The idea that libraries will act as social hubs is not new. This is reflected in the design, location, and placement of libraries. Touted as centers of knowledge, information, and learning, libraries are often considered the heart of communities, public schools, and universities. It is common for high-minded rhetoric, idealism, and vague talk of values to surface whenever libraries are a topic of discussion. But when it comes down to it, many libraries are underutilized and outdated, especially school library/media centers.
An exciting, evolving trend in school libraries takes a traditional space of quiet study and transforms it into a “learning commons”, brimming with the energy of new ideas, attracting students back into the sacred chambers of the school’s revived heart. Take note because creating a “learning commons” out of a school library is a big game-changer. The driver behind converting to a “learning commons” is the realization that school libraries were not helping students succeed. The way in which kids learn is changing rapidly. A majority of 6-12 grade students do not cite a physical book for their research papers. The most current information is available on the internet and that is something school libraries need to understand. Collection development of physical books is a thing of the past. Many books become hopelessly out of date in a very short amount of time, sometimes even before they are published.
Students want to use a space that let’s them be kids. Kids have schoolwork that requires collaboration. Kids also like to talk. By promoting the library as a collaborative area specifically for them, in which they can talk, students will learn to associate your library with positive social interactions. Not only will they come to the library to work on projects with group members, they’ll drop in to hang out, play games, chat with friends, read, and study. It will become the space on campus they think of first to visit. Such a positive association is crucial for libraries to maintain relevancy in the digital age. Converting to a learning commons atmosphere requires a change in culture and expectations for the library space. You may want to shift your focus from print books to eBooks. Keeping up with kids means keeping up with technology. Clear some space for additional seating, especially lounge furniture like couches, and the kids will respond to that. Set ground rules for behaviors in this new space. For example: students can talk in a normal voice when working on a group project, so long as they aren’t distracting others.
Del Lago Academy of Applied Science in Escondido, CA is a remarkably high-tech magnet high school that opened its doors in 2013. I have the honor of being the Library/Media Technician at this school. The library, or “Academic Commons” was designed from the beginning to be a collaborative space for students. The textbook collection is 50% online and the library book collection is 100% online. Items that are online are accessible via each student’s iPad, which is checked out to them as freshman and returned upon graduation, four years later. The Commons treats iPads like textbooks, checking them in and out, assessing them for damage, and sending them out for repairs. In other words, there are no physical books out on the floor. (This may change for the fiction collection. A survey of students indicated that they would like to have the option of checking out print fiction books from the Commons, especially new YA fiction novels.) The layout of the Commons focuses on different collaborative seating areas. Floor-to-ceiling whiteboards cover the majority of the walls. A separate quiet study room may be reserved. Six iMac computers are available on the floor for student use. Teachers bring in their classes and many students visit during break and lunch. This is an excellent example of foresight on the part of the site administration and school board. Provide students with the space and means to access information. Empower students by teaching them to integrate technology into their everyday lives. Save paper by having students submit all work electronically. This new approach to the library space and student support is the path to producing environmentally conscious, better educated, better prepared, and better techno saavy high school graduates. Given the unique circumstances that make up my job at DLA, I plan on creating a blog about my experiences working in a non-traditional “learning commons” style library.
For more information about learning commons, check out the following links:
References:
Mueller, Lisa. "From Library To Learning Commons." Teacher Librarian 43.1 (2015): 12-17. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.
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