This document discusses rethinking the library media center at MHS by transforming it into a Library Learning Commons. It proposes 6 "lanes" or areas for the new commons: 1) iCommons for quiet digital work, 2) two computer labs for instruction, 3) flex zones for resources and research, 4) a maker space for creation, 5) an information station, and 6) conference rooms. It notes benefits like increased academic achievement, enriched learning experiences, and preparation for 21st century skills. The new commons aims to be a hub of activity and collaboration versus the traditional quiet library model.

1. Re-thinking the Library Media Center
Re-thinking the MHS Library
Media Center
Diana Gardner, MHS Library Media Specialist
“Investing in only 5% of the school’s real
estate [the library]…has an impact on 100% of
the students.”
THE ROBIN HOOD FOUNDATION

2. Re-thinking the Library Media Center
Re-thinking the Media Center
“Schools with stronger school library programs average
10-20 % higher test scores.
Keith Curry Lance, Ph.D.
Director, Library Research Service
Laura Bush Foundation

3. Re-thinking the Library Media Center
Re-thinking the Media Center
Today, an intellectual “hum” is the new “quiet.” Librarians
function as instructors, coaches, teachers, and cheerleaders —
while all around them students and teachers engage in multiple
forms of learning. To spend a day in a contemporary school
library is to witness what all the research says about quality
education for the 21st century — educators and students
engaged in research, collaboration, communication,
problem solving, creativity, and more .
(National Association of Independent Schools)
.
http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/The-New-School-Library.aspx

4. Re-thinking the Media Center
This substantive shift to digital content will also change
the requirements for the school library's physical space.
Because the library is no longer warehousing the
research collection itself, there is no need for a formal,
quiet space. Library research can occur anywhere: in the
classroom, at home, in quiet study areas throughout
campus, and the library itself.
School Library Monthly
http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Corbett2011-v27n7p5.html

5. Digital Learning Space
Evolving the Old School Library to
a Digital Learning Space
We have a very attractive space for the school media
center; however, more and more, forward -thinking
high schools in America are developing a hybrid
school library or media center that incorporates
traditional books, new digital technologies, and new
modes of learning/teaching.

6. Re-thinking the Library Media Center
Library Learning Commons
I’ve chosen a model called the Library Learning Commons, a variation of what is
happening started on many college campuses and now is spreading to a growing
number of high schools.

7. Library Learning Commons
What is the Library Learning Commons?
•
•
•
•
•
Physical and virtual space
Welcoming and inviting student-centered environment
Open, varied, and flexible collaborative space
Point of access for resources and services, print AND electronic
Center for state-of-the-art technology for research, coursework, and
Project-Based Learning
• Areas for professional development and whole-group instruction
• Showcase of best teaching and learning practices
• Heartbeat of the building, hub of student and staff activity

8. Purpose
What does the Library Learning Commons accomplish?
• Organizes library resources, collections, and technologies in one location—it
is the place students and teachers know to go for anything related to
knowledge and learning
• Raises academic achievement school-wide by increasing and improving
student use of traditional and non-traditional library resources
• Promotes a love of reading through displays, programming, and a
professionally-developed collection that includes high interest fiction and nonfiction for students and staff
• Enriches the cultural life of the high school campus through exhibits,
events, and other activities, connecting students with the greater local
community and world.
Adapted from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: “The Learning Commons: The Undergrad is Having
an Extreme Makeover!” <http://www.library.uiuc.edu/ugl/lc/more.html> (April 22, 2009)

9. Specifics
The Specifics
An evolved media center is like a busy, six-lane
highway, traffic in all lanes – all day long.
Lane 1, iCommons: (Glassed-in conference room) Digital research and individual
student work in a quiet, collaborative setting.
Lane 2, Two Multi-use Computer Labs: – Multi-media instruction, Professional
Development.
Lane 3, Flex Zones: Resources and research, catalog, and online databases.
Lane 4, Maker Space: individual and small group media creation/projects
Lane 5, Information Station: Everyone’s first stop – manned with trained student staff.
Lane 6, Conference Rooms: Dropshare Collaboration Tables connected to TV’s

10. iCommons
Lane 1: iCommons
Designated Area A: (Glassed-in conference room) Digital research and
individual student work in a quiet, collaborative setting.
• A beautiful space arranged to accommodate study needs of
independent and small - group learners.
• The place for students and teachers to work, read, or pursue new
skills in information technology and literacy.
• The place for students to research, create, problem-solve
with support from media specialist and trained student ‘interns.’
• The place with hook-up for laptop computers.
• A place with comfortable seating that can be put in a variety of
configurations/arrangements.

