U. of Washington Opens Research Commons in Allen Library South

The iconic image of the information commons is a large array of PCs and iMacs for accessing electronic resources. UW's new Research Commons has a four word motto -- Talk. Share. Connect. Research. -- emphasizing the importance of collaboration and interpersonal contact.  Twenty-five computers actually take up little of the Commons footprint, which features open spaces with wheeled furniture, whiteboard walls, and group work areas.  Lauren Ray's blog keeps you up-to-date on the project.  Go there for a link to a Flickr slide show.