JGMES Media Center Three-Year Plan:
From Library to Learning Commons
What is a "Learning Commons"?
"The learning commons, sometimes called an 'information commons,' has evolved from a combination library and computer lab into a full-service learning, research, and project space." -Educause
The learning commons model places a greater focus on meeting the needs of students. This model emphasizes accessibility, cultivating community, flexibility, knowledge seeking and exploration.
Key Action Steps:
Continue to grow and promote the Makerspace
Expand programming
Empower students & staff to take ownership
Increase Student Accessibility and Flexibility of the Space
Update technology to promote student use of the media center
- Remove current desktops
- Add updated iPads to be used in a variety of ways such as research purposes, e-readers and Makerspace uses.
Introduce e-books and e-readers to the library collection
- Increase student and faculty access to e-books and devices
- Educate staff and students on current ebooks available through NC WISE
- Convert iPad 1's into e-readers
- Encourage students to BYOD
Use iPads as catalog search stations
- Remove desktop search stations
- Purchase iPad stands and create movable catalog search stations using iPads
Create and install "device station"
- Utilized for independent study and classroom use
- Provide charging areas
Weed materials
- Weed antiquated materials to bring in new and current fiction and nonfiction
- Re-shelve/evaluate/weed boxed curricular materials
Include new, mobile shelving and/or furniture (coming in 2017-2018)
- May be added incrementally- Active Learning Spaces Grant
- Add comfortable spaces for reading and collaborative spaces for groups and classes
- Increases flexibility and accessibility of Learning Commons
Empower Students & Staff to Take Ownership
- Allow for check-out all day (2016-2017)
- Train 1-2 students in each class to be the classroom librarian
- Create Dewey signage for students to easily find their own books (2016-2017)
- Showcase student art
Empower staff
- Purchase subscription to Destiny Standards Search
- Train staff to use Destiny and locate resources (resource lists, standards search, etc.)
- Create book order Google Form for ongoing student and teacher collection development input
- Use data to help teachers and struggling readers (one-on-one book choices, parent conferences)
- Combine MTAC with Leadership team and gain staff input on Collection Management Plan (started 2016-2017)
Expand Programming
Expand the Makerspace
- Integrate all day use of the Makerspace (2016-2017)
- Purchase Sphero and other robotics and coding tools
- Purchase additional littleBits
- Lunch Bunch Book Clubs (In collaboration with Aimee Allen 2016-2017)
- Incorporate more student volunteers in the Learning Commons
- Expand Morning Show to a daily occurrence
- Create a video production room for teachers to use throughout the day
Integrate additional evening programming to include families/community
- Poetry Slam
- Maker Fair
- Student/Parent Book Group
- Social Media 101
Expand collaboration with the community
- Partner with Wake County Public Libraries
- Establish summer book check-out options