From the library to the Information Commons: An approach to the model's development in Spain

摘要

Purpose - This paper aims to show the progress made by 37 universities in Spain in adopting the "Information Commons" model, a strategy planed 10 years ago by the Spanish University Library Network (hereafter referred to as REBIUN) to meet the demands of the European Higher Education Area. Design/methodology/approach - A Web survey was sent to 70 supervisors or directors of Spanish university libraries. Findings - This paper reveals current approaches toward the goal of convergence and provides an idea of the extent to which universities have thus far managed to integrate services and resources in the Information Commons. Not all libraries have initiated this path or it is still in its early stages and the transformation is taking place at different "speeds" or degrees of implementation. Originality/value - The paper shows, for the first time, that the incomplete, scant or absent integration of university services and resources in an Information Commons has to do with multiple factors in each library. The human factor is the key element in this type of change process. Commitment, network building and synergies are thus necessary factors in the success of this process.