The document discusses the mission and components of an Information, Learning, and Research Commons for a university library. The commons aims to support learning, research, and critical thinking through providing access to print and online resources, facilities for collaboration and study, and academic support units. It describes areas for information access, casual study, group work, research assistance, computing resources, and specialized spaces like makerspaces, language labs, and digital classrooms. The goal is to create an open, versatile environment to support formal and informal education.

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

2. The Library is not a Place,
it’s a Concept.

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

6. Shelves for Print Resources

7. All-in-One Computers

8. UN Corner

9. Casual Study Area

10. Soft Seating

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.

13. Seminar Hall for IL Instruction

14. Group Study Rooms / Discussion Rooms

15. Conference Room

16. Study Carrels

17. Study Tables

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

20. Research Cubicles

21. Double Face Monitors