The BEACON Information Commons is proud to present our newly renovated collaboration space.

The Hub is collaborative work space, all events and activities should be related to JPL work. Events and activities promoting cross functional collaborations are highly encouraged.
FAQ:

Are there still books in the library?

We have two wings of the building full of books and journals.

What are your hours?

We are open 24/7. There are badge readers on the North Entrance as well as the East Entrance.

We are staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on working Friday.

The Library, Archives, and Records Section will be closed the JPL Friday day off.

How can I reserve a meeting space?

The glass conference room and the HDTV collaboration spaces are all first-come-first-serve. However, we can accommodate 20-minute reserves of any open meeting space. Call us during business hours at x4-3840 to make your reservation. Reference an area from the image below:

How can I reserve the large projection screen for a big presentation?

Use of the main presentation space on the north side of the Hub needs to be scheduled through LARS Office.

• Check availability via Calendar ‘hubatbeaconinformationcommons’
• Make reservation by calling Dudee Chiang (4-8260).
• Indicate if you need microphone, projector, cables, laptop, or additional chairs — and the number of chairs.
• You are responsible for setting up and taking down any arrangement in the space.

Are there computer workstations at the Hub?

We have three terminals for our patrons, including one for Foreign Nationals. We also have excellent WiFi coverage throughout the Hub and Library wings. For information on JPL WiFi please click here.

How do the TV’s work?

We have a total of five HDTV collaboration spaces. Each HDTV features VGA connectivity to computers. Two of the collaboration spaces feature multi-user VGA inputs, allowing up to four users to be plugged in and quickly share screens with their collaborators. There are quick setup guides near/on each of the screens. Please call Marlon Hernandez (4-9258) or step by the circulation desk if you have any questions.

Whiteboards!

Our new space features two large, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards. Feel free to use the whiteboards for discussion, brain storming, or releasing creative energies. However, others can erase your work after you leave.

What about Charging Time?

• Employees (Weekly and Hourly) that use the Information Commons during normal scheduled hours, or during an altered shift (For collaboration not related to their current work assignments), and the amount of time is reasonable in duration , the time shall be considered an incidental activity (DocID 61772, 4.2)
• Employees (Weekly and Hourly) using the Commons to conduct effort related to their current work assignment, shall charge their current work assignment
• Any “after hours” activities will be considered on the employee’s “own time”, and not part of the employee’s work schedule
  • Any entertainment activities should not be occurring during normal business hours
• If a JPL Band or Music Group performs, the band must perform on their “own time”, due to the fact that this will be construed as entertainment, which is an unallowable cost
• Vending machine items shall be self-service/fee based (i.e. not free to employees)