The Information Commons Handbook

Information Commons often refers to the theoretical production, sharing, and democratic discussion of information that is afforded by new technologies. It also refers to the physical manifestation of this concept-new facilities that bring together researchers, instructors, students, teachers, and users into one space and equip them with the technology (computers, projectors, Internet) and facilities (workstations, conference and class rooms, print stations). In this comprehensive guidebook, Beagle helps academic, public, and school librarians create new spaces that encourage research, discovery, instruction and learning and meld the traditional research library with the latest technology. This comprehensive handbook guides librarians through: space planning, budgeting, and technology set-up; service modification, staff reallocation, and training; assessment, improvement, and modification of services and facilities; and publicity and marketing of the new commons. Descriptions, photographs, and plans from information commons of various types and sizes are included. The companion CD-ROM features model plans from various institutions and working documents from successful Information Commons projects. Grounded in the theory of information commons, this forward-looking handbook will transform traditional spaces and redefine library service models for the information age.