Library preps Information Commons II

At the early hour of 8 a.m., students are already settled into the 250 workstations located in the Main Library's Information Commons. Even during the night, countless students often find themselves waiting in line for the high-demand computers.\nNearly a year ago, the Main Library cut the red ribbon to open the expansion of the building. And only one year later, the Main Library will undergo construction once again in partnership with University Information Technology Services in response to student demand for computers and technology on campus.\nThe project is estimated to cost $690,000 and is funded by the Libraries and UITS as well as Capital Projects/Land Acquisitions Reserves.\nThe Information Commons II will be located on the second floor of the west tower in the Main Library. This area currently serves as a quiet study area for students and faculty. \nThe construction of the IC II is expected to begin in October and will conclude sometime during the spring semester.\nEric Bartheld, associate director for the Office of External Relations and Development, said the main reason this project will soon be underway is a high demand among students for the increased availability of University technology.\n"This is a really great space because there are a lot of windows and natural light," Bartheld said. \nThe IC II will add 80 individual workstations and new furniture to accommodate up to 180 students and faculty. A desk will be available for technical and reference help, as well as configured tables for laptops. The IC II will be open until 2 a.m., while the current IC will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.\n"The focus for the IC II is on the individual workstations in more of a quiet study area," Bartheld said. "Downstairs will prove to be more successful for the collaboration workstations."\nIn addition to the IC II, seven group configuration stations will be added to the current IC on the first floor of the west tower. These workstations will have monitors mounted on arms that swing. This feature will give students the opportunity to move the screen about the workstation.\nThe library is continuously making changes to cater to student and faculty needs, Bartheld said.\n"By adding the workstations, we are increasing opportunity for students to use the library and the technology," Bartheld said. "Students will still have easy access to books, core collections and reference librarians that can help them make more sense of things."\nJunior Peter Brakke said he generally avoids the Main Library early in the evening because he does not want to wait in line for a computer. The news that there will be another IC in the Main Library is swaying Brakke to change his mind.\n"If you know you are always going to get a computer, I would definitely come," Brakke said.\nJunior Jennifer Belsito said she avoids the IC throughout the day because of the overcrowding.\n"I think the IC II is a really good idea," Belsito said. "They need more computers, especially around finals time, when you literally have to wait in line to get a computer."\nBartheld said it is important to pay attention to how many students are using the facilities. He said 82 percent of undergraduate students have used the IC or logged onto a computer in the IC, while 51 percent of all graduate students have logged on in the IC since it was built last year.\n"It is a positive space for students," Bartheld said. "We are glad to transform it into a space they want and need."\n-- Contact staff writer Kristin Huett at khuett@indiana.edu.