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. |
Technology
The whole building is wireless enabled. Data and power points are distributed throughout the building making it easy for furniture to be moved around and laptops to be plugged in.
Huddle boards and copy cams have been added since the building opened - these enable users to share ideas, record them and edit them later. Large plasma screens are available for users to project work on to. Accessible technology is a feature of the IC with a large screen PC with large text keyboard available on every floor. RFID (radio-frequency identification) is used on book stock with a robotic return and sorting facility provided. Flat screen monitors are available throughout the building. Both classrooms are equipped with interactive 'Sympodium' technology which allows the lecturer to 'write' in digital ink over documents open on their PC or laptop, highlighting concepts and making notes. These notes can be projected onto any or all of the plasma screens so that the students can see them as they appear.
'Web kiosks' are available on every floor for checking of emails, etc. There are Business Units on each level - these include black and white and colour printers, photocopiers, value loaders (for cards) and print release stations; there are also book issue machines in the units on three floors. Users of the building log in and out of the building using their Ucards (magnetic strip and barcode) - this helps to monitor occupancy and usage of the building.
Adding Value
The technology is widely available and accessible to users. It allows the user flexibility in the environment and the way in which they choose to work. Previously students did not have such instant access to technology alongside the book stock and the Information Commons has provided them with the additional flexibility of being able to use the book stock and PCs at the same time within a comfortable environment.
The technology is available to support both individual and group work. PC usages, borrowing and entry statistics are all being collected and analysed. Evaluation processes are being developed in conjunction with Learning and teaching and CILASS.
