arranged to allow students to work independently and yet remain within easy communication of other members of a project team.” The space also features banquettes, or booths, with workspace for up to five students and will eventually include a media conference room for larger groups of six to eight. Laptop and wireless data connections are available throughout the area.
“We wanted to offer the University community a centrally located, user-centered, and technologically rich environment for individual and collaborative work,” says Laurel Minott, assistant University librarian for public services. “The space will allow for discussion, interaction, and learning in a comfortable environment, which we hope will encourage users to stay awhile.”
Fruit of collaboration
The Information Commons is a logical extension of the collaboration between the Library and Academic Technologies that began more than 10 years ago. The two units initially partnered to organize and host sessions for faculty interested in incorporating technology into their teaching. The collaboration continued in 2001 when Academic Technologies moved into the Library to form 2East, a center that provides faculty with services ranging from traditional bibliographic support to instructional technology. The 2East alliance has proven beneficial for all three units: Academic Technologies, the Library’s Collection Management department, and the Digital Media Services unit of the Marjorie I. Mitchell Multimedia Center.
The Library and Academic Technologies share responsibility for staffing the Information Commons. Library staff take the lead with research questions and provide assistance with digital library resources, while Academic Technologies staff work primarily with product applications. The Information Commons is currently open during regular Library hours, though these hours may eventually be expanded to meet faculty/student demand.
Construction of the Information Commons is viewed as a positive and important development for the University community. “Although some view the library primarily as a place to study or as a warehouse of books and magazines, an academic library serves a critical role as a community hub within the university,” says Frank Cervone, assistant University librarian for information technology. “The Information Commons is simply an extension of this role. By providing enhanced facilities and services in the Information Commons we will be expanding the possibilities for students and faculty to work in new and innovative ways in the diverse areas of study that the University supports.”
Patti Strait