Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age

Citation

Fourie, I. (2009), "Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 480-481. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830910988586

Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age is an excellent guide for LIS practitioners interested in pursuing the current buzz word in academic library circles – “Information Commons” (IC). In combining traditional and electronic library resources, a well‐planned IC can provide a one‐stop service for students at all levels. Although the strongest interest in information commons comes from academic libraries, interest has also been shown by public and school libraries – therefore making this publication relevant to staff from a wide spectrum of libraries.

In a clear, to‐the‐point manner the reader is taken through the concepts of information commons and learning commons, the historical contexts of ICs, the planning, implementation and assessment of ICs. These and the style of discussion fit in well with the authors' explanation: “But within the great variety of divergent IC spaces, there does appear to be a convergent paradigm of IC substance. That substance is delineated in this book”.

In addition to the before‐mentioned themes, Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age shares practical experience from 20 case studies divided between large and small academic libraries. For each case study the following is offered: description of the location of the institution and campus, IC description, IC service transaction statistics, IC staffing and training, explanation of what appears on the desktop, IC assessment, IC governance and lessons learned. The case studies are followed by a separate chapter on lessons learned through the successes and mistakes with regard to the building of ICs, including issues such as the design of the commons, equipment, funding, partners, etc. There is also an appendix on brand and graphics, photos of ICs and a sample IC survey. The publication concludes with a brief glossary and a sound bibliography of web sites, articles, presentations and other publications, as well as a good index.

Overall Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age offers a holistic overview of the practical realities of building an information commons. It is therefore a highly suitable publication for those who wish to enter the arena of ICs as well as those who wish to elaborate and improve their services. Due to its very practical nature, Transforming Library Service through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age is recommended for the full spectrum of its intended target group, namely library, information and other institutional administrators who are planning strategically and tactically how to improve library services, as well as library and administrative staff who are determined to energise and improve their library and information enterprises, library and information professionals who are seeking ways to become and remain more vital, and students of library and information science.