What is a Library Learning Commons?

You may have noticed some changes in our library since September. We have been working really hard to transform our library into a 21st Century Library Learning Commons. According to the Canadian Library Association (2014), “The library learning commons is the physical and virtual collaborative learning hub of the school.” (p. 5).

As the “hub” of the school, the Library Learning Commons is a space where students come not only to read books, but where students and teachers work together to co-create knowledge. Rather than passively consuming information, students have opportunities to explore inquiry-based learning experiences, solve real-world problems, be creative and become lifelong learners.

The Canadian Library Association suggests the Library Learning Commons should include “comfortable areas for reading, working and playing to learn” (2014, p. 34). In order to create this environment at Pearson, we are working to transform the physical space in the library. Since September, we’ve spent a lot of time removing clutter, rearranging our existing furniture to open up the space and weeding our collection of non-fiction books. It is still a work in progress, but here are some before and after pictures.

According to Johnson (2010), “Upholstered seating, flexible furniture arrangements and attention to aesthetics in lighting and colors help make libraries places where students and staff want to be” (para. 5). As a staff, we brainstormed what our ideal space would be like and we came up with a three-year plan for the space. As part of our plan, we would like to get more flexible seating and create a reading area and cozy spots or themed reading nooks around the library similar to those at the Calgary Reads Children’s Reading Place.

Calgary Reads Children’s Reading Place

References

Canadian Library Association. (2014). Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.seobrothers.co/resources/clatoolbox_files/llsop.pdf

Johnson, D. (2010). Changed but Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20180727104328/http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/changed-but-still-critical-bricks-and-mortar-libraries-in-th.html