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  • IDEAS
  • Library PASS
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  • Summer Reading
  • Evaluation
  • LLC Certification
  • About

Library Learning Commons certification planning Guide

Step 1: Evaluate your program against the tenets of a Library Learning Commons: 

  • 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.
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  • 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: 
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  • 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: 
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  • 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. ​
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certification Process
Planning Guide
Judging Rubric
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LC Certification Application
LLC Certified Schools
State and national awards

LME

Library Media Education
Cobb County School District
1595 Hawthorne Ave.
​Smyrna, GA 30080

Holly Frilot

Supervisor, Library Media Education
holly.frilot@cobbk12.org
770-426-3315
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