The Learning Commons: Seven Simple Steps to Transform Your Library

There's a revolution in today's librariesâe"how they are organized, the types of resources they offer, how they serve patrons, and even in the mindsets of library specialists. The learning commons paradigm dictates a new way of thinking that will require sweeping changes. Are you ready to embrace the future of your library? |This simple guide provides valuable insights for transforming an out-of-date public, school, or academic library into a thriving, user-centric learning commons.|The goal of the learning-commons strategy is to provide a centralized, "go-to" location for all users seeking help on the complex issues of teaching, researching, and being a global citizen in our changing world. A library organized around the learning-commons construct fosters collaborative work and social interaction between users during research and learning. This paradigm also encourages use of innovative technologies and information resources. Transforming a traditional library into a thriving learning commons does take some planning and effort, however.||Each of the seven chapters in this book explains a simple step that a librarian can take to improve their facility. Photographs and concrete examples of the suggested strategies are included; checklists at the end of each chapter serve as indicators for measuring progress. This text is useful for library administrators in school settings (both public and private, K-12) as well as academic, public, and special libraries.|âe¢ This text provides a roadmap any librarian can follow to adapt their facility to the emerging and increasingly popular learning commons library paradigm|âe¢ Provides documented, valid information and practical suggestions presented with a dash of humor, unlike most texts on librarianship|âe¢ Includes usable surveys, sample newsletters and library reports,