Author : Roberts, Regina Lee
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
URL: www.emeraldinsight.com/0024-2535.htm
Abstract:
This article explores the concept of "information commons" and the possibilities of developing dynamic "learning commons". The "learning commons" model has the potential to be a laboratory for students, librarians and faculty. It is a collaboration space and requires partnerships and cooperation across disciplines. Consequently, the role of librarians is also changing to support the requirements of a dynamic "learning commons".
Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment:
1. I have learned that one of the fundamental concepts of the learning commons is advancing literacy through active learning. First and foremost, locating the learning commons in the library is a very ideal place because there are dedicated spaces within the library and it is configured and equipped with technology. Lastly, there is collaboration with students, faculty, staff and institutional administration, thereby, enhancing the learning process.
2. It also impressed upon me that "learning commons" is increasingly becoming an inevitable component of library service. Because of this, every library should plan thoroughly in developing a "learning commons". In the planning stage, it is very important that the library envision an attractive, comfortable and pragmatic space to encourage users to come in, work, collaborate and use the library services and resources. I could give here as an example of a functioning "learning commons" in the University is the UP College of Engineering Library. Generally, the elements of a functioning learning commons include : seamless technology, production software, readily available content (i.e. library resources), and comfortable, practical and attractive physical design.
3. I have also learned from the article that the concept of "information commons" is not the same as the concept of "learning commons". Although many learning commons are referred to as information commons and vice versa, they are indeed different. The information commons can be a simple online portal for library users to learn about information literacy or library services such as a website. The presence of a cluster of computers in the library that have access to the OPAC or other electronic databases could also be there. What is also emphasized in "information commons" is that it assists users in knowledge-seeking. On the other hand, learning commons are spaces with the technology and design that emphasize knowledge creation. Therefore, the library is becoming a laboratory, a space for knowledge creation, where there is collaboration with students, faculty, staff and institutional administration. In a sense, it is much broader than information commons.
Implications of the new things I learned to my work/to me as a person:
As technology continues to grow and evolve in a very fast pace, the library is compelled to re-imagine and redesign the development and delivery of its programs and services. Envisioning and planning for a "learning commons" poses challenging roles for librarians. I envision our library to be transformed someday into a "learning commons" just like the UP Engineering Library to further enhance social learning in the field of law where there is collaboration among students, faculty, librarians, administrators, lawyers and other members of the bench and the bar.
A very challenging role for librarian in the learning commons environment is that of acting as facilitator thereby becoming a partner in the collaborative process. It is important that librarians have a good working relationship with their administrators to be able to garner their support. Also, the librarian has the responsibility of marketing the learning commons and also of evaluating the outcomes of the learning commons. Furthermore, the librarian should also act as coordinator in technical services to make sure that the tools are available to users and are easily manipulated by them. These and many more challenging roles are out to test the librarian in the learning commons environment but I believe that the librarian can surpass all these challenges and will emerge as successful in the end.
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