Information Commons Project Update to Department Heads March 9, 1999

Information Commons An integrated central facility providing access to technology to support identifying, locating, retrieving, and manipulating information Service oriented Maintaining functional relationships Welcoming, safe, open

User Outcomes Acquire information literacy skills Acquire information resources Acquire help with technology, evaluation of information, presentation Space/technology to complete scholarly work

Design Principles Service adjacencies Integration of print and electronic New media integration Teaching spaces Appropriate technology Open sight lines Use of existing floor plate

Information Commons Main reference desk on 2LB with support from both IR and IT Consultation Rooms, Corral Area Academic Data Centre/Maps on 2LT Call centre for technology support Classroom for Collaborative Workrooms 200+ new microcomputers networked printing

Partners Funding from Alberta Knowledge Network project ($2.2 million) On campus –Information Technology –Learning Commons –Communications Media (IR and IT) –Student Services

User Input Meetings with client groups –Deans –Committees (GFCLC, IRTC) –Staff –Students (focus groups) –Site visits to best practice sites

Next steps Construction will start at the end of April (after exams) Reference collection weeding (to stacks) Move of UCS Lab to Elbow Room Move of Reserve (hourly and 3 day) to 1LT Move of Current Periodicals to BLT

Information Commons Project completion mid-August Opening celebrations at the end of September

Questions/Suggestions Mary Westell Chair, Implementation Team Lori Van Rooijen Project Manager