| Information Commons (ICs) and Learning Commons (LCs) are, most often, library spaces that integrated learning, technology, and research with staff resources. Technology was key, but there was no research available on the relationship between IC/LCs and the virtual or digital commons. This study examined if IC/LC websites served as bridges between the physical IC/LCs and their websites. Aspects of the web sites such as visibility, descriptions of the IC/LCs, and services listed were examined. Central to this exploration was asking whether there was an explicit or implicit relationship between the virtual (IC/LC web site) and the IC/LC physical space.;The study was exploratory, and focused on Canadian medical-doctoral universities. Based on a content analysis of ICs/LCs descriptive statements, and an examination of each IC/LC web site it was found that there was-limited consistency in what should be included on an IC/LC website, and how an IC/LC space should operate. Flexible space, food, up-to-date technology, staff support and an emphasis on student learning was found, but none of these features were found consistently across institutions. In addition, only one web site made its connection to the physical space explicit in its design. Based on these findings, implications for both future research as well as practical application were discussed. |
