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News Release

Last modified: Monday, February 7, 2011

Grand opening for Business/SPEA Information Commons today at 3 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Libraries is hosting a public reception marking the opening of the new Business/SPEA Information Commons facility today (Monday, Feb. 7) in SPEA 150. A short tour begins at 3 p.m., with brief remarks and a ribbon cutting following at 3:30 p.m.

The newly remodeled area, which offers flexible study environments, is made possible through a partnership between the IU Libraries, Kelley School of Business, School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, and Residential Programs and Services.

"The Information Commons represents a new approach to meeting the learning and research needs of undergraduate and graduate students from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Kelley School of Business," said Karen Hanson, IU Bloomington provost and executive vice president. "Rich with interactive technology, this enhanced learning environment blends the traditional services of one of the largest library facilities on the Bloomington campus with advanced information technology resources."

The 23,500-square foot space is ideal for both individual study and group collaboration and includes an adjoining café. It also features:

• 16 group rooms and 24 open group work areas with LCD monitors and dual laptop connectors
• Quiet study area with 40 individual carrels with electrical outlets
• 40 individual PC workstations
• 4 Mac infostations
• 17 wired study tables
• 80 comfortable seats
• Knowledgeable staff for research support
• Core print collection of 15,000 volumes

The Information Commons' renovation results from a collaborative project, driven by students who used the library as a subject during a case study competition for a Kelley School of Business course. The competition's best ideas were incorporated into the space's new design.

"The case study showed that students want choices when using a library," said Brenda Johnson, Ruth Lilly Dean of University Libraries. "The Business/SPEA Information Commons combines technology, comfortable group and individual spaces, and access to IU Libraries resources to provide members of the university community with the tools they need to study, research, and, ultimately, succeed."

For additional information about the Business/SPEA Information Commons, see: https://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=77.

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