There are many aspects to consider when thinking of the library as a physical space. As stated in Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs, “The physical space serves as an intellectual gymnasium with multiple, flexible spaces that accommodate a variety of learning tasks.” I found this to be an interesting comparison between a library and a gymnasium. The school gym needs to be able to accommodate P.E. classes, basketball games, volleyball games, wrestling matches, school assemblies, band performances, etc. Likewise, a school library must also be to accommodate an assortment of activities. These activities may include group lessons or work, independent work, presentations, media production, small and/or large meetings, reading, research, etc.
Hansen describes that the traditional library has changed from last century and is now being thought of as a 21st century learning commons. The new way of thinking includes a space where students can interact, share information, and be creative. Students can also collaborate with others and explore. Finally, it is being encouraged that the students take ownership of the learning commons rather than the librarian being the “authority”. The librarian’s purpose it to coach, guide, and mentor students.
Although a library needs to be able to provide accommodations for a variety of learning activities, Corbett mentions that the physical space of the library has and will continue to change. Due to the change toward a more technology rich environment the need to store books has decreased and will more than likely continue to do so. This will allow for the physical space to be used for numerous learning activities for both students and teachers.
Careful planning is required when creating or remodeling a library with multiple and flexible spaces that will allow for a variety of learning tasks to occur. As mentioned in Michael Whelton’s articles, the Forest Hills School was being redesigned into a 21st century learning commons and the following were considerations incorporated into the plans: a vision, students’ needs and wants, to promote school culture, a game area, graphic novel area, collaboration area, media area, and Follett e-Shelf literacy.
Jessica Hansen suggested making sure to have open, flexible space when creating learning commons. Using bright lighting, comfortable furniture that can easily be moved or rearranged, and interactive walls. SmartBoards, dry erase boards, bulletin boards, and interactive felt or magnet boards for the younger students should exist in the learning commons. These tools will encourage the students to feel ownership and be allowed to interact with the library.
The library must be well equipped for the physical space as well as the virtual space and needs to be a place that will allow the users to work and learn both individually and collaboratively. Learning commons should be, as Sherri Bryan pointed out a quote from her professor, Dr. David Loertscher, “A place where the entire school is building knowledge, skills, and interests together.” Bryan suggests changing storage space into learning space by weeding, discarding, and putting more books into the classrooms. She also mentions that changing from wired computers to a wireless environment will open up more space. Also having furniture on wheels will allow students and teachers to arrange the space to accommodate the type of learning that is happening.
According to Woolls, “The school library media center should make a positive first impression on all visitors, but especially the primary users-students and teacher.” Space and attractiveness seem to be the most important aspects to library users. As mentioned previously, space should allow for a variety of activities including teaching, research, group work, independent work and class that can all take place at the same time. If a library is attractive the users will feel welcomed and relaxed. Whelton suggests that the library should have an “at home” and comfortable feeling.
If the library or learning commons can have multiple and flexible spaces, an “at home” and comfortable feeling, be attractive and spacious, and be well equipped then it should be able to easily accomplish the main function of encouraging and supporting teaching and learning. There are many aspects to keep in mind when designing or remodeling the physical space of a library. Librarians need to remember that they are the leaders of change. As cited from Sherri Bryan’s video, “School librarians must lead the revolution to make room for new models of teaching, learning, and organization to prepare learners for this collaborative environment and address the needs of a generation that has grown up participating, not just being broadcast to.” – American Association of School Librarians, Empowering Learners, p. 46. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank.
American Association of School Librarians. Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. Chicago: AASL, 2009. Print.
Bryan, Sherri. "Calgary LC 2012." Calgary LC 2012. Web. 28 June 2012..
Corbett, Tom. “The Changing Role of the School Library’s Physical Space.” School Library Monthly. Apr. 2011. Web. 28 June 2012..
Hansen, Jessica. "The Learning Commons." Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 28 June 2012..
“The Learning Commons: Physical Learning Commons, Virtual Learning Commons.” Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 28 June 2012..
