Salem State University: Library and Learning Commons

Salem State University (MA) Library and Learning Commons, which opened in 2013, "brings together the Center for Academic Excellence, academic advising, TRIO programs, disabilities services, the Writing Center, and the honors program, and recognizes the synergy between and among these academic services and the library."

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.

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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

Marywood U. - From Library to Learning Commons

Marywood University in Scranton, PA has announced plans to transition from the library to a learning commons, "a true learning center for students and faculty, where available information-technology resources are centrally and efficiently integrated to further student learning and to facilitate faculty and staff transformation."  2015 is the target date. http://www.marywood.edu/archives/articles/learning-commons.html

Tennessee Tech Opens Learning Commons

Volpe Library and Media Center at Tennessee Tech University is having a rolling opening of the new Learning Commons .

It started with an open house on August 24, and continues with several events this week including The Amazing Commons Race, a scavenger hunt: winner gets an iPad. More pictures on Flickr.

George Washington U. Gelman Library Renovation

GWU has approved a $16 million plan for renovating the entrance level of Gelman Library. The plan includes "a learning commons...featuring group study spaces with wireless technology and laptop bars."

Check this site for additional updates and information

Required Reading - Learning Commons Overview

It's a couple years old now, but Mark Robertson's five-page overview titled 21st Century Learning Space is a great place to start your reading if you are about to propose or develop a learning commons on your campus. Robertson is Associate University Librarian, Information Services, York University.

York opened Phase One of the Learning Commons in October, 2010 as an integrated service including support for writing, learning skills, research assistance and career services.

Old Dominion U. Seeking Learning Commons Manager

The Norfolk, VA institution seems to be doing it right.  Early in the planning for an expansion of Perry Library, the learning commons concept was developed, tested and marketed through a series of campus presentations, forums and surveys.  A Learning Commons Governance Team was formed in 2009 made up of representatives from University Libraries, Computing Services and University College, which will staff the Student Success Center in the new building.  ODU is advertising for Learning Commons Manager to oversee "the daily operations, services and staffing" of the LC.   You can follow the Wiki that documents the progress of the project, or read the fairly detailed press release from April, 2010.  Projected completion date is October, 2011.

Assessment of the Learning Commons: Three Perspectives from CNI Spring Meeting

 “Learning Commons: What’s Working” is a 66 minute video from the Coalition for Networked Information spring meeting, April, 2010.  John Culshaw, University of Colorado, Boulder; Anu Vedantham, University of Pennsylvania, and Joan Lippincott of CNI spoke on assessment of learning or information commons.  Available on the CNI Channel on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/channels/cni)

In the Works - Seattle University

Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, currently under construction at Seattle U., will "renovate the 1960s-era library and build an adjoining high-tech learning commons to serve the university’s 7,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students."  New learning environments include an Information Commons, the Academic Support Center, and the Media Development Center. The $55 million project is partially funded by a $10 million challenge gift from the Gates Foundation.

In the Works - York University Learning Commons

Renovation will begin in April with a target opening date of September for the new Learning Commons @ Scott Library. Features include the Collaboratory, the Hub, the Salon and two Group Studies. "At the heart of the Learning Commons will be key academic supports and services offered by research, writing and learning skills partners."