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Welcome to the Information Commons!

 

PLEASE NOTE: This website is available for reference. If you require more information, please do not hesitate to call the Information Commons Service Desk at (403) 220-8895.

Information Commons Open! Open 24 hours, 5 days a week!

In late November 1999, the Information Commons began offering 24 hour access from Sunday to Thursday in recognition of the need for increased access. This is part of Information Resources' continued commitment to improving service and meeting the needs of clients.

Warm reception since opening August 1999

The facility has been in full swing, and continues to meet with positive feedback from students, faculty, staff as well as other clients.

"I think that the Information Commons is absoulutely amazing. So much workspace, an efficient (and cheap!) printing process, great staff and it is a wonderful atmosphere. Thanks. " - Undergraduate student

"Thanks a bunch for the 24 hour option. Well done." - Undergraduate student

"I am extremely impressed with the Information Commons. All the computers and printers function very well and there are always staff around to help." - Graduate student

"This is a great idea! Thanks for making it a reality." - Staff member

"Great! I wish they had this facility earlier." - Undergraduate student

"Atmosphere is stimulating, staff is always helpful, service is excellent." - Graduate student

Construction of phase 1 of the new Information Commons began April 29^th of 1999 on the entire second floor of the Mackimmie Library Complex. The design incorporates additional and new public access facilities, Library and Information Commons Staff offices, a redesigned library and information desk, better access to Document Delivery services and a new Academic Data, Maps and Airphotos Centre. Services are being redesigned to provide better service to library patrons.

What makes up the Information Commons?

Expanded Public Access Facilities

Students welcomed over 245 computers for use in their scholarly research. These computers are incorporated into the public access area. Over 175 of these computers are 'full service' computers, giving students access to the Internet, on-line library catalogues, e-mail and office productivity tools such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Twelve of these computers have unique library downloads providing students and faculty with access to specialized information resources.

Expanded Public Workstations

 

 

 

Of the computers within the Information Commons, 50 are located in a large instruction area and six in a smaller, special instruction area. Computers in these areas are also full service computers. The area is used primarily for instruction purposes but also allows vendors to bring in, from time to time, various computer and information products that may be of interest to our patrons. Clients are also welcome to use the classroom when no classes are in session.

An additional 25-30 Express stations are also available in the Commons area giving library clients quick and convenient access to the information held by the University Library.

Printing

Networked printing makes its debut in the Information Commons. Six printer stations housing laser printers are available for student use. Students are able to use their campus card to do black and white laser printing conveniently all within the Commons complex.

Collaborative Workrooms

Collaborative Workrooms

 

To meet the requirements of students, faculty and staff, who are working in teams on various scholarly assignments, ten collaborative 'rooms' have been included. Large enough to hold 6-8 people, these rooms have desktop workspace, ethernet connections for laptop stations, and access to audio equipment. To ensure use for everyone, these rooms are bookable.

The Main Desk

Service Desk

 

 

The Information Commons integrates two important services on campus, Library Information Services and University Computing Services. This collaboration facilitates a more convenient and efficient approach in providing service to our clients. They are now able to have both information and technology questions answered directly. An accurate one step referral process is also in place. To encourage dialogue, more private consultation spaces allow students and faculty to discuss information and technology queries with the staff in the Information Commons.

Those working within the Information Commons have also undergone specialized service quality training to better understand the expectations of those using the service.

The new Information Commons is an integrated, central facility providing access to the technology required to identify, locate, retrieve and manipulate information.