University Library Opens New Group Project Workspaces

Library Referece Room Group Project Workspaces Now Open

INDIANAPOLIS - The University Library has opened an Information Commons in its Reference Room. These group workstations are designed and equipped for IUPUI student teams to plan and work on their scholarly research.

"The driving force behind this learning evolution is the "twenty-first century" workplace. We will continue to upgrade our library as a physical space to create more and better space for group work," said David Lewis, dean of the University Library.

Computer technology in the workspaces includes wall mounted 20-inch flat screens and 19-inch dual monitors, multiple keyboards and mouse controls that allow members to concurrently submit input to a shared document.

The pilot furniture design is functional, mobile and attractive. Muted-colored chairs are adjustable and movable tables can transform a two-person workspace to accommodate as many as six or more members. Two oversize itinerant white boards are ideal for brainstorming and group planning meetings.

The project is being funded with library resources with local businesses sponsoring individual workstations. Barnes & Thornburg , FinishMaster, National City Bank and RJE business interiors/Knoll are among the local businesses who have signed on as corporate sponsors of the library initiative.

With most of the computers and seating spaces now installed, students are naturally gravitating to the area and using the space to work on their group activities.

"The University Library has configured the research spaces to aligned with the preferred teaching strategies in most IUPUI disciplines. We want to help student teams optimize their learning experience," Lewis said.

After the project is completed, later this fall, the library will have added two Macintosh and 15 PC workstations, a bar height computer station and a wireless café for laptop users. The entire space has been designed to accommodate collaborative groups of various sizes. To maximize use of the Information Commons, guests are not required to reserve a workspace.