About the Information Commons
What is the Information Commons?
The Information Commons is the ultimate workspace for students. It combines a variety of different study environments in one light, airy and spacious building. More than a Library, more than an IT centre, the Information Commons brings together a large selection of books, e-resources and computing technologies and makes them available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The IC has been designed to support a more collaborative approach to learning by enabling students to work together in a variety of different ways. This means that discussion and sharing of ideas is permitted and encouraged in some areas of the IC.
How do I use the IC?
First you need to decide how you want to work today. If you are with a group and want to discuss a project or share some ideas you might like to book a group study room. Or if you are with some friends but you´re all working on your own thing then you might like to go to one of the mixed study spaces on Levels 1, 3 or 4 where you can sit near each other. However, if you want to work alone in peace and quiet then you should use one of the silent study spaces on Levels 2, 3 or 5.
What can I do inside?
As the IC is a 24 hour facility, there are a number of self-service facilities which mean that you can work at times to suit you and still have access to all of the services you need.
You´ll need your UCard to access some services: the book issue and return machines on Levels 0, 1, 2 and 4; the printers and photocopiers on Levels 1-6; the turnstiles and, at night and during vacation, the outer doors to the building.
Other services are web-based: the PC and room booking system; the PC availability service; computer account management including re-setting passwords and checking filestore; library account management including making reservations, checking loan history and renewing books.
You can also pay fines and add credit to your printing and copying account online through MUSE.
There is also a café on the ground floor which is open from early in the morning to late at night during term time. When the counter is closed you can also use the café area to eat your own food and it is the only place in the building where hot food and drinks are allowed.
Who is it for?
The IC has been built especially for students at the University of Sheffield and so it does not permit access to members of the public. The main reason for this is to ensure that resources like study spaces, PCs and heavy-use books, which are in high-demand, are made fully available to you. In addition, your security and safety whilst using the IC is maximised by allowing admission only to those holding student, staff and associate UCards.