Learning+Commons

The new buzz word for media center is “learning commons”. Are we already a learning commons? If not, what changes do we need to make? 1. Learning commons is the quiet buzz of your Media Center. Flexibility in use of spaces, small groups working collaboratively, small group and whole group instruction.

Our media centers must go to the Learning Commons model ... we already have that mindset but our libraries need to be full access all day, and without enough help, we can't all do that.

2. Our media centers are used a lot for small group work (i.e. Remediation groups, conferences, small group instruction) It is sometimes difficult to work with groups throughout the day without a full time assistant. For change, we think we need to concentrate on fewer things and do a good job at it, instead of doing so, so many things. We also think media assistants need formal training with Destiny, what a media center is about, and how a media assistant can really make an impact. We feel strongly that the space needs to be available and belongs to everyone...not the media coordinator. To get new staff on board, we should provide an orientation session or document to give information about media center procedures and resources. We need to be in tune to the technological gap between different staff members. Our media centers are used for small group instruction, small reading groups, conferences, full classes...and circulation. We feel we are already a learning commons, and growing more so in this sense. What would be helpful is for media assistants to be full time to aid in the various groups OR to be able to handle the admin and desk duties to free up our time with

3. In our group, we feel our respective media centers already reflect the "learning commons" model.

Working at the high school level and being in a flexible schedule, we think we are already using a learning commons. It is not unusual for us to serve a whole class, small group, and individuals at the same time. 4. Yes, I believe we are a “learning common”. The middle school librarians are on a flexible schedule and we assist whole class project as well as individual learning. Students also can come to the library to read for 20 minutes.

4. Have wheels put on table legs for flexible arrangement. Try to find out how to allow people to use media in more flexible ways, add charging stations, flexible seating, laminate flooring instead of carpet? Listening to music, drinking beverages...will this change?