Achieving Goals
The Information Commons prides itself on its professional and customer- focused service. Results of the Student Satisfaction survey indicated that students rate this service very highly as they do all Information Commons core services. This was an excellent result reflected across all four branches of the Commons.

Meeting the needs of Students and staff
The Information Commons’ (IC’s) new website was launched in 2007, reflecting major improvements in terminology, a stronger visual appeal and a more intuitive search component, enabling fast access to key Information Commons’ services and resources. The ability for clients and the Information Commons to interact directly is also now a key component of the site, where blogs are well utilised to comment on and suggest improvements to products and services. A unique component in the planning process was the opportunity for both staff and students to have a direct impact on the final product, via intranet surveys, focus groups and competitions. This input from clients, has been a major contributor to the success of the website.

Alliances and Partnerships
Annie Yee, Information Database Librarian, utilised her professional placement opportunities at Swinburne and Victoria University Libraries, facilitated through the TAFE Industry Skills Scheme, to substantially improve and streamline the collection development of electronic information resources at the IC.

Zita Youens, Technical Services Co-ordinator was seconded to Monash University on a research project jointly funded by the Victorian Association of TAFE Librarians (VATL). Zita’s strong involvement in this three month project, on the evolution of the Information Commons into a Learning Commons, was very beneficial for the IC, in terms of the implications for changing the focus of the current Branches into more flexible spaces, facilitating mobile wireless environments and multi-functional spaces.

Joyce Sendeckyj, Waverley Information Services Librarian was successful in her application for a three month professional placement at the International Criminal Court Library (ICCL) in the Hague, as a component of her Bachelor of AppIied Science, Library and Information Management course at Charles Sturt University. As a result, Joyce has been able to utilise the expertise she gained in, improving the IC’s website, introducing a more effective information retrieval system (metadata) for electronic information and enhancing the functionality of the SIRSIDynix Library Management system, also utilised by the ICCL.

Upgrading Facilities and Equipment
A cashless alternative to paying for services at Chadstone Building Eight was trialled in 2007, in the form of a new machine, where students could withdraw money directly from their debit or credit bank accounts. Once students became familiar with the new system, they were very positive about its effectiveness. As a result, new machines will be introduced to all branches in 2008.

A training room was established within the Waverley Information Commons, housing 11 new state-of-the-art computers and an overhead data projector. This new facility provided much needed instruction to all new students on how to successfully search for online and print information, evaluate it and present the information in the form of assignments and research reports. The strong growth in the development and delivery of degree courses at Holmesglen means that there will be increased demand for this form of training in the future.