The document discusses transitioning school libraries into learning commons for 21st century learning. It describes a learning commons as a flexible space that expands learning beyond the classroom through collaboration between students, teachers, and teacher-librarians using new technologies. A learning commons provides a natural environment for people to work together and facilitates active, social learning compared to traditional quiet libraries. The document outlines differences between libraries and learning commons, such as learning commons being places for "doing" with comfortable, flexible furniture and 24/7 access to current digital resources to encourage exploration and collaboration. It proposes transitioning the school's library into a wireless learning commons from 2011-2014 by removing obstacles and outdated materials to create an inviting

1. Library to Learning Commons
Transitioning for 21st Century Learning
T. D’Amico

2. What is a Learning Commons
“A Learning Commons is a flexible and responsive approach to
helping schools focus on learning collaboratively. It expands the
learning experience, taking students and educators into virtual spaces
beyond the walls of a school.
A Learning Commons is a vibrant, whole-school approach, presenting
exciting opportunities for collaboration among teachers, teacher-
librarians and students.
Within a Learning Commons, new relationships are formed between
learners, new technologies are realized and utilized, and both
students and educators prepare for the future as they learn new ways
to learn.
And best of all, as a space traditionally and naturally designed to
facilitate people working together, a school’s library provides the
natural dynamics for developing a Learning Commons.” (pg. 3)
Together for Learning - School Libraries and the Emergence of the Learning Commons
A V I S I O N F O R T H E 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y (Ontario Library Association, 2010)

3. Library to Learning Commons
As one enters the Learning Commons, the first impression
differs greatly from that of a traditional library or computer lab.
Immediately we notice
flexible learning space
where neither computers
nor books get in the way…
…the buzz in the air is
both purposeful and casual
and it is a mix of learners
both adult and student
engaged in a wide variety
of activities.
Loertscher, David V., Carol Koechlin, and Sandi
Zwaan.The new learning commons where learners win!:
reinventing school libraries and computer labs. Salt Lake
City, UT: Hi Willow Research & Publishing ;, 2008. Print.

4. Changing Environments
Library Perceptions Learning Commons
• A quiet place for independent study • A place for “doing” and learning
• A place with lots of “rules” • An active place for social gathering
• A place to store books • A place to find and access technology
• A place with outdated reference books • A place to read current materials
• A place with resources locked up • A place to explore and collaborate
• A place “owned” by the library staff • A physical and a virtual 24/7 place
• A place where books and computers • A place that is the “hub” of the school
get in the way • A place that is owned by all staff/students
• A place with flexible and comfortable
furniture
• A place with access to
current digital resources
in addition to books
You won’t find
this approach
in our schools

5. We’re
Changing
Wireless environment
Some quiet/study areas
Shelving and books out of the way
Power outlets throughout
24/7 Digital resources
Remove outdated resources
SmartBoard for student use
Current technology
Collaboration spaces
Inviting and comfortable

6. Learning Commons
Changing for Today’s Learners
Implementation 2011-2014
Books & Technology & Engagement = Learning