ITS/Library Information Commons/Help Desk Collaborative Work Group

Charge:

I. Purpose.

To explore collaborative strategies for designing a merged instructional technology and library Information Commons/Help Desk in McHenry Library and another in the Science and Engineering Library.  Representatives from ITS and the Library will examine the space, services, delivery, and technology support needs required to design an integrated digital environment that can deliver multi-format resources for research and information production to faculty and students.

II.  Authority.

This is an advisory group to the ITS/Library Joint Executive Planning Committee.

III. Membership. 

Members will include representatives from Information Technology Services including the Divisional Liaison, and the Library including the Electronic Resources Librarian from McHenry Library and the Science and Engineering Library, the Media Development Librarian, the Unit Head of McHenry Reference, and a representatives from Access Services.

IV. Planning Assumptions.

Space in McHenry Library

•    It will be necessary to look closely at currently available space as well as space in the renovated McHenry Library building to assess the potential for the physical location of merged services and equipment that is convenient to users.  Specifically this means looking at the second floor entry area, the ground floor Media and Electronic Resources Center, group study rooms, and Media Services areas.

•    An information commons does not have to be limited by space and equipment.  Consider flexible delivery in virtual as well as physical space.

Space in Science and Engineering Library

•    It will be necessary to look closely at currently available space and other space that could be reconfigured if necessary.

Service

•    There is a need to identify what services are needed in terms of usage, access, and the production of new information. What immediate technology needs of students and faculty are not being adequately met elsewhere on campus? Which needs would benefit from consolidation? Access to existing information and its use in the production of new information, i.e. transforming information from one medium to another, should be examined.

Support

•    Define the cross-functional and collaborative roles of ITS staff and Library staff.  Who will be responsible for what services?  How will these services interface? How can a resilient and stable service response network be established?

Timeline

•    It will be useful to look at the planning process for a merged ITS/Library Information Commons/Help desk in terms of the building phases of the McHenry Addition and Renovation Project:

o    Phase I would be the immediate implementation of services and technology in McHenry Library as it currently exists.

o    Phase II would consider a configuration that would be workable in the 2007-2009 phase of the McHenry Addition Project during which the new addition will be open, but the older part of the building will be undergoing renovation and earthquake retrofitting. 

o    Phase III is the opening of the new building in its final form in 2009 and the full unveiling of a collaborative information commons.

•    Phasing for a joint service approach in the Science and Engineering Library could begin as early as Fall 2006.

Outreach

•    It will be important as part of the planning process to consider the most effective means of advertising any new service to the campus community.