Mobile library interfaces - what effect on the IC?

IC's primary tool has been the desktop PC or MAC.  Most ICs are wireless and many loan laptops.  What about the shrinking interface?  Netbooks?  iPhone or other touchscreen devices?  Follow the latest developments in library interfaces on userslib.com.

...and Beyond. A look at the future

It's still in the development stage, but the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity at Eastern Kentucky U. takes the information commons concept another step up the evolutionary ladder.  

"The learning experience of Eastern Kentucky University students will be radically transformed by the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity.  The Studio embodies the standard EKU has set internally in its Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), a focused university-wide initiative to develop informed, critical and creative thinkers who communicate effectively. "

One of the more interesting elements is the organizational structure.  A "Research Coordinator" will join coordinators for written and oral communication, along with tutors, to provide services in the studio.  The coordinators report to the Studio Director, who reports to both the Dean of Libraries and the Dean of University of Programs.  

1. 
   

Videos - fun and otherwise

Good place to start: Sheffield Univ. "IC Girls" It's entertaining but it also understands the functional design of the building and its variety of learning environments. 

North Carolina State U.  Ribbon-cutting at remodeled Learning Commons.  Good commentary and student reactions.  Shows old and new design.

U. Penn Weigle Information Commons. To the tune of "Downtown" 

Listserv Infocommons-l

The list is for the discussion of issues relating to the planning, implementation, assessment, and support of information commons facilities that integrate the resources and services of libraries with enhanced information technology. List subscribers are also welcome to explore corollary topics when discussed in the specific context of IC management, such as information literacy, learning communities, faculty development, and facility design. Click here for archives.

Conference May 7

Information Commons 2.0 -- Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 

On May 7, 2009, the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council is sponsoring a one-day conference at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, New York.

Go to the conference site:

http://ic-senylrc.wetpaint.com/?mail=1201&t=anon

University of Southern California's Leavey Library, one of the earliest ICs, celebrated its tenth anniversary in September, 2004 with "a weeklong slate of activities, with opportunities for friends and donors, faculty and students, and the general public to participate in the festivities." The last two days were devoted to a "an advanced discussion among information commons professionals exchanging lessons learned, best practices, and models of operation." Information Commons: Learning Space Beyond the Classroom has links to all the presenters' .ppt or .pdf files.