Concepts that stood out for me...

When I began my research, I found that there were a number of articles on my topic of learning commons.  I decided that I wanted to focus primarily on the process of moving from a traditional library media center to a learning commons.  I wanted to find literature that would provide me with visuals and actual tangible ideas and suggestions that I could implement in my own space.  

Two of the pieces of literature, one article and one book, do provide a number of photographs as examples of what a learning commons could look like.  They also offer a very clear step-by-step approach to making changes in the library to be more user-friendly.  I am finding that all of the literature I am coming across is really based around creating a space that allows for exploration, research and inquiry-based learning.  There is also a large focus on having a strong collection, both print and digital as well as access to technology for students.  There is also an emphasis on providing comfortable furniture for students to be able to curl up and read.  

The space in the learning commons needs to be versatile and there needs to be a range of areas throughout the library that can be used for different purposes.  One of my colleagues spoke to us about a learning commons using the analogy of the campfire, the watering hole and the cave.  The campfire would be where the whole group gathers and where the teacher could do instruction.  The watering hole is where small groups can gather to collaborate or discuss what they are exploring in the library and the cave is a quiet space for individuals who want to read independently.  This analogy really stayed with me and I keep it in mind as I read through the literature and think about how I want to transform my library space.  I look forward to pulling ideas from my research and implementing them in my library!

Literature Research

When I began my research, I decided to focus primarily on the transformation process of a traditional library media center to a learning commons model.  When I am doing research, I really appreciate literature that is straightforward, clearly laid out and to the point.  The following are links to three different articles that I have found helpful in the topic as well as a reference to a book:

Planning and Creating a Library Learning Commons

What I really like about this article is that it has a number of pictures to show what a library commons in an elementary school library could look like. It shows many options for furniture you can have for students to curl up and read.  It also shows a computer station, main teaching area and listening center.   This article is definitely worth checking out if you get a chance.  Please make sure that you are looking at the PDF version. 

Hyman, Shannon C. "Planning and Creating a Library Learning Commons." Teacher Librarian 41.3 (2014): 16-21. ProQuest. 25 Jan. 2015.

The Time is Now: Transform Your School LIbrary into a Learning Commons

This article talks about how the learning commons model works in terms of knowledge building, collaboration, and technology.  It also discusses how a learning commons is beneficial to students as well as teachers and is considered to be a place of teamwork where users can enjoy the space in a variety of ways and how teachers have the opportunity to collaborate with library staff when using the space. 

Koechlin, Carol, Sandi Zwaan, and David V. Loertscher. "The Time is Now: Transform Your School Library into a Learning Commons." Teacher Librarian 36.1 (2008): 8-14. ProQuest. 25 Jan. 2015.

The Evolution of a Traditional Library to a Learning Commons

This article focuses mainly on making small changes in order to really open up the space in the library.  Examples of this would be moving large shelving and switching to a mobile laptop cart as opposed to desktop computers.  It also talks about changing paint colours to create a more calming space.  I really like the way this article is written because you can sense the excitement in the author’s voice and can see how simple changes can have such a huge impact on a space. 

 Ackroyd, Joan L. "The Evolution of a Traditional Library to a Learning Commons." Teacher Librarian 42.2 (2014): 25-8. ProQuest. 25 Jan. 2015.

The Learning Commons: Seven Simple Steps to Transform Your Library

This final resource is a book that I purchased last year in hopes of using once I finally had my own library.  I have browsed through it but am now looking forward to diving deeper into it as I continue my research into the learning commons model. This book offers a step-by-step approach to transforming your library into a learning commons.  It is broken down into chapters and what I like is that you can begin by focusing on the chapters that are relevant to your space or will have the most impact.  This book also provides lots of visual examples of what changes you could make in your library to fit this model.  I highly recommend this book if you are considering the concept of a learning commons or even just wanting to make some small changes in order to make your library more user-friendly.

Harland, Pamela Colburn. The Learning Commons Seven Simple Steps to Transform Your Library. Libraries Unlimited, California, 2011.

Beginning Thoughts...

     When I sat down to brainstorm my thoughts for this section of the course, I didn’t quite know where to begin.  I really want to make this meaningful for where I am at this point in my career and in my current job.  I would like to focus on the concept of developing a learning commons space in order to support inquiry-based learning.  I am new this year to having my own space and am very excited to be able to transform it into something that students and staff would really like to use.  I am also very lucky to be strongly supported by the PAC to make improvements in the library. 

     Some of the issues that I think I may come across would be a lack of resources or technology to support 21^st century learning such as inquiry.  This would be an issue across all curricular areas.  I would also be concerned about getting staff on board with this style of teaching/learning.  We have a few staff who are very interested and others who are interested, but would appreciate it if it was broken down into simple steps and the resources were easily accessible for students.  I am also only half time at each school, which I understand is the reality of the situation in my district, however with more time in the library, I could be available to support students and teachers as needed. 

     I think that in order to engage students we definitely need to keep up with technology and bring in current resources.  Our school is currently looking into purchasing a set of Ipads for the school so I think that those will be a great resource for students.  We also have a computer lab that is connected to my library.  One of my big goals for this year is to weed my non-fiction section and bring in books that are more reader-friendly.  By bringing in more trade books at different reading levels, we will be able to engage students and get them excited about learning. 

     Some of the keywords that come to mind for me as I start thinking about this topic are: trade books, databases, web 2.0 tools, resource-rich environment, user-centered space, availability of staff, availability of librarian.  I am sure that I will come across many more as I continue to research this topic.  I look forward to diving in!