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Learning Commons: Evolution and collaborative essentials

Edited by Barbara Schader, Consultant

Chandos Information Professional Series

…highly recommended for all academic libraries.
The Electronic Library

Each article is well written, edited and represented with figures and tables.
The Electronic Library

 - unique case studies representing very different types of Information Commons, Learning Commons, Faculty Commons and other Learning Spaces
 - international breadth and depth is assured through inclusion of case studies from Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and European institutions in addition to six in the United States
 - practical checklists of planning and implantation considerations, as well as memorandum of understanding (MOU) templates, form the appendices

This book examines successfully planned and implemented learning commons at several different academic institutions around the world. These case studies provide a methodology for effective planning, implementation and assessment. Practical information is provided on how to collaborate with campus stakeholders, estimate budgeting and staffing and determine the equipment, hardware and software needs. Also provided are memoranda of understandings (MOUs), planning checklists and assessment tools. This book reflects a unifying focus on both the evolution of learning commons to learning spaces and the collaborative aspect of co-creating learning spaces.

ISBN 1 84334 312 6
ISBN-13: 978 1 84334 312 7
March 2008
468 pages  234 x 156mm  paperback  
£42.50 / US$70.00 / €50.00

Usually dispatched within 24 hours

£62.50 / US$105.00 / €75.00

An e-book version of this title is available to purchase as part of a Collection or Pick n Mix. Visit Chandos Publishing Online

About the editor

Barbara Schader, currently Science and Mathematics Librarian at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Previously, she served as head of Collection Development at the UCLA Biomedical Library for 10 years.

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Contents

From Information Commons to Learning Commons and learning spaces: an evolutionary context
Mary M. Somerville and Sallie Harlan
 - The evolution of the Commons conception
 - Campus advancement of library centrality
 - Learning space design elements
 - Learning assessment principles
 - References
 - Additional reading

Circle of service: a collaborative Information Commons planning model
Barbara I. Dewey (Dean of Libraries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)
 - Introduction
 - Scenario for change
 - Commons emerging from larger transformation processes
 - Surfacing the Commons concept
 - General issues
 - Preliminary planning (or getting the party started)
 - Creating a vision and guiding principles
 - The circle of service model
 - Proof of concept budgetary strategy
 - Creating the buzz
 - Early indicators of success
 - The Commons – phase two
 - Focused planning
 - Agreements and policies
 - The circle of service spreads
 - Research and inspiring spaces
 - Planning for the virtual Commons
 - Extending the circle of service
 - Notes

The Information Commons at the University of Calgary: building on collaboration – a case study
Susan Beatty
 - Introduction
 - Background
 - Lesson 1: review and preparation pay off
 - Lesson 2: include all partners from the beginning of planning
 - Lesson 3: focus your planning on user needs
 - Lesson 4: take time to build relationships
 - Lesson 5: hire the expertise you need to get the job done, do not try to do it all yourself
 - Lesson 6: communication, communication, communication
 - Lesson 7: if you can’t find what you want, create your own
 - Lesson 8: make the space comfortable, do not cheap out
 - Lesson 9: keep control of the features of your space that will allow you to meet the goals of your plan
 - Lesson 10: allow the users to choose their own space for their own use
 - Lesson 11: leadership is necessary at all levels
 - Lesson 12: be prepared to change and to create new service models
 - Lesson 13: technology is not the driver of the service model but rather reflects the service goals
 - Lesson 14: be prepared to evaluate and change your plans once operations have begun
 - Lesson 15: have a collaborative operational process in place that includes the opportunity for problem solving and decision-making
 - Lesson 16: ensure continuous learning among staff and students alike
 - Lesson 17: pay attention to the service, be ready to change
 - Future of the Commons: the Taylor Family Digital Library
 - Conclusion
 - References and further reading

Building for learning: synergy of space, technology and collaboration
Susan Thompson and Gabriela Sonntag
 - Overview of Cal State San Marcos
 - The library
 - Objectives for the new library
 - Technology objectives
 - Building a Learning Commons
 - The new library
 - Library-wide technology and learning
 - Support for learning: reference services
 - Support for learning: the information literacy program
 - Support for learning: microforms and media library
 - Distributed support for learning
 - Technology support structure
 - Changes and lessons learned
 - References and further reading

The Saltire Centre and the Learning Commons concept
Jan Howden
 - Background information on Glasgow Caledonian University
 - The Saltire Centre first year review
 - Satisfaction with library services
 - Create a campus hub
 - Integrate student services
 - Create a variety of study places
 - Store and access information in efficient ways
 - Conclusion and next steps
 - References and further reading

Transforming library space for student learning: the Learning Commons at Ohio University’s Alden Library
Gary A. Hunt
 - Project background and conceptual framework
 - Program components
 - Anticipated educational benefits
 - Planning process: a journey from mutual suspicion to successful collaboration
 - Outcomes
 - Next steps: creating a Faculty Commons
 - Conclusion

Supporting the Learning Commons concept in ‘real life’
Jennifer Stringer
 - Introduction
 - Educational technology: the birth of a new support organisation
 - Learning Commons stories
 - New presentation technologies: supporting traditional learning environments with new technologies
 - TECH Desk pilot: technology expert consulting hours
 - Technology for team-based learning: supporting
 - transformational change in an innovative space
 - Looking to the future
 - References

Putting learners at the centre: the Learning Commons journey at Victoria University
Shay Keating, Philip G Kent and Belinda McLennan
 - Introduction
 - The Victoria University context
 - Direction of the university
 - The planning process
 - Reflections on progress to date and where do we go next?
 - Notes
 - References

Improving student life, learning and support through collaboration, integration and innovation
Crit Stuart
 - Engineering student success through critical partnerships
 - Planning the library’s West Commons
 - Life in the West Commons: a general productivity
 - centre for individual learners coupled with a multimedia studio
 - General productivity centre in the West Commons
 - Multimedia studio of the West Commons
 - Impact of the West Commons
 - The East Commons: an experiment in refreshment of mind and body
 - Collaboration, oversight and assessment in the Commons
 - Notes

The Information Commons at the University of Auckland; improving student life, learning and support through co-location, collaboration, integration and innovation
Hester Mountifield
 - Introduction
 - The Information Commons Group
 - The Kate Edger Information Commons
 - Service model
 - Collaboration
 - Outcomes
 - Transformation and repositioning
 - Future challenges
 - Conclusion
 - Note
 - References

Beyond Facebook: thinking of the Learning Commons as a social network
Jill McKinstry
 - Library as Human
 - History
 - Libraries as Learning Commons
 - Learning Commons as ‘idea store’
 - Conclusion
 - Notes