from planning to success:how two academic libraries built their learning commons(es)
DESCRIPTION
During the planning of a new Learning Commons for The University of Scranton, Sheli McHugh contacted experienced Commons Coordinators, focusing on the experiences of Joe Fennewald and the Penn State Knowledge Commons. Through close consultation, McHugh was able to use Fennewald’s expertise to better develop Scranton’s new collaborative learning space. McHugh and Fennewald will discuss the scalability of building and managing a learning commons, best practices in collaborating with the wealth of experienced Coordinators in Pennsylvania, how different sized institutions can embrace a similar vision to create an innovative space for 21st century education, how to build partnerships with divisions on campus, and how to improve services in an existing Commons based on assessment.TRANSCRIPT
From Planning to Success:How two academic libraries built their Learning Commons(es)
Joe Fennewald, Head, Knowledge Commons,
Penn State University
Sheli McHugh, Learning Commons Coordinator,
University of Scranton
Just as "every nation has the government it deserves", every college and university develops the learning commons model that reflects its particular history, culture, hopes and dreams.
Preface, Top Down, Bottom Up? Two Models for Starting a Learning Commons, Elaine Fairey, Director, SFU Student Learning Commons, and Kathy Musial, Learning Commons Coordinator, British Columbia Institute of Technology
Canadian Learning Commons Conference 2, April 29 – May 1, 2007
Northwestern UniversityUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of DelawareUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Virginia
Steelcase University Learning CenterKnoll, Inc. Herman Miller Furniture Showroom
Knowledge Commons identified as an “institutional priority” & Steering Committee formed (2004)
Working Groups established to explore key features and services
24 Hour Services
Circulation / ILL / Reserves Project Team
Collaborative Spaces & Workstations
Concierge Team
Construction & Physical Plant
Digital Signage
DLT & Project Planning
Entrance Services
Leisure Reading
Marketing Steering
Media Spaces & Services
Points & Provisions
Problem Management
References & Information Services
Room Reservation
Services Task Force
Student Advisory
Technology Support
Tutoring & Academic Services
Tombros McWhirter Knowledge CommonsPenn State University Libraries
54,000 square feet$11,360,000 total estimated cost
Tombros McWhirter Knowledge CommonsPenn State University Libraries
Media Commons
Knowledge Commons
Leisure Reading SidewaterCommons
Franklin Atrium
CommCommonsServices
Adaptive Technology
Tombros McWhirter Knowledge CommonsPenn State University Libraries
Media Commons
Knowledge Commons
Open 24 / 5
Snacks & drinks allowed
Storage lockers
Laptop recharging units
Scanners
Group Study Rooms
Media Production Spaces
Practice Presentations
Classroom
MEDIA COMMONS
Production Rooms
One Button Studio
Reilly Learning Commons
University of Scranton Weinberg
Memorial Library
Reilly Learning CommonsUniversity of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library
Group Study
Lecture Capture/Practice Presentation
Writing Center
Technology Support
Collaboration Area
Comfortable Seating
Macs & PCs
Open 24/7
Snacks & drinks allowed
Group Study Rooms
Lecture Capture Room
Writing Center offices
Tech Support
Multimedia Consultant
Head Knowledge Commons
Writing Tutors
KC Library Services
IT Service Desk
KNOWLEDGE COMMONS SERVICES (2012)
Multimedia Consultants
Head Knowledge Commons
Tech Tutors
Writing Tutors
ITS Lab Consultants
ITS Lab Consultants
KC Library Services
IT Service Desk
KNOWLEDGE COMMONS SERVICES (2014)
SERVICES22,700 total contacts, Fall 2013
7,677 contacts
207 contacts
4,724 contacts
210 contacts
6,365 contacts
3,517 contacts
KNOWLEDGE COMMONS OPERATIONS10:00 AM Sunday – Midnight Friday
10:00 AM – Midnight Saturday
• 101 LIBRARY STAFF• 107 ITS LAB CONSULTANTS (“Blue Team”)• 31 IT SERVICE DESK (“Green Team”)• 16 TECH TUTORS (“Purple Team”)• 5 MEDIA COMMONS SPECIALISTS• 3 WRITING TUTORS
Assessment
Tombros McWhirter Knowledge Commons: Next Steps
Who uses the Knowledge Commons?
How are they using it?
Are they different from those using other informal learning spaces on campus?
Assessment
Reilly Learning Commons: Creating a Plan
What do the students think of the space?
Do they want more spaces like this?
What else are they asking for?
Questions & Discussion
