Reference services in the commons environment
Abstract
Purpose
This paper describes the services offered in an information commons that primarily serves undergraduate students at a large research university. This paper provides background information on the implementation of a learning or information commons and describes the effect of the commons environment on reference services and environment and highlights the importance of a strong relationship between libraries and information technology providers in developing successful public services in an information commons.
Design/methodology/approach
This article describes the transformation of an Undergraduate Library into the Information Commons and describes the implications for library services in a public services partnership.
Findings
The information commons environment is one part of a library system that is evolving in response to and in anticipation of user needs.
Practical implications
This paper documents a successful partnership in creating an information commons that primarily serves undergraduate students at a large research university.
Originality/value
The partnering approach in developing an information commons can result in a cohesive suite of services that support students. The implications for reference services provide insight for other libraries that are planning information or learning commons.
Keywords
Citation
Dallis, D. and Walters, C. (2006), "Reference services in the commons environment", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 248-260. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669489
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited