What Does a Learning Commons Look Like?

Some things that need to be taken under serious consideration when designing or remodeling a learning commons inlcude:

Technology
I think the most important thing to take into consideration when planning a library is technology.  Technology is playing such a huge role in life and education, and the library needs to be the place where they merge.  Too many times technology is restricted from schools, but there needs to be a place where students can learn and express themselves using various technology tools.  A library also has to be planned for reasonable technological growth and development in the future.  Examples that we have looked at this week included things such as conduit for additional wiring down the road and extra power outlets.  Nobody is going to want to remodel a library every few years to keep up with changes in technology, so it is best to think a litttle ways ahead.  Many libraries are also beginning to include media production rooms. 

Doug Johnson's Prezi really showed the contrast between libraries of the past and libraries of the future.  We really need to consider future when planning libraries.  We need to take into account the major shifts in education that are making it more collaborative and more technology related, and design libraries around these, not just on what we have always known a library to be.

Collaboration
Another major consideration when planning a library is space for collaboration.  I think it is important to have a place for whole group instruction, but it is even more important to have space for students to work in small groups.   I loved how the Benton Library Media Center had many different seating areas for groups.  There were lots of comfortable seating options.  It also appeared to be well wired for technology.

Flexibility
Flexibility is another major thing that needs to be thoroughly thought out, especially for a small library like mine.  One of the best things about the Coleman Place Elementary Library was the amount of space for small group collaboration but the tables also appear easy to move if a large group lesson was necessary.  Bookshelves were also on casters, so moving them for a special presentation or event wouldn't take much effort.  This flexibility could turn even a small space into a more efficient one.

I think this is especially important in an elementary library.  It serves many students at a variety of ages, interests, and abilities.  Being able to serve them well means that you may need carpet space for one group, small group seating for another, and even whole group instruction.  The library is also where many meetings take place.  Planning a flexible space makes it easy to adjust to all of the different groups that will be using it. 

Aesthetic Design
Although, I don't think that the design and the decor are as necessary when planning, they do need to be takend into consideration.  Having an aesthetically pleasing space definitely plays a role, especially with younger children.  Who wouldn't want to go to a library that is vibrant and inviting?  Just looking at the images of some of the renovated inner city school libraries in the article "Divine Design" by Margaret Sullivan, made me want to go visit them.  They are colorful, attractive, and whimsical, and still serve as a learning and reading center.  The appeal of attractive libraries is echoed in the "Library Design Showcase."  I'm sure students are drawn to them likes moths to a flame.  For many kids, the libary can be a place of refuge and having place that is inviting and welcoming makes a world of difference to a child.

Theater
I really like the idea of having a "theater" in the library for presentations by the students.  As a classroom teacher, I loved doing plays and reader's theaters, and the kids really enjoyed doing them.  I think having a place for students to perform is positive and can increase their self esteem.  It could be used for plays, poetry reading, and reading of their own writing.  Some examples I looked at have very elaborate theaters, while others are basic, but serve their purpose.  I think kids would really benefit from having a presentation space in the library.


Works Cited:
"Coleman Place Elementary Tour"  Online Posting.  YouTube. 7 Oct 2008. Web. 22 June 2011.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhV4UukHgF0&list=PLAA1B57FA24F608A7

Johnson, Doug "Libraries Past - Libraries Future"  Online Posting.  YouTube. 25 Mar 2010. Web. 22 June 2011.  http://youtu.be/7K-4ZF0x5ic

Landgraf, Greg.  "Library Design Showcase 2011."  American Libraries.  ALA.  23 Mar 2011.  Web.  22 June 2011.  http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/librarydesign11

Sullivan, Margaret.   "Divine Design:  How to Create the 21st-Century School "Library of Your Dreams "  School Library Journal.  1 Apr 2011.  Web.  22 June 2011.  http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/889642-312/divine_design_how_to_create.html.csp

"Typical Day @ Benton Library Media Center"  Online Posting.  YouTube. 23 Jan 2010. Web. 22 June 2011.  http://youtu.be/QfL4-hAnauQ