1. Transforming Carmichael
Library
Creating the Learning Commons

2. http://picasaweb.google.com/rharneson/LibraryLearningCommons?feat=directlink

3. The Learning Commons Defined
• Physically located in the library
• Access to traditional library services
• Technology-rich environment
• Integrated resources
• Productivity software
• Collaborative learning and work spaces

4. • Owned and overseen by library staff
• Continuum of service – information
search and retrieval, packaging,
presentations, and production in all
media
• Requires cross-training for most staff

5. An Environment that Engages
Learners
•Provides a range of services to support student
learning
•Atmosphere that facilitates debate, discussion,
collaboration, exploration, and cooperation
•Offers instruction and assistance in the use of
technology and digital and print resources

6. Characteristics
• Flexible
• Comfortable
• Convenient
• Social
• Quiet, sort of

7. Requirement
• Learning Commons must be clearly and
explicitly aligned with the institution’s
vision and mission

8. Common Elements
• High-touch and high-tech
• Varied, adjustable, collaborative work
spaces
• Emphasis on the creation and
construction of knowledge

9. Many Commons Include
• Center for faculty development
• Integration with course management
system
• Writing center, tutoring, other support
services
• Tech help integrated with library service
point

10. Lessons Learned
• The students will tell you where they
want things to be
• Be flexible
• Consider retail models – Starbucks,
Barnes & Noble
• Planning must be collaborative
• Expect high demand for services/spaces

11. Assessment
• Begin planning with an evaluation
program in place
• Collect hard data, not anecdotes
• Listen carefully to students

12. Design
• FLEXIBILITY
• Varied learning environments
• Consider sound/sound-absorbing
features
• Plenty of wifi
• Clear sightlines
• Make the locations of important services
obvious

13. Equipment
• Modular furniture
• Support wireless computing
• Low sites
• Loaner laptops
• Multimedia creation
• Heavy-duty printers

14. Other
• Budget for replacement of equipment &
furnishings
• Develop clear governance structures
• Be visible
• Proactively recruit partners
• Be tuned into what is new in students’
world

15. Theory/Concept
• Recognize that the information
commons is a building block for
information literacy
• The commons will change how the
library is perceived and used
• To produce the best service model,
focus on user needs

16. Transforming Library Service through
Information Commons: Case Studies
for the Digital Age.
D. Russell Bailey and Barbara Gunter
Tierney. Chicago: ALA, 2008.

17. Next Steps
• Learning spaces survey
• See Studying Students for ideas on
planning
• Planning committee – must include
students!
• Governance issues – Sungard, Student
Affairs, Writing Center, Malone Center

18. “Any building design imagines its users.
A good design imagines them as they
are, a great one as they hope to be.”
Richard A. O’Connor. “Seeing duPont within Sewanee
and Student Life.”