ANGELA PIERPAOLI

The Information/Learning Commons and the Public

Library

History of the Information Commons

Traditionally geared toward undergraduate students, the information commons concept started in the early 1990s in academic institutions.

Most commonly a joint effort between library staff and IT.

Typically created in phases.Involves facilities, resources, and staff.

A Rose By Any Other Name . . .

Physical Spaces:Information Commons (IC)Learning Commons (LC)Integrated Learning CentersInformation ArcadesDigital Library CentersMedia Unions Virtual Villages

Electronic Spaces:Virtual commonsDigital Commons

What is an Information Commons? http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_i.cfm

“integrates library and computer application services (information, technology, and learning) in a single floor plan, often equipped with a wireless network and, in some cases, equipment for multimedia production.”

What is an Information Commons?(Sinclair)

Commons 2.0Patrons who “no longer merely consume and

download information; increasingly, they create and participate in it.”

Patrons who “value social experiences that blend communication and learning.”

Five guiding principles: Open (unconfined nature of the space), Free (flexibility and mobility that comes from wireless), Comfortable, Inspiring (Art), and Practical

What makes an Information Commons?(Bailey and Tierney)

Physically located on one or more floors of a libraryHigh-technology-rich environmentComputer lab resources+ (hardware, software,

scanning lab, multimedia lab) integrated into traditional library services

Productivity softwareVirtual commonsCollaborative learning and work spacesInformation search and retrieval in any and all

mediaNear –seamless integration of space, resources,

service desks, and staffLibrary-Centric

Evolution to the Learning Commons (Bailey and Tierney)

Information Commons+Aligned with institution-wide vision/missionNot library-centric, bringing outside services

into the Library (Literacy Volunteers)Less traditional library functions (exhibitions,

performances, gaming, lectures, dances, panel discussions, etc.)

Daemen College:Research & Information Commons

Daemen

Daemen

Daemen

Daemen

Daemen

Daemen

Daemen

E. H. Butler Library Buffalo State College

Virtual ICLibrary LabsEquipment Loan

Toronto Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library

In May, it was announced that Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) received a $3,250,000 grant from the Leon Levy Foundation to establish an "information commons." It is the first resource of its kind in any of New York City's three library systems.

Suggestions for BECPL

Overall Recommendation:Learn from 20 years of experience in academic

libraries and consider creating a learning commons.

Specific Ideas/Recommendations:Staffing:Staff public service desk with Information

Services (Librarians) and IT staff (Security, Training Lab Staff, Database Staff, Senior Pages/LAs/Clerks would also be integral to the commons).

Suggestions for BECPL

Technology:Purchase software that allows downloading (Faronics

Deep Freeze/Clean Slate).Loan equipment such as laptops, digital camcorders,

digital cameras, flash drives, CD-Roms, DVDs, ipods, webcams

Offer audio/video conferencing servicesOffer a historical technology section, including VCRs,

record players, cassette players, typewritersHave a copy center (think Kinkos) with a supplies area

that has staplers, tape, rubber bands, scrap paper, envelopes, pens and pencils (marketing with Library name and main phone on it), etc.

Offer dual monitors facing patrons at public service desk.

Suggestions for BECPL

Computer Workstations:Groups frequently form around computers, and

Security disbands groups over 2 people. Why not create spaces that allow collaboration?

Give patrons the ability to reserve computers next to each other.

Have 2 hour computer reservations, rather than 1 hour.Allow print jobs to be sent to any printer.Have a large visual map of all computers at entrance.Offer dual monitors or large monitors to allow for

patron sharing and have 2 chairs at each workstation.

Suggestions for BECPL

Services:Offer services such as form help, or help with

online resumes.Offer in-house tax help. Offer daycare services.Adult gaming. Patrons select book in Catalog and then pick

it up at front desk before they leave (Santa Clara)

Suggestions for BECPL

BuildingOffer showers (Sheffield University Library), since patrons

commonly bathe in restroom.Designated cell phone areas (Kara Stock), or Cell Zone

Booths (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)Office supply vending machines (University of

Massachusetts, Amherst)Have study rooms but make them glass enclosed for

Security reasons. Include whiteboards or smart boards in each room.

Have desks/chairs on wheels so furniture can be moved easily.

Art gallery (for patron/staff art)Low shelving (Carelton) or space saving shelving (Daemen)

YouTube

Chatt State Library Georgia State University LibraryGuelph LibrarySanta Clara Tulane UniversityUniversity of Sheffield UW-Milwaukee LibraryWeigle Information Commons

If I could only recommend one resource . . .

Bailey, D. Russell and Barbara Gunter Tierney. Transforming Library Service Through Information Commons: Case Studies for

the Digital Age. Chicago, American Library Association, 2008.