This document summarizes a presentation about transforming school libraries into learning commons. It discusses the goals of a learning commons and ideas for redesigning the physical space, virtual presence, and programming. The presentation covered removing old furniture and books to create new collaborative spaces, developing an online hub for 24/7 access, and facilitating inquiry-based learning through events and teacher professional development. Attendees then provided ideas in small groups for improving the physical space, virtual platforms, and programming model at their schools.

1. Learning Commons Grant: Phase 5 In-Service
Angela Monk @SD36Librarian
Library to Learning Commons:
The Journey
April 19th, 2016
REC 206

2. The Shared Vision: Learning by
Design framework, the New
Redesigned BC Curriculum and the
Learning Commons

3. What is a Learning Commons?
A place, both physical and virtual, for:
Teaching and learning
Professional development
Experimenting
Making
Creating
Collaborating
Change
Inquiry
Communication
Community
Innovation
24/7 access

4. Why a Learning Commons?
Today’s students learn in a dynamic world where
information changes and expands as fast as
technological innovation. As information grows
exponentially in multiple formats, learners are
challenged to think critically, search effectively,
construct meaning and learning products ethically,
and choose from amongst a vast array of
resources, tools, and services in order to create
possibilities for shaping and sharing new
knowledge.
— American Association of School Librarians

5. Some Characteristics of a
Learning Commons
Inquiry based
evolving
Future-
oriented
Focused on creativity

6. Useful documents and websites:
BCTLA Learning Commons page and document:
http://bctf.ca/bctla/pub/documents/2014/SL2LLC.pdf
Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library
Learning Commons in Canada CLA

7. 3 Areas we will look at today:
 Physical Space, Collection, and Tools
Redesigning the space, weeding, furniture, iPads, laptops,
displays, apps
 Virtual Presence 24/7
The HUB (surreyschools.ca), websites, blogs, Twitter, social
media, privacy issues
 Program: Teaching and Learning, Inquiry
based
Policies, collaboration, use of time and space

8. Designing Learning Environments to Support
Learning: Physical Space and the Tools

9. The Writing on the Wall:
Re-decorating to reflect the change and to
describe what a Learning Commons is.
What happens in a Learning Commons?

10. DESCRIBING LEARNING COMMONS ACTIVITIES

11. WEEDING TO CREATE SPACES FOR MORE
LEARNER CENTERED ACTIVITIES
The Elementary Learning Commons

12. INTEGRATION OF REFERENCE
RESOURCES INTO NON FICTION
COLLECTION

13. DELETING AND BOXING

14. BOXES OF WEEDED OLD BOOKS….
BE GONE!

15. SHELVES REMOVED/NEW FURNITURE ADDED

16. Out with the old……

19. In with the new…..NEW LEARNING,
WORKING AND CREATING SPACES

20. NEW WORKSPACES
SMARTBOARD/TV
MOBILE DEVICES
WIRELESS ACCESS

22. DISPLAYS: JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON!
WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW? WHO’S DOING
SOMETHING REAL COOL?

23. Makerspaces: not “one size fits all”
 Puzzles, 3D puzzles, KEVA planks,
cardboard, LEGO, 3d printers..

24.  iPads, 3D Printers, green screens, robots,
Squishy Circuits, Makey Makey etc.
Digital Makerspaces:

25. Virtual Spaces: The 24-7 Library:
 The HUB school/library page
(surreyschools.ca)
 SD#36 library catalogue
 Databases /SD#36 On-line resources
 Current Library Learning Commons
Webpage: A Resource for teachers, parent
and students
Fraser Heights Library Learning Commons

26.  The TL’s Blog:
Professional blog
http://www.fhlearn.ca/amonk/
 Twitter account
regular announcements, information, activities, Pro D for teachers etc.
 Instagram account:

28. Networking and Professional Development
for sharing Learning Commons events

29. The Program: Teaching and
Learning: Access and Support
 REVIEW YOUR LIBRARY RULES AND POLICIES:
USER-FRIENDLY? FLEXIBLE? MULTI-PURPOSE?

30. EMPOWER your USERS!
STUDENT SUPPLY CENTRE: SELF SERVE/USER
FRIENDLY

31. Cultivating effective Instructional Design to Co-
plan, Teach and Assess Learning
LEARNING COMMONS ACTIVITIES:
STAFF AND TL COLLABORATION

32. Advancing the Learning Community to achieve School
Goals:
TEACHER PRO D ON TOOLS,
INQUIRY BASED LEARNING, ASSESSMENT, NEW
RE-DESIGNED CURRICULUM

33. Learning and sharing experiences:
“MEET AND EAT” LUNCHTIME PRO D

34. Facilitating Collaborative Engagement and Inquiry:
Access and support for students and staff
GROUPS of Students, CLASSES working on Inquiry,

35. PARTNER collaborations,
INDIVIDUALS working on Inquiry projects

36. WEEKLY EVENTS : Meet an Expert

37. AUTHOR VISITS
Fostering Literacy to Empower Life-Long Learners

38. GRAD INTERVIEWS, TUTORIAL GROUPS

39. CONCLUSION:
 “The basic philosophy of libraries remains
unchanged. We continue to remain
committed to supporting and promoting
intellectual freedom, academic inquiry and
literacy of all kinds. We are just doing it
with a different set of rules, policies,
customs, patrons and structure around us.”
(Pamela Colburn Harland)

40. Table Talk: Action Plan
TL and Admin
 Where are you now? Where do you want
to go? How will you get there?
 Guiding questions:
 Where are we on the journey?
 What have we already done? What are we
already doing at our school?
 What do we need to work on?
 Where do we need support?
Physical Space and Tools---Virtual Presence----The Program/Culture

41. Let’s take a break!

42. Learning Commons Stories:
 Juniper Ridington: Teacher Librarian: Simon
Cunningham Elementary: Phase 1 of Learning
Commons Grants
 Jody Wilson: Teacher Librarian: Maple Green
Elementary Phase 3 of Learning Commons Grants

43. Let’s have lunch!

44. Maryann Kempthorne: LRS Manager
 The Library Learning Commons and
Learning Resources Services

45. Brainstorming Sessions:
Chart paper/ markers
1. Physical space, collection and tools
 Ideas for Learning Commons space,
collection and tools that support 21st
Century Learning

46. Questions: Table talk

47. 2. Virtual Spaces
 Ideas for creating a maintained, a well-
promoted, interactive virtual presence in
a variety of media
What now?
• Take a picture of your “Physical Space
ideas”
• Move to a different table and take a picture
of the one on that table before moving on
to…….

48. Questions : Table Talk

49. Time to move on...
Don’t forget to take a picture
Find a new table and take another picture!
3. The Library Learning Commons
Program
 Ideas for creating a participatory,
collaborative, learning community

50. De briefing:
 Great ideas come from you and your
colleagues!
 Share your creativity, learning, ideas!
 Thanks for coming! Good luck on the
journey!