Library Commons

Electronic Government Information and Small Academic Libraries: Some Issues and Trends

D. Russell Bailey — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:25:26 PDT

Provided is an analysis of the issues and patterns surrounding government-originated information as it pertains to small academic libraries.

U.S. Influences on Korean Education: Understructure, Imprint and Overlay

D. Russell Bailey — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:51:17 PDT

A sociohistorical analysis of American influence on Korean education philosophy and structures. The intent of this work is to "provide a frame of reference for knowledge transfer", categorize the influences, and subsequently critique them based on their substance and integrity.

Lessons Learned [SENYLRC Information Commons 2.0, May 7 2009]

David Murray — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:23:39 PDT

These Powerpoint slides were presented at INFORMATION COMMONS 2.0 -- LESSONS LEARNED AND MOVING FORWARD, a conference sponsored by the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council (SENYLRC) on May 7, 2009 at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home, Hyde Park, NY.

The Learning Commons at SUNY Cortland: Solving, Resolving, Involving, & Evolving…and sometimes…Revolving [SENYLRC Information Commons 2.0, May 7 2009]

Gail Wood — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:04:00 PDT

The Incremental Development of an Information Commons [SENYLRC Information Commons 2.0, May 7 2009]

Randall L. Ericson — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:29:13 PDT

The Evolving Commons - A New View [SENYLRC Information Commons 2.0, May 7 2009]

D. Russell Bailey — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:14:41 PDT

The Commons - Information Services Collaboratory for Teaching, Learning and Research [AJCU 2008 Joint Conference on Information Technology Management, Libraries and Educational Technology, Mar 30-Apr 2, 2008]

D. Russell Bailey — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:48:38 PDT

The Commons has evolved in higher education to include the Student Commons (Information and Learning Commons) and the Faculty Commons (Teaching and Research Commons). This presentation provides an overview and details of the development and expansion of the Student and Faculty Commons concepts, recent trends, and the varieties of administrative models functioning today. The presentation provides a guide to use the Commons as an organizing principle for collaboration across higher education.

The Evolving Commons Concept: Information, Learning, Teaching, Research [International Conference on Information & Learning Commons, Dec. 10-11, 2007]

D. Russell Bailey — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:13:28 PST

The Commons concept, developed in the early 1990’s, has evolved over time, taking different shapes and involving different resources and services as it has evolved, including the Information Commons, the Learning Commons, the Library Commons and the Research Commons. There are numerous similarities among the various iterations of the Commons and some clear differences.

This presentation describes the basic foci and components of the Commons, found in most all iterations.

The presentation then delineates and describes the variations among the different types of Commons as they move from library-centric and tactical initiatives to institution-wide and strategic.

The Information-, Learning- and Library-Commons are designed primarily with students (mostly undergraduate) in mind. The Research Commons is designed with upper-level graduate students, faculty and researchers in minds.

Examples of each type of Commons will be provided, as well as links to collections of Commons implementations, resources and bibliographies.

Not Exactly Trading Spaces: The Wesleyan University Library Information Commons [NERCOMP, June 5, 2007]

Dale Lee et al. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 07:27:21 PDT

In September 2005, Wesleyan University Library, Information Technology Services, and the Student Academic Resources Network (SARN), an umbrella organization for a variety of services, premiered a prototype Information Commons in Olin Library. Technology assistance, traditional reference, writing tutors and information about academic support services are now in one place, providing one-stop shopping for students. Workstations in the Commons facilitate group and individual work, with or without technology, while fitting aesthetically into a grand space combining traditional and modern elements. Some features of the Commons have been immediately successful, while others are changing to increase usage. Reference staff and student technology consultants work well together and group study is common, but the SARN peer advisors have had to do continual outreach to publicize hidden services. Although envisioned as a prototype group instruction area, faculty has yet to use the Commons as such. The uniqueness of Wesleyan’s information commons, in some ways a virtual commons has created this need for ongoing changes and discussions between departments to clarify budget and management issues. The lessons learned will be applied to plans for an expansion of the Commons.

Finding Common Ground at Plymouth State University [NERCOMP, June 5, 2007]

Elaine S. Allard et al. — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:15:39 PDT

Fall 2006 saw the opening of the Learning Commons at Lamson Library at Plymouth State University. Almost immediately, gates counts jumped and the once traditional library was abuzz with activity. By doing a minor remodel of the 10-year old library structure and utilizing existing staff, a dynamic partnership was created.

This presentation covers the 16 month-long project that saw a unique marriage between two key departments, the Library and Information Technology Services, with additional collaboration of other student services areas. It discusses how PSU, was able to build on current trends in Libraries, Technology and Higher Education and make our Commons uniquely Plymouth.

