Library+&+learning+commons


 * The changing role of the school library:** within & beyond the walls


 * Points to ponder:**
 * The library as part of the learning commons
 * Role of the T-L: Collaboration, teaching, assessment, Web 2.0, leadership
 * Online presence
 * http://mountainlibrary.weebly.com
 * Print & online resources
 * http://www.bcerac.ca/news/articles/2012/sophisticated-databases-give-students-a-leg-up.aspx
 * Facility: layout & use of space, storage, meetings, learning bays, A-V equipment
 * Student leadership: student library council
 * Textbooks

At a recent meeting with Kathleen Boles, principal of the new Lynn Fripps elementary school, a group discussed the plans & design of a 21st century Learning Commons for the new school.

Following the meeting, these resources were shared (thanks - Marilyn Richardson, Sandra Averill, Alison Hewitt).

//"What does this new learning commons look like? In the physical space, we enter a room that’s totally flexible, where furnishings can be moved about to accommodate different functions and groupings. The open commons, like the traditional library or computer lab, functions as a warehouse for books and other shared materials... Its flexible space allows individuals, small groups, and classes to visit at their own convenience. But the distinctive feature of the open commons is that it’s a place where teachers can demonstrate the very best teaching and learning practices in the school and others can observe excellence in action."// From School Library Journal http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6610496.html

http://media.stream.cbe.ab.ca/media/LearningCommons/ElemLC.wmv
 * Videos:

media type="youtube" key="LglFl1BYfFs" height="315" width="420"

Ontario School Library Association - Learning Commons document:

http://edleadershipretreat.wikispaces.com/file/view/The+Time+is+Now.pdf
 * "The Time is Now: Transform your School Library into a Learning Commons"


 * ** Information on the design and planning of K-12 school libraries and media centers, compiled by the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities. **
 * http://www.ncef.org/rl/libraries.cfm**

http://elementarylibraryroutines.wikispaces.com/Library+Spaces
 * A collection of ideas for library designs and furnishings:

http://www.robinhood.org/pages/programs/libraryinitiative.htm
 * How to create the Library of your dreams:

http://www.innovativelearning.ca/sec-rlc/slib-learncomm.asp
 * Library to Learning Commons - Calgary Board of Education

LEARNING RESOURCES STRATEGY CBE LIBRARIES: A TRANSFORMATION TO LEARNING COMMONS http://www.innovativelearning.ca/sec-research/documents/LRSLearningCommonsCharterV_05.pdf
 * Pages 5 to 9 of this Charter document from the Calgary Board of Education have some good comparison charts - although they may be similar in content to the one Sandra sent:

http://timgauntley.blogspot.com/2011/10/designing-school-library-as-garden.html#!/2011/10/designing-school-library-as-garden.html
 * "Designing the School Library as a Garden"