Learning Commons Videos and Ideas

What design considerations do you need to take into consideration as you develop a learning commons concept? How would a learning commons function differently from the way your library currently functions?
After watching the YouTube video of the NCSU I’ve realized how desperately important it is for the ability for students to work as a group. A design consideration I would definitely think about would be computer stations that allow multiple people to work one either one computer, or as a group working on multiple stations.
The Learning Commons in Santa Clara do not look anything like our current library. First, the vast open areas are wonderful, with brightly colored, inviting seating that encourage people to come and inhabit the library. As much as I hate to say it; our library is dank, dark, and very, very old. There are zero areas that allow for cooperative work and the only sign of technology is a bank of 6 computers that you can use for only an hour. I noticed at the Santa Clara Learning Commons all the choices that people had once they entered, do they need a quiet area, are they going to be collaborating, looking for a book? All those options are available with the adequate space provided in Santa Clara.
The reason for me behind watching the third video, the CCHS Learning Commons was to watch students in action using the facilities. Most videos show all the architecture features and students working, but from a distance. With this video

5 Significant Design Features/concepts/ideas:
1. Make sure that you listen to the wants and needs of the people who will be using the library, and also those who are helping support financially.
2. Collaborative space is almost as important as the resources that are offered in the library.
3. A Learning Commons can be anything you want it to be (if you have those resources) it can have aspects of the traditional library, or it can be something completely different from what anyone’s used to seeing in the area. (The new Santa Clara Learning Commons is a fabulous example)
4. Make not only teachers aware of the free resources and technology available, but also parents, staff members, or the local library, but MOST importantly, the students! They will be the most capable of using the new gimmicks coming out.
5. Be willing to step away and allow students to work independently. They can do it! If they have questions be there to facilitate, but not lead.

3 Sources:
NCState. “NCSU Libraries Learning Commons”, YouTube. 2008.Web. 23 June 2011.
santaclaraweb. “A New Learning Commons and Library: the Heart of Academics”, YouTube. 2009. Web. 23 June 2011.
Cicchetti, Robin. “CCHS Learning Commons-Chinese”,Vimeo. 2010. Web. 23 June 2011. http://www.vimeo.com/9179860