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New University Information Commons set to improve student learning
May 26, 2004
The University of the Sunshine Coast will celebrate Australian Library and Information Week with the official opening of its Information Commons on Thursday May 27.
The Information Commons (IC) is designed to provide an inviting learning space with the technologies and expertise to support the use of information resources.
The following services are available in the IC:
- Seventy-six new computers with flat screen monitors, DVD, CD-ROM, floppy disk and USB facilities
- Eight express ultra-small workstations for rapid email and network printing
- A new Information Desk for library reference and research assistance, and IT technical help
- Network printing facilities
- Provision for laptop connectivity
- A new 20-seat training facility for information literacy tutorials and workshops.
Planning for the IC began in May 2002 when the Library conducted a customer satisfaction survey.
While more than 75 per cent of respondents ranked the overall quality of the Library as good to excellent, the survey identified a need for more computer workstations.
The new workstations will provide integrated access to Library collections and services, the Internet, email, student intranet, and to computer software and tools to enable students to learn, research and better prepare assignments.
Visitors to the University Library, including teachers and students from local schools, and community members, can also use the open access workstations.
The design of the IC is intended to support both individual study and encourage collaborative learning.
With height-adjustable flat screens and upholstered chairs, the ergonomic design of the furniture and equipment support a comfortable study and learning environment.
The workstations have been configured to support the University's environmental policy with automated start up and shut down processes and energy saving sleep functions.
The new IC ensures students will be able to begin the research process; locate, evaluate, and select the information they need; obtain research and information technology assistance; and complete assignments all from one location.
The goal is to provide a quality learning environment for students to achieve academic success.
University of the Sunshine Coast Computer and Library facts;
The University of the Sunshine Coast has an eight to one student-computer ratio and for four consecutive years the USC Library has been ranked number one in Australia for percentage expenditure on information resources [Council of Australian University Libraries statistics 2002]. The USC Library collection includes more than 65,000 print and audiovisual resources and approximately 10,400 electronic resources. [USC Annual Report 2003].
Architecturally, the Library has a reputation all of its own, which has been recognised by the following awards;
RAIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Buildings 1997
RAIA QLD Chapter Awards 1997, FDG Stanley Award for Outstanding Non Residential Architecture
RAIA QLD Chapter Awards 1997, BHP Colourbond Award
Maroochy Excellence in Building and Planning Awards 1997, Institutional Building Category
QLD Master Builders Association, Regional Housing and Construction Awards 1997, Education Facilities over $5 million
QLD Masters Builders Association, State Construction Awards 1998, Education Facilities over $5 million
Australian Institute of Steel Construction 1997, QLD Architectural Steel Design Award
The Library architects were; John Mainwaring and Associates, and Lawrence Nield and Partners.