The Library and Learning CommonsA new transition-Mary Dumbleton
North Campus Library and Learning Commons
Library/Learning CommonsLibrary/Learning CommonsThe Library/Learning Commons (LLC) is an instructional area of the College designed to offer a variety of teaching, learning and research resources to students enrolled in courses at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
The Library and Learning CommonsLLC services include individual and small group tutoring; traditional and virtual library services and materials; subject-specific instruction including orientations; free workshops; study areas; and access to tutorials, computers and multimedia technology
What’s Changed?New combined layout of servicesMore computer stations Computerized instructionAdded servicesIncreased technology
Increased study/tutoring areasStudy tablesScience study lab
Academic Success CenterThe ASC at Florida State College at Jacksonville serves the developmental students with a hybrid of instructional activities.At North Campus, it is embedded in the LLC Students spend a portion of their time receiving instruction in a classroom environment and additional time in a open lab setting utilizing computerized instructional software under the supervision of their instructor and master students.
Reference Services combined with Circulation DeskBefore			After
Collection Development	More computers	Smaller collection
Computing NeedsDell PC Stations	Mac stations
What works?Students have a variety of options for study and instruction.The LLC/ASC is a one-stop shop for library materials and services, tutoring, study, instructional software, student ids, printing, copying. It also houses the FRC, Faculty Resource Center , a multimedia lab created for faculty support.Increased Faculty-Student interactionIncreased peer interaction: study groups, master students, lower and upper-level student interaction.Students are exposed to multiple services they might not be aware of if they were in separate areas.
What are the challenges?2 Service DesksSome computer areas are scheduledStudent confusion over combined spaceNo room dedicated for library instruction. Additional services  take time from main duties. Merging traditional workflow with new environment and services.Technology  glitches
Some solutionsInter-departmental communicationIncreased training and professional developmentEffective  leadershipTeamworkFlexibility

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  • 1.
    The Library andLearning CommonsA new transition-Mary Dumbleton
  • 2.
    North Campus Libraryand Learning Commons
  • 3.
    Library/Learning CommonsLibrary/Learning CommonsTheLibrary/Learning Commons (LLC) is an instructional area of the College designed to offer a variety of teaching, learning and research resources to students enrolled in courses at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
  • 4.
    The Library andLearning CommonsLLC services include individual and small group tutoring; traditional and virtual library services and materials; subject-specific instruction including orientations; free workshops; study areas; and access to tutorials, computers and multimedia technology
  • 5.
    What’s Changed?New combinedlayout of servicesMore computer stations Computerized instructionAdded servicesIncreased technology
  • 6.
  • 7.
    Academic Success CenterTheASC at Florida State College at Jacksonville serves the developmental students with a hybrid of instructional activities.At North Campus, it is embedded in the LLC Students spend a portion of their time receiving instruction in a classroom environment and additional time in a open lab setting utilizing computerized instructional software under the supervision of their instructor and master students.
  • 8.
    Reference Services combinedwith Circulation DeskBefore After
  • 9.
  • 10.
    Computing NeedsDell PCStations Mac stations
  • 11.
    What works?Students havea variety of options for study and instruction.The LLC/ASC is a one-stop shop for library materials and services, tutoring, study, instructional software, student ids, printing, copying. It also houses the FRC, Faculty Resource Center , a multimedia lab created for faculty support.Increased Faculty-Student interactionIncreased peer interaction: study groups, master students, lower and upper-level student interaction.Students are exposed to multiple services they might not be aware of if they were in separate areas.
  • 12.
    What are thechallenges?2 Service DesksSome computer areas are scheduledStudent confusion over combined spaceNo room dedicated for library instruction. Additional services take time from main duties. Merging traditional workflow with new environment and services.Technology glitches
  • 13.
    Some solutionsInter-departmental communicationIncreasedtraining and professional developmentEffective leadershipTeamworkFlexibility

Editor's Notes

  • #7 The Library and Learning Commons provides a variety of options for study time. High tables with stools near the collection. Traditional carrels between the stacks and windows provide a quieter space for laptop users, and those who do not want the distractions of the computer areas. This is a new benefit to the LLC. Students have more areas to collaborate with each other in group and individual study areas. The study tables serve a dual function as tutoring space as well, giving the students the benefit of having a tutor or master student in close proximity while they study within the library areas. The LLC also has areas dedicated for specific disciplines: Science Study Room, Foreign Language Lab.
  • #9 Prior to remodeling, the librarian was visible from the computing areas, as well as circulation. Students or Faculty could sit at the Reference desk and receive personalized assistance from the librarian. With the new remodel and combined services desk, everything is “over the counter” and is not conducive to one-on-one attention. Librarians can not see the computing area from the desk, and other tutors and staff must come around to the services desk to request assistance on the student’s behalf. Students are approaching academic tutors for reference and research assistance. This creates a little snag in the workflow of the area. Likewise Librarians and library staff must leave the desk to locate the academic tutors, ASC faculty, and master students to assist students for instructional needs.
  • #10 With the change from community college to state college, the libraries have had increased responsibility to support not only the curriculum for our Associate’s Degrees and certificate programs, but the new Baccalaureate degrees and the developmental population. Libraries college wide were forced to reduce their collections by 40-50%, to make space for increased study areas, classrooms, computer stations, and offices. The reduced space must accommodate a variety of formats : serials, reference, audio-visual and circulating prints. The new challenge will be to find more electronic and digital formats accessible on the computers and internet.
  • #11 At Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Library and Learning Commons is also home to the Academic Success Center. The Academic Success Center is embedded in the core area and perimeter of the LLC. Its function is to house and support developmental education activities on campus. Classrooms are utilized for lecture hours while the open labs are sectioned for students to continue with computerized tutorials and instructional software under the supervision of there instructor. The Mac computers are designated as the “open computers”, while pc use is limited to availability amongst ongoing classes. General population students must find a spot within these areas to complete their coursework or research.
  • #13 The main challenges of the combined space coordinating service responsibilities between staff. Accommodating all computing needs is a delicate balance. Librarians weave in an out of tutors, faculty, and master students all providing assistance to other students in close proximity. The library and learning center staff are constantly interrupting each other for assistance in the other’s area.
  • #14 The solutions to these new challenges might seem obvious or cliché but they really do apply:Interdepartmental communication is critical to a successful LLC. With a multi-function area is it necessary to make sure everyone is aware of the services provided, who is responsible, and what the parameters are. Increased training and professional development go along with a need to cross-train staff in different areas. Gaps in work schedules cannot effect service to students and faculty. With increased technology, everyone needs to be trained on the basics of operation. Effective leadership: someone to keep the different gears running smoothly, resolve conflicts, and set the pace for the department.Teamwork: overlapping departments can be difficult if everyone is not in sync. Instead of separtate departments in close proximity, one department with collaboration and cooperation. Each complimenting the other’s efforts.Flexibility: traditions are out the window! Change is here! We’ve got to roll with it.