Building the Learning Commons

Koechlin, C., Rosenfeld, E., & Loertscher, D. (2010). Building the learning commons: A guide for school administrators and learning leadership teams. Salt Lake City: Hi Willow Research and Publishing.

This book begins by defining the authors’ vision of a learning commons. It is an integration of the school library and the computer lab, an online and physical space, and a collaboration between the teacher librarian, the teacher technologist, and other educators at the school. The learning commons at a school provides a space for collaboration, research, technology use, and transforming information into knowledge. It also provides opportunities for students to shape their learning and have authentic learning experiences. At the end of chapter 2, several examples of learning commons from different schools are listed. These are examples of schools that emphasize different areas or strengths for the learning commons. The book provides guidelines on how to create a learning commons at a school. It emphasizes the need for teamwork, program development prior to physical space development, and areas of focus. It also recommends shifting to a client-centered model as opposed to top-down direction from teachers and administrators.

The book gives concrete suggestions and information to guide a school's transformation from library + computer lab to unified learning commons. It includes guidelines for planning, and interview questions for hiring new learning commons-related staff. The emphasis is on creating a site that encourages collaboration, and isn't just a one-way information dispensing street.