Abstract:Purpose -This review 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 anUndergraduate 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 review documents a successful partnership in creating aninformation 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.

No abstract

The concept of community information or social information is defined and related to other forms of information. The sources of information for residents of a specific community are determined. A ‘computer assistant’ (CACTIS) for a local community information centre is described. Different types of information networks are presented and related to regional characteristics. A networking study for community information centres, resource centres, and constituency offices in southwestern Ontario, with CACTIS as its focus, is described.

Purpose: Increasingly academic libraries are partnering with other campus units to improve efficiency and to better serve students and faculty. This paper focuses on the importance of developing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster a relationship between an academic library and IT unit. It identifies what the MOU should include, pitfalls to be avoided, and lessons learned. It also demonstrates how the MOU has been used as a model for other alliances and how, because of the MOU, a partnership has flourished.Design/methodology/approach: This article will outline the steps taken that led to the successful memorandum of understanding (MOU) created by the Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Libraries and University Information Technology Services (UITS.) Findings:A well crafted memorandum of understanding that allows for flexibility in ongoing decision making by service stakeholders permits partnerships to evolve and mature and creates the avenue for continued success and innovation.Practical implications: This paper describes the execution and ongoing evolution of a successful partnership based on a MOU and commitment by the Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) Libraries and the central technology organization, University Information Technology Services (UITS).Originality/value: Libraries interested in entering into or strengthening partnerships with IT or other campus organizations can use the Indiana University experience and MOU as a model.

No abstract