The information commons as a collaborative workspace

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the evolving concept of “Information Commons” through the documentation of one library's renovation and the comparison of that library's experience with the earlier theoretical and case study literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper cites gate counts, a user‐satisfaction survey, and examples of emerging collaboration between library and information technology staff as evidence of substantial changes in how the library is used by both staff and students following its transformation into an information commons.

Findings

This paper finds that the library's transformation into an information commons has resulted in dramatically high gate counts, indications of user satisfaction, and anecdotal evidence that demand for reference service is increasing. The author also finds that, perhaps equally as important, the blending of information technology and library staffs as the information commons was implemented has led to a number of collaborative partnerships developing among them.

Practical implications

Shows that the Westminster College's experience has transformed its library to an information commons, and demonstrates how one library chose to remain a vital and effective resource for its students.

Originality/value

The paper shows that although a growing number of libraries are moving towards various forms of an information commons, few case studies describing how these changes have affected library services one year or more after the changes have been made have appeared.

Citation

Malenfant, C. (2006), "The information commons as a collaborative workspace", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 279-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669506