7th Canadian Learning Commons Conference - Call for Proposals

Bishop’s University and the John Bassett Memorial Library invite you to submit a proposal for presentation at the 7^th Canadian Learning Commons Conference CLCC. Bishop’s is proud to be hosting this year’s conference from June 9-11, 2014 at the Delta Hotel, Sherbrooke, QC. Please visit the website for more information on the conference and keynote speakers. Attached to this email are details in regards to submitting a proposal for presentation. Kindly forward this email to colleagues who may be interested. http://www.clcc2014.ubishops.ca/home.html

Xavier University - Conaton Learning Commons

Xavier University - Conaton Learning Commons opened on the Cincinnati campus in 2010 as part of the five-story James E Hoff Academic Quad.  Shepley Bullfinch did the design work.  See the Projects page for a description and images.

'via Blog this'

Simply Stated - Learning Commons Defined

University of Northern Iowa's Rod Library is in the early stages of transforming the main floor into a learning commons. They have crafted a simple, but elegant mission statement:

 The Learning Commons is a student-centered physical and virtual learning space designed under the guiding principles of openness, flexibility, comfort, inspiration, and practicality. It fosters collaborative and independent active learning by providing technology, resources, and services that help to engage students and faculty in the learning process. Through the Learning Commons the library will strive to create active partnerships with other university units that incorporate campus-wide goals and objectives.

The Learning Commons supports the Library’s goals to provide “high quality services responsive to the
changing cultural, research, and informational needs of our community” and “functional, flexible, inviting,
safe, technology-equipped learning spaces.”

The Learning Commons supports the mission of the University of Northern Iowa to provide “transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society.” http://bit.ly/15F6OoO

U. of Iowa, Early Adopter, Takes the Next Step

Way back at the dawn of the Commons Era, before Phil Tompkins dubbed it so, the University of Iowa rolled out the Information Arcade in 1992.  Now UI is engaged in a new enterprise: the Learning Commons:

"In the fall of 2013, University of Iowa students will discover a tech-infused, 24-hour, comfy study space and one-stop academic help center…with good coffee.

Designed with significant student input, the new Learning Commons will provide an “intellectual hub” with room for 500-plus students. The 37,000-square-foot facility in the Main Library is the product of a unique partnership among Information Technology Services (ITS), University Libraries, and the Office of the Provost.

“The Learning Commons is focused, first and foremost, on furthering the academic success of students,” says Nancy Baker, university librarian. “The staff will provide students with a ‘concierge’ experience. They’ll answer common academic, library, and technology questions and point students to the resources they need to succeed, like help with their research, writing, or tutoring.”  

Video Walkthrough on YouTube

Better Late Than...

Last May, 2012, University of Calgary hosted two landmark conferences. Good for you if got to one of them.  If you were at both, you either live in Calgary or your travel budget should be investigated.

The 6th Canadian Learning Commons Conference was May 7-9. Nineteen presentations have been archived and you can browse them at: http://tinyurl.com/a9ag4bf  The next CLCC will be June 9-11, 2014 at Bishop's U., Quebec

Designing Libraries for the 21st Century, May 17-19, was a co-production of U. of Calgary and CNI.  Links to nine of the presentations are here: http://library.ucalgary.ca/lib21/presentations. Joseph Rondinelli's slides, with highly detailed renderings and photos of five Shepley Bulfinch projects (Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Teachers' College and Atlanta U. Ctr) are at: http://tinyurl.com/aryqkmy

Grand Opening at San Jose State

January 31, 2013 is the date for the opening of the Student Learning and Research Commons at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, San Jose State U.