Information Commons

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.

INFORMATION COMMONS

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