The Information Commons ChallengeThe Information Commons Challenge

MARS Chair’s Program 2003MARS Chair’s Program 2003

Allison CowgillAllison Cowgillallison.cowgill@colostate.eduallison.cowgill@colostate.eduColorado State UniversityColorado State UniversityJune 22, 2003June 22, 2003

Morgan Library offers the campus community Morgan Library offers the campus community the EIC - an information commons that is:the EIC - an information commons that is:

- extensive- extensive

- accessible- accessible

- centrally located- centrally located

The Electronic Information Center (EIC) is more than a general The Electronic Information Center (EIC) is more than a general computing lab and more than a reference desk. It is a synergy computing lab and more than a reference desk. It is a synergy between:between:

computer support

information

production

“. . . the user support skills of computer staff,

the information skills of reference staff,

and the production skills of media staff.”- Donald Beagle

Login to WebCT;check course syllabus

Search full-text databases - find some

great articles E-mail yourself the articles;E-mail your prof the citations

Write a paperin Word

After class, come to the library - grab some Coffee

Find a computer!

Meet some friends – scan some photos - compose a

PowerPoint group presentation

• 300+ public computersReference

Desk

ElectronicInformation

Center

#1

Loan/Reserve

Entrance

InterlibraryLoan

NN

SS

EEWW

#2

AssistiveTechnologyIVAC

Courtyard

Morgan LibraryMorgan LibraryFirst FloorFirst Floor

Public Computer LocationsPublic Computer Locations

• Productivity software

• Full Internet access

• 2 teaching labs

• Laptop checkout and wireless network

Electronic Information Labs 1 and 2:

•28 & 30 PCs respectively•Hands-on instruction•Rooms can be reserved•General use overflow

General use PCs:

•Internet access•Microsoft Office•CD burning

“Specialty” computers:

•Assistive Technology Room

UniPrint®

•Networked print system•Managed by CopyRite II•Copy card required•12¢ black and white•50¢ color

•CD-ROM database stations (2)•Scanning stations (6)•GIS stations (2)•Self-service software installation

Staff Assistance

•Library online resources•Data recovery•Internet/e-mail/WebCT•Software applications•Printing

The Electronic Information Center (EIC) The Electronic Information Center (EIC)

Variations on the Information Commons ThemeVariations on the Information Commons Theme

Information Commons and Small LibrariesInformation Commons and Small Libraries

Information Commons and Library AdministrationInformation Commons and Library Administration

Information Commons and Library StaffInformation Commons and Library Staff

The ICThe ICA User-Centered ResourceA User-Centered Resource

The Evolutionary Future of the Information Commons:The Evolutionary Future of the Information Commons:Finding the Optimal Fit?Finding the Optimal Fit?

• A Forum for Exploring and Anticipating Adaptation in the Digital Information Environment to Best Meet Student Needs

• A Mechanism for Feedback to Fully Understand How Students and Faculty Use Digital Resources

• A testbed for experimental collaboration between campus units and departments:

portals bibliographic instruction digital library resources digital courseware

The Information Commons will “permit special adaptations The Information Commons will “permit special adaptations to the digital environment” that are ongoing.to the digital environment” that are ongoing.

- Donald Beagle- Donald Beagle