Ask Amigos Question - What sources are available in developing a plan for a "Learning Commons" in the library?

Ask Amigos - the Librarian's Reference Desk, our free service to Amigos members that provides advice, referral, and resources delivered by phone and e-mail, recently received this question.

What sources are available in developing a plan for a “Learning Commons” in the library?

Public Library Consultant Lynne Craddock sent this informative response:

I was able to find a couple of web sources that should help with your planning process. US Academic Libraries: Today’s Learning Commons Model study and the e-book Learning Spaces edited by Diana G. Oblinger, outlines a list of important steps for space planning. These are guides to implementing and designing academic library learning spaces. Examples of academic library learning spaces and Information Commons are also included.

The following Learning Space Toolkit is a freely available resource supporting the lifecycle of a project, from defining the goals and needs early on to constructing the space to supporting and assessing it. It is divided into these categories: Roadmap, Needs Assessment, Space Types, Services, Technology and Integration. Downloads and templates are included.

I also recommend this book, Building a Learning Commons, by Carol Koechlin. It is a planning guide for establishing a Learning Commons, with planning forms, checklists and organizational suggestions.