Library Learning Commons: What are we talking about?

on

As we are looking at designing a library learning commons one must ask, "What does it mean?" This is the clearest definition I could find. See if you agree. "The Learning Commons typically lives in a space formerly occupied by a traditional library. It's designed to attract students as they migrate between classes and after school, with areas that naturally foster student collaboration as well as personal study time. It provides the spaces and tools for students who come to research, collaborates and interacts as well as the technology needed to put everything they've learned into a final form including the resources needed to add graphics, media elements, papers, and presentations." (Brooks, p.14)
A library/learning commons supports the combination of spaces or zones and is determined by patterns of use established by students and faculty. Creating dynamic and diverse common areas for comfortable lounge seating and a more casual feel, and lots of connectivity for laptops encouraging informal social interactions or studying is an essential element of this model.  Critical to this model are areas for collaborative efforts that include large workspaces, that are technologically equipped to share both the creative process and view work in the final digital product or process.
If I were to prioritize the ten characteristics of a Library/Learning Commons it would look something like this:
  1. A flexible area with movable soft furniture that can work with technology allowing students to create their own spaces ( collaborative and social zone)
  2. Ample available power for recharging devices 
  3. Open areas that are inviting and informal 
  4. Available whiteboards for brainstorming, usually in collaborative workspaces (all the walls for each collaborative works space)
  5. A classroom for information literacy instruction (1 for up to 18 students, transparent, flexible)
  6. Information and service points, not barriers
  7. Chromebooks, Kindles, headphones and more as part of the "collection" and service
  8. Acoustically separate spaces for recording, using video apps, creating podcasts and collaborative creative spaces
  9. The print collection used to frame the quiet, collaborative and social zone

The real question is how can the multiple uses and configurations of the space coexist without distracting from or inhibiting the work of the other? The answer, in my opinion, is creating and furnishing learning zones as opposed to designated single-use spaces. According to Thomas Sens article, designers and educators are sconsistently approaching the Learning Commons design by breaking down space into three zones, the collaborative zone, the social learning zone, and the individual study zone. The Collaborative Zone is comprised of groupings of mobile desk areas with mobile seating, in which students and teachers can easily create the space they need. It is dedicated to project learning and group discussions. Flexibility is key here. The Social Learning Zone is a place that encourages student interaction in a relaxed comfortable learning environment. It would include "chat" chairs, high top cafe tables with outlets for charging and other casual seating. The Individual Study Zone supports those seeking quiet, distraction-free spaces, independence is key in this zone. The self-directed study, research and reading as well as accessing library resources including print sources that will frame the space as opposed to being the focal point. These are expected uses of this space.



Works Cited

"12 Major Trends in Library Design." Building Design Construction. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.

"Library." Smith System. 11 Apr. 2012. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.

"Slic 32-1 Brooks Kirkland." Slic 32-1 Brooks Kirkland. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.