User:Michellesven

Learning Commons refers to the integration of various student services into the academic library of a college or university. The Learning Commons creates an interdisciplinary location for several student services inside the library such as the Writing Center, Math Resource Center, Career Center, Testing Center, Information Technologies Help Desk, Faculty Development, etc. The Learning Commons creates a functional and dynamic experience for students in one central location.

History and Development
Learning Commons have developed across the United States and other countries in academic libraries for a few decades. They have developed and morphed in response to Web 2.0 technologies and the continuous evolution of libraries and librarians’ functions. Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, social networking sites, video sharing sites and web apps, have radically impacted the way that information is exchanged and engaged in. Learning Commons takes these technologies into consideration and then adapts to provide the best possible services to the new 2.0 users and students.

Learning Commons, Student Services, and the Institution
Learning Commons allows for academic libraries to provide wider ranging and more cohesive services to students and users. Meshing numerous services maintains the traditional reference and research elements of the classic library while adding exciting new services that support new technologies and service in a larger and more integrated environment. The Learning Commons reflects a marked shift in our conception of the library, a shift that is driven by our evolving understanding of the library’s role in supporting student learning. The emergence of the Learning Commons as a central element in contemporary library design offers an opportunity to transform the library’s role on campus from a provider of information to a facilitator of learning.

Often, Libraries and Learning Commons share responsibility for delivering college-wide outcomes: developing effective research strategies, finding and evaluating the appropriateness of resource materials for a particular topic, honing effective oral and written communication skills, and promoting good study and learning habits. The goal of Learning Commons Librarians’ work should be to encourage all students to engage in substantive ways with multiple services in the organization. Properly implemented in an academic library, this model of library service benefits all parts of the institution. A cohesiveness and purpose among the diverse elements of the library allows both the library and the school to run more smoothly and efficiently and students’ needs are met in an environment that is designed to provide multiple services in a single location.

The Digital Divide and Learning Commons
The Digital Divide is a very real problem in academic libraries currently and will remain so for the foreseeable future. This can be a problem in a highly technological library model but when the Learning Commons work efficiently, the needs of these students are provided for through library orientations, research/reference classes, technology courses, one-on-one assistance, effective and in-library peer assistance. These services should be developed online as well as in person for the maximum benefit of the student user and the school.

Importance of Physical Space
New or renovated library space is now commonly repurposed to bring students together to work, study, and socialize. The Learning Commons typically offer comfortable furniture for both individual and group study, modular furnishings that allow users to customize the environment to suit their needs, access to wireless networks and electrical outlets, multimedia labs and support, and often a cafe accompanied by relaxed food and drink restrictions.