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Auchmuty Information Common

 

 

Overview

In August 2002 a proposal to implement an Information Commons in the Huxley Library, with all print collections relocated to Auchmuty, received in-principle support of the Senior Executive Group (SEG). This initial proposal did not proceed, although the concept of the Information Commons received enthusiastic support. An Information Commons is now being planned for installation in the Auchmuty Library.

After the long months of consultation, planning, and behind-the-scenes buildup, things are now starting to happen to get the Information Commons under way.

Construction work and relocation of collections have begun in Auchmuty Library, to clear the space needed on Level 2 where the Information Commons will be installed during second semester.

The Adaptive Technology Centre will be the first unit to find a new home – still on Level 3, next to the Videoconferencing Centre.

The Information Desk is in the process of temporarily relocating to the corridor adjacent to the photocopying room. The Desk will be permanently housed on Level 2 following the completion of the Information Commons late in second semester.

Watch for displays and changes in Auchmuty Library over the coming months.

Reports and Progress

13/03/03

A Consultative Group, comprising staff and students, was established in late 2002 to work with the Executive Director of Education Services and other staff members, on the options for supporting and enhancing access and delivery of on-line resources to students and staff of the university. These discussions have been taking account of current budgetary constraints existing within the University. NUSA, NUPSA, CCCU and the five faculties are represented on the Consultative Group.

A meeting of the Executive Director's Project Team and the Consultative Group has been scheduled for 27th March to give the Consultative Group the opportunity to discuss the Space Allocation plans with the project leaders involved in the development of the Information Commons.

30/4/03

Meeting of the Library Consultative Group

Representatives from NUSA, NUPSA and the five faculties met with the Library management team to discuss the progress of and plans for the establishment of the Information Commons.

07/07/03

04/08/03

Concepts, Drawings and Maps

The Information Commons is meant to provide a variety of facilities in a social environment for the increasing needs of University students for access to technology and information. The important aspect of an Information Commons is that the information and resources we provide you with in support of education at this University, would be broadened by innovative technologies, made available in many different ways, Other institutions in Australia and overseas are already experiencing the exciting facilities provided by an Information Commons, as shown in these web-sites:

Auchmuty Library Alterations

Project Plans

Articles

Bazillion, R.
Academic Libraries in the Digital Revolution EDUCAUSE Quarterly no. 1, 2001, p.51-55.
(pdf version online at Educause site)

Beagle, D.
Conceptualizing an Information Commons
Journal of Academic Librarianship, v. 25, 2, March 1999, Pg. 82-89.
(available online in Science Direct)

Cowgill, A. Beam, J. Wess, L.
Implementing an Information Commons in a University Library The Journal of Academic Librarianship, v.27, 6, November, 2001, pp. 432-439
(available online in Science Direct)

Griffin, R.
Technology Planning: Oregon State University Information Commons OLA Quarterly, v. 6, 3, Fall 2000, p. 12-13

Halber, M.
Lessons from the Information Commons Frontier
The Journal of Academic Librarianship, v.25, 2, March, 1999, p. 90-91
(available online in Science Direct)

Kirriemuir, J.
Establishing a Digital Library Centre
Ariadne Issue 29, October, 2001

Lowry, A.
The Information Arcade at the University of Iowa.
Cause/Effect, Fall, 1994, Pg. 38-44.
Text version available online

TerHaar, L. K. et al
The fate of the undergraduate library
Library Journal, v. 125, 18, Nov 2000, p. 38-41
(available online in Proquest)

All feedback and enquiries can be directed to InfoCommon@newcastle.edu.au