Information Commons

Who We Are

Since its inception in 2009, the program has been committed to providing its student employees with experiential learning opportunities revolving around twenty-first century skills, self-development, and professional growth.

Services

Information Commons student employees undergo extensive training in circulation procedures and research skills. They are happy to offer the services listed below at either of our two service locations, by appointment, or via phone/email/live chat.

Assist with circulation of books and equipment (at the Irwin Library or Science Library desks)
Help locate library items within the catalog or on the shelves
Answer research or technology questions in person and via phone/email/chat
Partner with individuals, classes, or organizations to offer specific training or instruction

Locations and Hours

Information Commons Desk

Information Commons students staff the desk on the first floor of Irwin Library whenever the library is open.

IC students also staff the desk within the Science Library, located in Levinson Family Hall on the 2nd floor. Service desk hours are currently 9am-4pm Monday-Thursday.

Employment

Students will develop, apply, and promote twenty-first century skills:

Find, understand, evaluate, and use information, technology, and media ethically and legally
Communicate effectively to foster collaboration in a project-based environment
Apply integrative, critical, and creative thinking to address problems
Expand global and social awareness, particularly as related to the information ecosystem

Through reflective practice, students will progress in their professional and self-development:

Connect academic, personal, and career goals to work experiences to lay foundation for lifelong learning
Participate in a professional environment by embracing service expectations, respecting policy, and engaging in organizational and self-assessment.
Cultivate learning and skill development in others

Mission and History

Mission

Information Commons is a student employee program within Butler University Libraries that promotes interactive dialogue and inquiry. Trained in research, circulation, and technology assistance, student employees in the program provide assistance and instruction to the Butler community. The program, in turn, provides student employees with experiential learning opportunities revolving around twenty-first century skills, self-development, and professional growth.

Program History

The Information Commons program was established in 2009 as a partnership between the Butler’s University Libraries and Center for Academic Technology. Student employees were hired into the program and cross-trained in research and academic technology. Students utilized their trainings as they offered 1:1 consultation at both the reference desk in Irwin Library and at the offices of the Center for Academic Technology. Student employees were also asked to support the Butler community by providing in-class training sessions and technology workshops. In 2014, Irwin Library merged the reference and circulation desks into once service point. Information Commons expanded considerably as its students assumed staffing of this service point. In 2015, the Center for Academic Technology was relocated from Jordan Hall to the third floor of Irwin Library. In 2021, the Science Library was added as an additional location. In 2023, the Center for Academic Technology withdrew from the Information Commons program, which is now run solely by Butler University Libraries.