Designing Information, Learning and Research Commons at NUST by Dr. Midrar Ullah
1. Designing Information, Learning
and Research Commons at NUST
Dr. Midrar Ullah
Head, Central Library Establishment Committee,
National University of Sciences Technology (NUST),
Islamabad
midrarullah2007@yahoo.com
3. Mission of the 21st Century Libraries
Provides access to print and online information resources.
Equipped with facilities, resources and services for learning and
research.
To support self-learning, lifelong learning and critical thinking.
To connect students to technology, information, and co-curricular
learning.
To support the teaching, learning, and research that are the core
mission of the 21st century higher education institution as it
continues to evolve.
Creating open, collaborative, versatile, and social spaces
Welcoming, warm, friendly, intuitive, safe and intended to support
the “social aspects” of formal and informal learning.
4. Information Commons
A platform for innovation that has emerged in response to rapidly
changing technological surroundings.
An Information Commons can comprise a variety of programs,
services, and facilities
Placing oversized, comfortable chairs and couches near the entry
of the library. Patrons used the space for reading, gathering,
relaxing, and connecting to the campus high-speed Wi-Fi network.
5. Information Commons
Users use technologies to access information.
Public Access Terminals
Internet Access, Wi-Fi, Laptop points
Information Portal, Mobile Apps
Electronic Information Displays
RFID Self Service Circulation
E-readers
Information Desks
Cafe/refreshment areas
Study Park
Public Address System
11. Learning Commons
“Unlike information commons, learning commons are
full service hubs for learning, research, engagement,
and collaboration within the library”
Teaching and learning relationship
Seminar Hall for IL Instruction
Small Group Meeting Rooms for Collaboration
Individual Study: Study carrels with Electric Sockets
Study tables of different designs (Square, Round, etc.)
Information Consumption and Knowledge Creation
offering users configurable areas with movable
whiteboards and seating, and ample power outlets. This
way, students could set up a space to work and study
alone, or together, as they pleased.
12. Learning Commons
Academic Support Units: Computers, Software, support
Writing Centre
Language Labs
Makerspaces: Understanding and discoveries
Faculty development centers
Digital Training Classrooms With latest software
Immersive Media Labs: (of a computer display or system)
generating a three-dimensional image which appears to
surround the user.
18. Research Commons
it is a much more sophisticated space where library staff
can offer specialized support in both specific subject
domains and research skills, especially to the university's
growing number of postgraduate students, many from
underprivileged backgrounds.
19. Research Commons
Reference books, Journals, Reports, etc
Desk for Research Assistance
HEC Digital Library and NUST Online Resources.
Computers with Access to Endnote, Turnitin,
SPSS, Stata, etc
Research Cubicles.
Plagiarism Checking Service
Archive