Reference Services Review

Purpose – This paper 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 an Undergraduate 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 paper documents a successful partnership in creating an information 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.