The Information Commons at Lied Library
| Date | 01 March 2002 |
| Pages | 58-70 |
| Published date | 01 March 2002 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830210420690 |
| Author | Jennifer Church,Jason Vaughan,Wendy Starkweather,Katherine Rankin |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The Information
Commons at Lied Library
Jennifer Church
Jason Vaughan
Wendy Starkweather and
Katherine Rankin
Introduction
On entering the Lied Library, the first-time
visitor and the seasoned user alike are drawn to
the Information Commons, the active and ever-
popular computer center of the building (see
Plate 1). This spacious, open area includes 12
pods containing a total of 92 desktop
computers, three scanners, and two large group
study rooms. This dynamic environment
evolved from a desire to make the library the
hub for scholarly endeavors on campus, and to
create a space that simultaneously supports
access, collaboration, and production. It is the
merger of networked information resources and
a traditional computer laboratory setting. The
goal of this union is a more convenient and
efficient method of providing service to our
users, allowing them help with both information
and technology questions within easy reach of
one another. The focus of this article is the
planning, development, and implementation of
this library space and the technology it
provides.
Early planning
While it was clear to the New Library Planning
Committee in 1991 that the Lied Library would
need to be a flexible, state-of-the-art academic
facility and serve as a resource for the
university, the local community, and the state,
it was not as clear just how the committee
would accomplish that task. Initial planning
documents and departmental questionnaires
identified the services and resources that
traditional departments (such as Reference and
Circulation) would provide in the new facility,
but it was not yet evident to the planners at the
time that an ``information commons'' concept
would help meet that need. Such new services
had yet to be considered and fully envisioned.
By 1993, the then Dean of Libraries Matthew
Simon had identified some important ideas for
the new library, including his belief that the
library must be built for students and provide a
comfortable and accessible facility that would
make learning much easier. The building was
also to accommodate the new technologies and
storage media as well as the traditional print
resources, and be flexible enough to reflect
The authors
Jennifer Church (jchurch@ccmail.nevada.edu) is Head,
Information Commons, Jason Vaughan (jvaughan@ccmail.
nevada.edu) is Head, Systems Department,
Wendy Starkweather (wstark@ccmail.nevada.edu) is Director
of Public Services and Katherine Rankin (krankin@ccmail.
nevada.edu) is Chair, Library ADA Task Force, all at the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Keywords
Information, Technology, Service, Disabled people
Abstract
Presents the development of the Information Commons in
the new Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,
from conceptualization to realization. Discusses the goals of
the facility, including the need to create a space that
simultaneously supports access, collaboration, and produc-
tion in scholarly endeavors. Also addresses the impact of the
Information Commons concept on patterns of service, and
illustrates the challenges in designing Information Commons
workstations, including such considerations as user
authentication and resources for those with disabilities.
Electronic access
The research register for this journal is available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregisters
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Theme articles
58
Library Hi Tech
Volume 20 .Number 1 .2002 .pp. 58±70
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830210420690
To continue reading
Request your trial