Mission Statement
Information Commons supports the academic
achievement of Butler University students by cultivating the
development of information and technology literacy skills through
the use of technology. We provide research assistance and
academic technology training and support.
Program
Established in 2009, Information Commons is a student-focused
collaboration between the Center for Academic Technology and the
Butler Libraries. The program intends to provide Butler
students with research and academic technology support directly
connected to course activities, student learning outcomes and
pedagogical innovations through highly trained student staff
members. Information Commons student staff members are trained in
library research methods, academic technology tools, and
consultation skills. They provide support for students, faculty and
staff at the Center for Academic Technology and the Irwin Library
through in-class and evening training sessions and 1:1
consultations.
The Information Commons program is also focused on the
professional development of the students we hire. Students who
serve the program are, of course, highly trained in both library
and academic technology tools. One of the core values of the
program is the professional development of each student in the
program. Students learn how to construct instructional
documents, lead training sessions, consult with clients, and apply
the tools they learn throughout the workday. We also believe
self-reflection is critical to self-development and so the students
complete a portfolio that includes work samples, reflective
writings, a current résumé and any additional artifact of the
Information Commons experience they wish to capture.
While the Information Commons is physically located in Jordan
Hall and the Irwin Library, the concept of the program is vested in
our student staff - information commons exists wherever any of our
student staff members are and we hope that over time it will be a
ubiquitous presence on campus providing on-demand,
academically-oriented support for the Butler University
community.
For more, visit the Information Commons
webpage.