UW Library Information Commons - High Touch with High Tech
Our goal is to humanize and enrich the learning process for UW students by organizing their library workspace and our service delivery around the integrated digital environment. Using networked wireless laptop computers, our students will be able to compile information, compose and complete papers, tabulate data, design webpages and collaborate in groups—all without leaving the library. At the same time, dedicated, knowledgeable library staff will be available to walk the student through the entire process from the identification to the final presentation of needed information in whatever format it exists—print, web-based, cd-rom, microfiche etc. Through this expert assistance, UW students will be able to develop the information literacy competencies which are critical for their careers.
- it's much more than a computer lab—(a) students seamlessly move between print and digital resources—many items in our collection will never be digitized and (b) professional help available in person (ref desk) or remotely (digital reference)
- leverage the wireless network being tested in Davis Centre and prototype a new distributed information commons
- build a flexible teaching space drawing on our experience designing and using the FLEXLab, e.g. refit old ILL office with tables, ceiling mounted projector, instructor's workstation, laptops, lots of chairs
- contribute to and support the evolution of UW's integrated online learning and information environment.
- create new opportunities for student employment on campus—coop students and grad students
- reconfigure the abstracts area as a relaxed space with tables and comfortable chairs—53 bays destined for storage
- provide more group learning spaces—project team collaborations in the workplace are common for science and engineering students—social sharing that results from working in groups is important for learning
- support media rich course assignments with high end computers, scanners, cd-rom burners, colour laser printing etc.
- funding this project serves a broad range of UW students, faculty and staff
Information Commons home
Anne Fullerton, Project Chair
August 10, 2005
