CMS Library Three-Year Plan:
From Library to Learning Commons
Transformation of the Library Media Center into 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
A learning commons is a "place of teaching and learning, group work, collaboration, creativity, change, inquiry, communication, and community." -ASLC
The learning commons model places a greater view on students, accessibility, cultivating community, project-based learning, flexibility, knowledge seeking, and exploration.
Key Action Steps
- Increase student accessibility and flexibility of space
- Create a makerspace
- Expand programming and student input
- Create a collaborative classroom space
Increase Student Accessibility and Flexibility of Space
- Increases visibility within the space
- Increases classroom management potential
- Allows students to work in a variety of group settings
- Allows for variations of Learning Commons use
- Creates space for programming and school-wide events
Genrefication of collection
- Re-organize library collection by genre
- Benefits: accessibility; it's intuitive; supports ELA standards
- Empowers students to find books more easily
- Much like reading large portions of text, or digesting new knowledge, it is easier to consume information when it is presented in "small, organized chunks"
- We can instantly identify holes/gaps in our collection
- Data shows that it greatly increases circulation
- CMS students will become genre experts
- Empowers student volunteers to better navigate re-shelving
Introduce e-books and e-readers to the library collection
- Collaborating with CSD librarians and using a mutual platform (i.e. Overdrive), increase student and faculty access to e-books and devices
- Activate 5 Nooks the LMC already owns
- Purchase non-web-based e-readers
- Encourage students to BYOD
Create and install "laptop bar station"
- Utilized for independent study and classroom use
- Install at window level in current fiction/periodical area
Purchase mobile, sit-stand circulation desk
- http://www.standdesk.co/
- Increases flexibility and accessibility of Learning Commons
- Increases and enforces positive classroom management techniques
- Energizes and activates Learning Commons
- Supports healthy lifestyle
Include new, mobile shelving and/or furniture
- May be added incrementally
- Increases flexibility and accessibility of Learning Commons
Weed materials
- Weed antiquated materials to bring in new and current fiction and nonfiction
- Re-shelve/evaluate/weed boxed curricular materials
Create a Makerspace
- "A place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests, learn to use tools and materials, and develop creative projects." -The Unquiet Librarian
- "Makerspaces are collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills." -MakerBridge
- "Makerspaces, STEAM labs and fab labs are popping up in schools across the country. Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering." -Edutopia
Steps to create a makerspace
- Collaboratively plan with Christine Eldred, CHS librarian, to develop cohesive, streamlined makerspace plan and schema to support CSD student learning
- Expand Learning Commons by removing double-glass window and door that leads into current library office
- Purge library office of office materials, et al.
- Transform office space into a student-focused makerspace
- Supply makerspace with innovative and everyday tools
- Purchase 3D printer
Expand Programming and Student Input
- Recruit students and conduct monthly meetings to inform programming ideas and continued updates to the Learning Commons
- May be an incremental/tiered project
- Remove wall between COW space and back storage room
Integrate programming into the school day
- Book groups
- Lyrical Lunches
- Student Art Exhibits
- Book Trailer Swap
- Incorporate more student volunteers in the Learning Commons
- Literary movie nights
- Poetry Slam
- Maker Fair
- Gaming Night
- Student/Parent Book Group
- Social Media 101
Expand current collaboration with community
- Burnham Memorial Library
- Establish summer book check-out options
- Young Writers Project
- Tarrant Institute
Create a Collaborative Classroom Space
- Potentially create a collaborative classroom space between the LC and the CAPS Lab
- Mutually support and enhance Media Literacy and CAPS curricula
Questions or Comments?
Email: lisa.buckton@gmail.com
Website: http://lisabuckton.weebly.com/
Location: Colchester Middle School, Blakely Road, Colchester, VT, United States
Phone: (802) 264-5800
Twitter: @queerylibrarian