Whelton, Michael. “Our 21st Century Learning Commons Journey Begins…” Michael Whelton, 18 Apr. 2012. Web. 28 June 2012. < http://michaelwhelton.com/2012/04/18/our-21st-century-learning-commons-journey-begins/>.
Woolls, Blanche. The School Library Media Manager. 4th ed. Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 2008. Print.
Hansen describes that the traditional library has changed from last century and is now being thought of as a 21st century learning commons. The new way of thinking includes a space where students can interact, share information, and be creative. Students can also collaborate with others and explore. Finally, it is being encouraged that the students take ownership of the learning commons rather than the librarian being the “authority”. The librarian’s purpose it to coach, guide, and mentor students.
Although a library needs to be able to provide accommodations for a variety of learning activities, Corbett mentions that the physical space of the library has and will continue to change. Due to the change toward a more technology rich environment the need to store books has decreased and will more than likely continue to do so. This will allow for the physical space to be used for numerous learning activities for both students and teachers.
Careful planning is required when creating or remodeling a library with multiple and flexible spaces that will allow for a variety of learning tasks to occur. As mentioned in Michael Whelton’s articles, the Forest Hills School was being redesigned into a 21st century learning commons and the following were considerations incorporated into the plans: a vision, students’ needs and wants, to promote school culture, a game area, graphic novel area, collaboration area, media area, and Follett e-Shelf literacy.
Jessica Hansen suggested making sure to have open, flexible space when creating learning commons. Using bright lighting, comfortable furniture that can easily be moved or rearranged, and interactive walls. SmartBoards, dry erase boards, bulletin boards, and interactive felt or magnet boards for the younger students should exist in the learning commons. These tools will encourage the students to feel ownership and be allowed to interact with the library.
The library must be well equipped for the physical space as well as the virtual space and needs to be a place that will allow the users to work and learn both individually and collaboratively. Learning commons should be, as Sherri Bryan pointed out a quote from her professor, Dr. David Loertscher, “A place where the entire school is building knowledge, skills, and interests together.” Bryan suggests changing storage space into learning space by weeding, discarding, and putting more books into the classrooms. She also mentions that changing from wired computers to a wireless environment will open up more space. Also having furniture on wheels will allow students and teachers to arrange the space to accommodate the type of learning that is happening.
According to Woolls, “The school library media center should make a positive first impression on all visitors, but especially the primary users-students and teacher.” Space and attractiveness seem to be the most important aspects to library users. As mentioned previously, space should allow for a variety of activities including teaching, research, group work, independent work and class that can all take place at the same time. If a library is attractive the users will feel welcomed and relaxed. Whelton suggests that the library should have an “at home” and comfortable feeling.
If the library or learning commons can have multiple and flexible spaces, an “at home” and comfortable feeling, be attractive and spacious, and be well equipped then it should be able to easily accomplish the main function of encouraging and supporting teaching and learning. There are many aspects to keep in mind when designing or remodeling the physical space of a library. Librarians need to remember that they are the leaders of change. As cited from Sherri Bryan’s video, “School librarians must lead the revolution to make room for new models of teaching, learning, and organization to prepare learners for this collaborative environment and address the needs of a generation that has grown up participating, not just being broadcast to.” – American Association of School Librarians, Empowering Learners, p. 46. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank.
Works Cited:
American Association of School Librarians. Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. Chicago: AASL, 2009. Print.
Bryan, Sherri. "Calgary LC 2012." Calgary LC 2012. Web. 28 June 2012.
Corbett, Tom. “The Changing Role of the School Library’s Physical Space.” School Library Monthly. Apr. 2011. Web. 28 June 2012.
Hansen, Jessica. "The Learning Commons." Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 28 June 2012.
“The Learning Commons: Physical Learning Commons, Virtual Learning Commons.” Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 28 June 2012.
Whelton, Michael. “Our 21st Century Learning Commons Journey Begins…” Michael Whelton, 18 Apr. 2012. Web. 28 June 2012. < http://michaelwhelton.com/2012/04/18/our-21st-century-learning-commons-journey-begins/>.
Woolls, Blanche. The School Library Media Manager. 4th ed. Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 2008. Print.
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