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Comment by Monica Berra on April 15, 2013 at 14:34

Are you looking at space and how it changes as the learner interacts with it.  Went and just observed how users used the space they were in at the Vancouver Public Library.  From napping to interactive learning regardless of their actual physical location (age, gender) was quickly apparent.   The users define the space but can the space invite the learner to interact differently?  I believe it can. 

Comment by Angela Wilkins on April 7, 2013 at 12:14

Thank you for the input. I've also seen many things renamed without the shift in intentions that the name change implies. I want to take the time to plan and think critically on any changes so that I'm building a strong foundation for true learning.
I've been looking at a lot of physical space transformations and have many ideas. The practical input of people who have been through the process already is invaluable. I will be happy to learn from your mentor as well. For anyone else looking for the same type of contacts, a person who has impressed me with all of her thoughts on the subject is a Prince George colleague of mine Rhea Woolgar (@mizwooly).

Comment by Monica Berra on April 5, 2013 at 16:38

Thanks for the contact.  I agree, if the learning commons isn't based on continuous inquiry and learning by doing how will it be different than a library.  I am reading the book Library Spaces for 21st Centruy Learners by Margaret Sullivan (ALA) and just took the webinar with her on Tuesday.  It has been interesting to look at space through the eyes of every user.

Comment by Jeff Yasinchuk on April 5, 2013 at 15:47

I did a huge make-over. Not so much a checklist as guidelines. I visited three other larger secondary school libraries, and noted what I liked and didn't.

Liked: weed like hell (non-fiction reduced by over 70%); keep it bright (natural light) and as open as possible; create lots of space for students to work and collaborate; book collection is NOT the focal point of a school library; ask for student and staff ideas; add a couple of used comfy chairs; round tables that can be moved and re-purposed depending on class, setting, etc.

I'm not convinced of the power of the 'learning commons'. It's a great name, but unless there is an inquiry-based school library program running out of the library, it is simply a renaming of sorts. There are numerous examples in BC school libraries that went 'learning commons' but in many cases lost an identity because stakeholders couldn't see how they were any different from the school library. Need a program to have a learning commons (Carol Koechlin).

I would recommend contacting my mentor at Kelowna Secondary Al Smith (@literateowl). An amazing TL with so much good stuff to offer. Very supportive!

Comment by Angela Wilkins on April 5, 2013 at 15:16

Has anyone recently renovated their physical library space? Did you have a useful checklist, article or process? Feel like sharing? - Looking at changing to accomodate more user groups in a learning commons capacity.