Abstract

This paper proposes a Smart Education Environment System (SEES) framework that upgrades the traditional, book-based library to meet the interests of an emerging IT-aware generation. The library will remain as the information center of the university but will also become the base for knowledge exchange using cutting-edge technology. As described in the paper, high-bandwidth wireless technology, social networks, and integrated databases can all facilitate the role of the library, which is to act as a centralized resource in support of research and learning. The framework consists of three sub-systems: electronic bookshelves (for ease of access and management of the book stock); virtual white space (for discussion of information found within the library and, by extension to the whole of the academic environment); and a social network with an integrated innovation database (to disseminate new ideas). The paper shows how these sub-systems can be arranged to support the SEES.