University of Sheffield, Information Commons
| Contact Details: | Martin Lewis, Director of Library Services & University Librarian, m.j.lewis@sheffield.ac.uk Dr Christine Sexton, Director of Corporate Information and Computing Services, c.sexton@shef.ac.uk Alex Hunt, Information Commons Manager, a.hunt@shef.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | New build. |
| Start/End Date: | Initial ideas formed in 1998. Construction work began May 2005. Building opened Easter 2007. |
Success Factors
What Makes The Space Successful?
As well as offering a flexible space for independent learning, the IC provides a platform for developing innovative learning and teaching techniques. Users are able to enjoy continuous access to the full range of services and resources. To support this flexibility of access IC staff are available for 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday plus 4 hours on both Saturday and Sunday. Outside these hours users can get help from the Concierge staff at the front reception desk on the ground floor - this desk is staffed at all times - 24/7. There is also a call out list of other IC staff for any emergencies that may occur outside of core hours.
In addition to a traditional counter service, IC staff operate a roving support service throughout the building. This service gives students access to 'at-desk' help without having to leave their seats to visit the ground floor information desk.
IC staff work closely with academic liaison staff in the Library and CiCS to ensure that they are all aware of recommendations and advice that academic staff are currently giving to students, this ensures a joined-up service that can provide the best possible level of support for users.
All staff are trained to take personal responsibility for the queries they receive, from the point of origin until the query is resolved. A wealth of knowledge and experience shared among IT specialists and Library professionals means that staff can provide a comprehensive and seamless service.
The building is situated on a very busy roundabout in Sheffield City Centre and there is a large volume of traffic passing the building on a regular basis but special consideration has been given to acoustic insulation and the outside noise is barely noticeable inside the building - even at the closest points to the road.
The building is accessible with lifts to all floors; it is air-conditioned and uses the underfloor space as a plenum to distribute cool air from the conditioned air modules (CAMs) located around the building.
The silent study space works very well, and the whole building is moving towards a culture of self-policing e.g. users will rebuke others whose mobile phone rings whilst in the silent area.
What Is Innovative About The Design And The Use Of The Space?
The building provides a vast open, light and comfortable space for users. Zoning of the building has provided users with a choice of environments, both bookable and freely accessible to match their moods or working requirements.
Flexibility has been built in with wireless available everywhere and access to electricity power points throughout the building. Furniture in several areas is very mobile and can be reconfigured to suit user requirements. Careful attention has been paid to the acoustics within the building. The IC is located on a very busy traffic roundabout in Sheffield. The heavy traffic can be seen but not heard through the excellent double glazing. Acoustic boards appear throughout the building dampening noise whilst still allowing users to generate a healthy working buzz in group and social areas.
The building is available to University students and staff all day every day and this open door policy encourages a sense of ownership with students feeling 'at home' in the space - this has resulted in some teething problems with over-familiarity with the space and subsequent litter issues but these issues have been addressed appropriately.
