Learning Commons: Evolution and Collaborative Essentials

Summary: This book examines successfully planned and implemented Library Learning Commons at several different academic institutions around the world. These case studies provide a methodology for effective planning, implementation and assessment. Practical information is provided on how to collaborate with campus stakeholders, estimate, budgeting and staffing and determine the equipment, hardware and software needs. Also provided are memoranda of understanding (MOUs), planning checklists and assessment tools. This book reflects a unifying focus on both the evolution of learning commons to learning spaces and the collaborative aspect of co-creating learning spaces. Key Features: Unique case studies representing very different types of Information Commons, Learning Commons, Faculty Commons and other Learning Spaces International breadth and depth is assured through inclusion of case studies from Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and European institutions in addition to six in the United States Practical checklists of planning and implantation considerations, as well as memorandum of understanding (MOU) templates, form the appendices Readership: Librarians, administrators, faculty and other educators in both public and private academic institutions will find this book helpful in developing learning spaces in their institutions. They will learn how to adopt and adapt these spaces for their institutions. Graduate library science faculty will also use this book as a text. Contents: From Information Commons to Learning Commons and Learning Spaces: An Evolutionary Context Circle of Service: A Collaborative Information Commons Planning Model The Information Commons at the University of Calgary: Building on Collaboration, a Case Study Building for Learning: Synergy of Space, Technology and Collaboration The Saltire Centre and the Learning Commons Concept Transforming Library Space for Student Learning: The Learning Commons at Ohio University's Alden Library Supporting the Learning Commons Concept in the Real World Putting Learners at the Centre: The Learning Commons Journey at Victoria University Improving Student Life, Learning and Support Through Collaboration, Integration and Innovation The Information Commons at the University of Auckland Beyond Facebook: Thinking of the Learning Commons as a Social Network