AIA/ALA 2011 Library Building Awards

Two academic libraries are recipients of the biennial Library Building Awards from the American Institute of Architects and ALA's Library Administration and Management Association.

Ohio State University's William Oxley Thompson Library

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Library, Saudi Arabia

An interesting coincidence: Joseph Branin, Director of KAUST Library, was Director of Libraries at Ohio State U., 2000 - 2009. Branin was the subject of Library Journal's "A Day in the Life Series" in 2007 while he was overseeing the $106 million renovation of Thompson Library. (http://bit.ly/kxxVNp)

Library Learning Terrace at Drexel U.

The Chronicle of Higher Education ran a long piece last week titled "Tomorrow's Academic Libraries: Maybe Even Some Books," featuring Drexel University's Library Learning Terrace, a bookless, flexible space for study and collaborative work. The Learning Terrace, located in the midst of the residence halls on the Philadelphia campus, turns the Learning Commons concept around, putting the services and technology, if not the collections, where the students are.

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.

UPDATE Brody Learning Commons at Johns Hopkins U.

UPDATE
"The newest of the Sheridan Libraries, the Brody Learning Commons opened in August 2012. Connected to the Eisenhower Library on all floors, the Commons is open 24/7 and features a large quiet reading room, 16 group study rooms, teaching and seminar rooms, and a café. The Commons is also home to the Department of Special Collections and the Department of Conservation and Preservation." 
http://krieger.jhu.edu/magazine/v10n1/brody-learning-commons/

Named for a former JHU president, Brody Learning Commons will open in July 2012 as an extension to the Milton S. Eisenhower Library. Designed by Sheply, Bullfinch, Richardson and Abbott to LEED silver certification, it will feature group study rooms, smart technology classrooms, atrium and cafe. The Rare Books and Conservation/Preservation departments will also get new research facilities and conservation labs.

7 Things You Should Know

EDUCAUSE has been running a series of briefs on emerging learning technologies.  The latest is 7 Things You Should Know About the Modern Learning Commons.  Authors are Joan Lippincott (Coalition for Networked Information) and Stacey Greenwell (U. of Kentucky).  Stacey was Head of the Information Commons (aka The Hub) at U.K. before she was promoted to Assoc. Dean for Academic Affairs and Research.  Her Uncommon Commons blog has tons of good ideas for innovative services and promoting same.