Two Rooms and a Concept [NERCOMP, June 5, 2007]

Elizabeth Tilley — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:09:13 PDT

Providing a collaborative learning space with appropriate services and resources for our undergraduate clientele, but with just two physical rooms, a limited budget and the commons concept to guide our decisions, was challenging. The context and mission of the Library within the University were important considerations and the theoretical and practical drivers for change as they relate to our goals and aims will be examined. Creativity in the use of space and clear, focused project management were also key factors in creating a successful Commons environment. The results of the changes made, and an assessment and evaluation of the project will be presented.

The Uncommon Commons [NERCOMP June 5, 2007]

D. Russell Bailey — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:59:39 PDT

The term commons has been used in library, information and technology parlance since before 1990: the Information – Learning – Knowledge - Research - Library – Creative – Patent Commons. Most uses of these terms refer to some combination of the continuum of high-touch high-tech patron services. Most Commons’ are focused intensely on patron needs, however defined, and housed in, or proximous to, a library. Some are new facilities, well-planned and financed, elaborately implemented, and well-resourced. Some, at the other end of the spectrum, are more concept than physical reality, but still provide, however minimally or incrementally, some of the same continuum of resources focused on patron needs.

This presentation seeks to explicate the constituent Commons spirit as it arises, however minimal, incremental, unique and uncommon.

Forging Commons Partnerships [ALA 2007]

D. Russell Bailey — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:26:12 PDT

Take My Advice: Collaboration between librarians and academic advisors [ALA 2007]

Margaret H. Burger — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:20:39 PDT

Author describes a successful collaboration between librarians and academic advisors in regards to "walk-up advising" and academic advisors professional development.

Exploring and Forging Collaborative Relationships Between an Information Commons and Others on Campus: The Indiana Experience [ALA 2007]

Carolyn Walters — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:10:33 PDT

Learning Commons Collaborations [ALA, June 2007]

Anne Moore — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:54:59 PDT

Discusses the collaboration at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst between the library, information technology, the writing center, advising, mentoring, and dining services to create a collaborative facility for students.

An International Prospectus for Library & Information Professionals: Development, Leadership and Resources for Evolving Patron Needs

D. Russell Bailey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:36:34 PDT

The roles of library and information professionals must change and evolve to: 1. accommodate needs of tech-savvy patrons; 2. thrive in the Commons & Library 2.0; 3. provide integrated, just-in-time services; 4. constantly update and enhance technology; 5. design appropriate library spaces for research and productivity; 6.adapt to new models of scholarly communication and publication, especially: the Open Archives Initiative and digital repositories; 7. remain abreast of national and interanational academic and legislative initiatives affecting the provision of information services and resources.

Professionals will need to collaborate in: 1. Formal & informal networks – regional, national, and international; and; 2. Library staff development initiatives – regional, national, international

Professionals will need to use libraries as laboratories for ongoing, lifelong training and education of patrons and of all library staff ("internal patrons"): the library is the "framework" in which Information Research Literacy is the "curriculum". Professionals will need to remain aware of trends and challenges in their regions, the EU, the US and North America, of models which might provide inspiration and support: 1. Top Technology Trends; 2. New paradigms of professionalism; 3. Knowledge-creation and knowledge consumption; 4. The shifting balance of the physical library with the virtual-digital library

Information Commons Issues and Trends: Voices From the Frontline

D. Russell Bailey — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 09:02:19 PST

Attendees at this ACRL panel were invited to increase their understanding of Information Commons (IC) concepts, models, planning, implementation and assessment. The event was a discussion panel with IC leaders regarding models that their libraries were developing, evolutionary processes their ICs have undergone, challenges and successes in the past years, and what the future holds.

Information Commons Redux: Concept, Evolution and Transcending the Tragedy of the Commons

D. Russell Bailey et al. — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 08:36:18 PST

This paper reviews “information commons” concepts and describes administrative and functional integration in an academic library information commons. The roles of inclusive planning structures and careful integration through an enhanced information desk are delineated, emphasizing team-building which results from this implementation. The paper discusses potential problems and suggests solutions.

Information Commons Services for Learners and Researchers: Evolution in Patron Needs, Digital Resources and Scholarly Publishing

D. Russell Bailey — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 08:36:14 PST

Since approximately 1990, the Information Commons has emerged as an effective model of integrated library public services. The Information Commons combines traditional, paper-print, high-touch library services and resources with computer technologies and digital resources in a relatively seamless service environment. Extensive computer resources for Web research, free Web resources and proprietary electronic databases complement the full spectrum of productivity software and specialty scanning, digitization and multimedia resources. Numerous examples from North America and elsewhere and links to others will be provided.

The Information Commons model considers change and evolution in patron needs vis-à-vis 1. staff training and attitude, 2. quantity, quality and type of information resources, 3. unmediated access and personal control in patron learning and research (especially in search technologies), and 4. architectural layout and aesthetic nature of the library facilities.

The learner and researcher share many needs, but the complexity of high-level research often warrants special consideration. High-level research needs and knowledge creation are the focus of the budding Research Commons at a few institutions. The Open Access (OA) movement pays special attention to evolving research and scholarly publishing needs.