----- Forwarded Message ----
From: David loertscher <reader.david@gmail.com>
To: aaslforum@ala.org
Sent: Tue, December 11, 2012 10:33:12 AM
Subject: [aaslforum] Re: RE: Library Learning Commons

When you walk into your library, what do you see? A storage space or a learning space.  Certainly, in many libraries, the books take up a very large percentage of the floor space. Carol Koechlin and I recommend that first, the collection be weeded which is a good practice for all of us.  Second, circulate more volumes as rotating classroom collections. third, let students borrow an unlimited number of volumes.  This will cut down the amount of shelving.  In fact, you don't need to have enough shelving to house all the print volumes you own since we advocate that at least a third to half the collection be in circulation at any given time.  This will allow you to cut the number of shelving units; put shelving units on wheels; and use the space for flexible use by individuals, small groups, and multiple large groups. Another important aspect is to have robust wireless in the room so that the banks of stationary computers can go away leaving access via various computers anywhere in the learning commons. Also, think about combining the computer lab and the library into the learning commons and bringing other specialists into the area as the staff of the LC such as the tech director, reading specialists, and anyone else who has a responsibility that crosses the school. And, finally, one of the most powerful ideas developing is the Virtual Learning Commons that transforms the one-way library website into a giant collaborative where students, teachers, administrators, and the teacher librarian are posting, building, sharing, and sharing what is going on in the world of literacy, knowledge building, information resources, school improvement, and school culture. And, if anyone out there would like a free webinar for your district teacher librarians/technologists, or other groups, let me know. Happy to help out.



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Professor David V. Loertscher
School of Library and Information Science
San Jose State University
Home address: 312 South 1000 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
mobile: 801-755-1122
Home: 801-532-1165