The Learning Commons service model in North America [Invited Speaker]

Keywords

Learning Commons

Abstract

Presentation synopsis: Part one: What is the LC model in NA (North America)? · New emphasis placed on the expanded role of the library in supporting student learning· One-stop shopping that offers students a wide variety of digital resources, services, staff, and collaborative learning spaces as well as academic support services (such as Writing, Tutoring, Academic Advising, Career Counseling, etc.)· Information Literacy is the curriculum that librarians teach within the LC Part two: Why is the LC at the forefront of 21st Century Library construction and renovation in NA? · In order for academic libraries to survive in the 21st Century they must reshape their spaces, services and resources in support of technology· Traditional libraries have collections at the core of their existence and are used for knowledge seeking by individual researchers· The Learning Commons has student services at the core of its existence and is used for knowledge creation by students collaborating with each otherPart three: What does a LC look and feel like? · Spacious, open, warm, inviting, comfortable…. in a high speed wireless environment· Physical collections have been reduced and the reclaimed space is used for collaborative environments· Pods of computer workstations supporting multimedia projects; clusters of high-backed chairs surrounding work tables; flat screen monitors; semi-private and private collaborative work spaces; food, beverages, and talking permitted· Physical components include: integrated or adjacent services desks offering librarians and IT staff; computer workstations arranged in clusters or pods; collaborative learning space; digital studio; presentation practice room; electronic classrooms; visualization lab; faming lab; academic support units; café and lounge areas; spaces for meetings and cultural events. Part four: How does a library plan spaces that are student-centric (student-focused)?· Rochester (New York) University: Foster’s & Gibbon’s (2007) “Studying students: The Undergraduate research project at the Univ. of Rochester· Univ. of North Carolina, Charlotte: Hiring an anthropologist to study how students use the library; establishing a “Personal Librarian” program; merging service desks· Univ. of Central Florida: Establishing a Subject Librarian program; using “Framework for the Engaged Librarian” model; Mobile Librarian programPart five: Historical Context of the LC in NA (North America)· The “Commons service model” has been driven by several forces including: changes in user needs/expectations; changes in teaching theory and instructional design; changes in technology; changes in society.

Date Created

February 2016

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