ABSTRACT

In 2004, the University of Newcastle implemented an Information Common to provide a learning environment which provided access to software, infrastructure and scholarly information resources on a 24 hour basis. The Auchmuty Information Common (AIC) is now in its third year of operation and has been an overwhelming success. It is a vibrant, informal learning space, and is recognised by students as being one of the best places on campus. Key success factors include the Service Delivery Model, Rover Recruitment, the Learning environment, design and atmosphere. The success of the information common is supported by client feedback including bi-annual Rodski Library survey, the AIC blog, feedback and suggestions. The Auchmuty Information Common Service Model was used as the basis for the new Student Service Hubs across three campuses of the University. Following the success of the AIC a new Information Common has been opened in the City Precinct Campus.

This paper outlines the project planning required to create the new facility, examines the success factors which have contributed to the continued growth of the information common and provides an operational snapshot of the information common in 2007.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Greg Anderson

Greg Anderson is the University Librarian at the University of Newcastle. Greg has over 25 years experience in academic libraries and was the Project Manager for the University of Newcastle's Information Common in 2003. It included collaborative work space and a converged service desk for library and IT services. Greg co-authored a Victorian Association of Library Automation (VALA) conference paper on the Information Common in 2006. He recently extended the Student Rover model in other campus service areas including IT and Student Hub Services. In 2007 Greg was awarded a Vice-Chancellor's Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Alison Rigby

With over 15 years of academic and reference library experience, Alison is Associate Librarian Client Services at the University of Newcastle. She was involved in the convergence of IT and Library Services in 1997 and developed the Student Rover Model for the Auchmuty Information Common. In 2006 she was nominated for the Vice Chancellors Award for Excellence for her role with the Common. In 2007 Alison was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.