Library Learning Commons certification planning Guide
Step 1: Evaluate your program against the tenets of a Library Learning Commons:
Sources
Loertscher, David V., and Carol Koechlin. "Climbing to excellence: Defining characteristics of successful learning commons." Knowledge Quest 42.4 (2014): E1. Link.
Pressley, Lauren. "Charting a Clear Course: A State of the Learning Commons." ACRL. N.p., 22 Mar. 2017. Web. 9 July 2017. Link.
- The Library Learning Commons represents a philosophy of flexible learning in programming and design, centers on collaboration, encourages innovation, and incorporates the unique culture of the local school community.
- All Library Learning Commons are student-centered and provide informational resources, productivity tools, and services to support and accelerate student learning (Pressley, 112).
- The Library Learning Commons continues to support teaching and learning, but also provides space for “experimenting, playing, making, doing, thinking, collaborating, and growing” (Loertscher, E3).
- Through the instructional leadership and collaborative work of the Library Media Specialist (LMS), students learn digital literacy skills, engage in creative thinking, and are prepared for their futures.
- Scheduling of the Library Learning Commons is flexible, rather than fixed, at least 75% of the school day.
Sources
Loertscher, David V., and Carol Koechlin. "Climbing to excellence: Defining characteristics of successful learning commons." Knowledge Quest 42.4 (2014): E1. Link.
Pressley, Lauren. "Charting a Clear Course: A State of the Learning Commons." ACRL. N.p., 22 Mar. 2017. Web. 9 July 2017. Link.
Step 2: Engage students and staff in the Library Learning Commons transformation process.
- The Library Learning Commons is a space designed for its users, primarily students. If possible, create a student advisory committee to discuss potential changes to your space and garner student input.
- Engage teachers and staff members about how a Library Learning Commons is different from a media center. Work collaboratively with teachers to design lessons that meet standards and build digital literacy skills.
Step 3: Evaluate the services provided in your library media program. The library media specialist should:
- Collaborate with teachers across the curriculum.
- Collaborate with teachers about STEM or STEAM and/or inquiry-based / project based learning.
- Implement a flexible schedule for the majority of the school day.
- Provide instruction in current research, technology, and productivity tools.
- Provide ongoing support to classes and individual students throughout long and short-term assignments.
- Provide professional learning for teachers.
Step 4: Evaluate the resources provided by your library media program in the context of a Library Learning Commons:
It is recommended that the library media specialist also take the following steps:
- Print and digital resources, including and in addition to Cobb Digital Library
- Instructional resources and productivity tools
- Genrefication of the fiction collection
- Easily accessible technology, such as laptops, desktops, and tablets, available for students
- 3D printer
- Video production resources, such as green screens, cameras, apps, etc.
- Additional resources that encourage creative thinking, such as Legos, robotics, coding, circuits, etc.
It is recommended that the library media specialist also take the following steps:
- Run a collection analysis in Follett Destiny. Note the number of items in your collection and the average age of your collection.
- Weed your print collection as needed. On average, a Library Learning Commons contains 8,000 - 12,000 print books. The majority of books tend to be fiction, and the non-fiction collections include less reference material and more high-interest books.
- Run reports in MackinVIA to show usage of the digital collection of databases, resources, and e-books. Weed as needed.
Step 5: Discuss the intentional spaces in your media center in the context of a Library Learning Commons:
- Flexible furniture, such mobile tables and chairs
- Large group instruction area
- Collaborative small group work spaces
- Support for digital tools and BYOD, such as easily accessible power
- Quiet/independent areas
- Inviting seating, soft seating, and/or active seating
- A makerspace
Step 6: Use this Planning Guide Chart to help you reflect on your current Library Learning Commons and plan for the future.
Step 7: Determine the artifacts you will use to support your application.