Transitioning Your Library To A Learning Commons: The Physical Space

Transitioning Your Library To A Learning Commons: The Physical Space 

What is a Learning Commons and how is it different from a library?
The school library is not a separate entity to a Learning Commons, rather it is embedded within. The school library has always existed as a space that brings students together to access information and provide networking opportunities.

Why is the transition to a Learning Commons important?
The emergence of the Learning Commons model has evolved out of the need to provide our students with the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century. Our world continues to change and evolve with information and technology, and this means that the way we educate and prepare our students for the future must change as well.

While we could be confident in naming certain careers that will still be around in the future, imagine for a minute what careers are still unknown. This leaves the question, ‘How do we prepare our students for the unknown?’ What remains constant in the research, is that transferable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and decision-making are skills that are more critical than ever.

The Learning Commons then exists as a hub for our students, teaching them how to learn by integrating all curricular-areas and providing opportunities that permeate far beyond its walls. LLC (Library Learning Commons) teachers create relationships with students, classroom teachers, community members and experts, all working together to create authentic opportunities for students to be active participants in their leaning.


Where do I start?
It all starts with a vision. If our goal is to help students become effective collaborators, critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators and decision-makers then we need a physical space that promotes this learning and a means to make it happen.

How do I transform my space?
Transforming your space does not need to involve unlimited funds from your school budget. Each school’s budget is unique, and this may mean an investment can be made for restructuring, furniture, shelving, etc. However, if this is not the case, we must work within our means to create change with what we have.

Your Learning Commons space should be inviting, open, flexible, safe, inclusive and promote inquiry and collaboration.

In consultation with your school administrator:

1. De-clutter! Scan your space for unused or bulky furniture, and eliminate it. You will be surprised at just how much this one change can make. If it has been a number of years since weeding your book collection, this will also help to free up space on your shelves or even eliminate one.
2. Get Creative with your design and/or Seek Student Input for the Re-Design of your Learning Commons. Students love to be included, and feeling ownership over their learning space could be very empowering.
3. Organize your furniture to promote active, participatory learning. Classroom carpets can be used to define spaces and are easy to move. Table heights could be adjusted to accommodate your youngest learners all the way to your oldest learners. Open spaces on the floor are important for S.T.E.A.M., Coding and Building activities.
4. Incorporate flexible seating into your LLC. Flexible seating is inclusive, relaxing, comfortable and promotes talk. These seating options seem endless, ranging from mini floor carpets, a large utility ball in a crate and beanbag chairs to wobble chairs, nesting chairs or couches.
5. Update the visual appeal of your library. Remove any posters, displays or objects that are no longer current. Replace these with engaging book displays (e.g. ‘Let’s Celebrate Black History Month’) and bulletin boards or walls could have terminology reflective of skills or learning experiences (e.g. Create, Collaborate, Inquiry, Innovation, Explore, Question, Problem-solve, S.T.E.A.M., Maker Space, Coding, etc.)
6. Know what is in your cupboards. Purge materials that have not been used in years to make room for new materials such as: Technology (e.g. Dash & Dots, Sphero, OSMO, Ozobots, etc.) Maker Space Bins or S.T.E.M. Bins. 

Starting from the beginning can be a daunting task among your other teaching responsibilities. Make the most of your release time and remember that you are not alone. You have a Learning Commons Coach that is ready to support you! @NicoleHooperLCC


Where to next?
If you are looking for more information to help you transform your space to a Learning Commons, please follow the links below.




Together For Learning: School Libraries and the Emergence of the Learning Commons
Twitter @T4LOntario




Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada
Twitter @CSL_Learning


Check back for our next Learning Commons Blog.


Share your journey with us as you transition your Library to a Learning Commons on Instagram and Twitter @LKelempro #EngageLK