11. iCommons
Lane 1: iCommons
Designated Area A:
(Glassed-in conference room)
Digital research and individual
student work in a quiet,
collaborative setting.
• Bistro-style cafe seating
• Collaborative Sprocket Table

12. Multi-use Computer Labs
Whole Group Instruction/Professional Development
An “open” computer lab - space arranged to provide everything
a teacher needs to present a lesson with the latest of
instructional technology.
• Polyvision Boards – Update with sound bar.
• Two, 30-station computer labs with media manipulation
software programs.
• Connection to each computer through the school network to
the Internet. Each would include a CD-burner, and USB and
firewire input/output with accompanying software to facilitate
assembling and saving projects.

13. Lane 2: Multi-use Computer Labs
Motion
Tables
• Designed with under-the-work-surface cable troughs and modesty
panels that channel cords discreetly and out-of-sight from table to
table. You can connect up to six tables per power plug.

14. Media-Center Computer Lab (Ben Davis)

15. Flex Zones
Lane 3: Flex Zones
Lane 3, Flex Zones: Resources and research, catalog, and online
databases.
• Use Current Computer Configurations – each side of
circulation desk.
• Moveable furniture for maximum flexibility
• Low, flexible, mobile shelving as an option for part of the
collection.
• Computer furniture that includes an ample side work area
adjacent to each computer.
• Comfortable seating that can be put in a variety of
configurations/arrangements.
• Tables, both large and small, arranged to accommodate study
needs of independent and small group learners.

16. Flex Zones
Lane 3: Flex Zones
Lane 3, Flex Zones: Resources and research, catalog, and online
databases.

17. Maker Space
Lane 4: Maker Space
Designated Area B:
"Innovation Zone" or “ Maker Space”
A space arranged to provide everything
students need to create projects – adjacent
to the iCommons
• Computer Workstations Currently in use–
Updated with Creativity Software)
• CollaborativeTables arranged to
accommodate creation of projects
• Open-source
creativity
software
• Commercial
creativity
software
• Office supplies
(staplers, glue,
paint, markers,
etc.).

18. Lane 4: Maker Space
Designated Area B:
"Innovation Zone" or “ Maker Space”

19. Information Station
Lane 5: Information Station
• Everyone’s first stop – trained student staff
• Digital displays for student work, upcoming events,
latest acquisitions, etc.
• Available for borrowing: (examples)
• iPads or Tablets
• iPod touches
• Kindles
• Laptops
Theft-prevention system, placed
relatively close to the circulation desk
to provide for the most effective
use of equipment.
.

20. Conference Rooms
Lane 6: Conference Rooms
• Dropshare Media Table
• Conferencing/collaborative work
Get more out of our existing
televisions with this special
media table enhance small
group learning. Team members
can share multiple devices on
one screen and students can
embrace long-distance learning.
With a small footprint and the
integrated technology
connectivity, these centers are
critical tools for having people
work together with today’s
laptops and tablets.

21. Infrastructure
Good News: We already HAVE most of this!
✓ Electrical system sufficient to accommodate current and future
technological needs. Outlets need to be located throughout
the facility at regular intervals.
✓ Wireless and wired technology infrastructure with a high
bandwidth and the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of
current and future technologies. Computer/data ports need to
be located throughout the facility at regular intervals.
✓ Meets specific needs of various areas: circulation desk, online
data bases, independent work stations, etc.
✓ Windows treated to screen ultraviolet light that could damage
books and create excess heat.

22. Technology
Digital Signage
W
list
ish

23. NEW: offering collaborative
workspaces for students and
noise-cancelling headphones for
those who want silence.

24. How Will This New Library Learning Commons Be
Different From Our Current School Library?
Old Model
Librarians teach students how to find quality
information
New Model
Librarians coach students in acquiring, creating, and
sharing knowledge
Librarians show students how to use technology
to access databases
Librarians, subject teachers and students explore the
uses and implications of state-of-the- art technology
Librarians are resources of information
Librarians inspire learning
Everyone must be quiet!
Multiple, flexible spaces allow for a variety of
simultaneous learning environments
Areas defined by stacks, computers, and tables
Changeable areas defined by affinity groups,
classes, and subjects
Books are stored in the stacks
Entire collection is used every year
Students assemble 2D projects on posterboard
Students create multimedia presentations, borrowing
from text, audio, video
Students present projects to their class
Students present projects to the public in the
Learning Commons
Separate sections devoted to digital information and
print information
QR Codes link print and non-print media by subject
(Newton
North Learning Commons)

25. Media Center Activities
Media Center Qualities
No Two
Are the Same
Large-group instruction
Research Zones
Reference
Control
Independent work areas
Visibility
Small group work areas
Structured Learning Areas
Informal reading
Technology Learning Areas
Production (e.g. video)
Project-Based Learning
Areas
“The library of the
future still is going to
be an environment
in which people can
interact,
they can work in
small groups, and
kids can learn to
socialize with each
other, to actively
engage in learning.”
Circulation
Flexible/Moveable Furniture
Administration (office)
Technologically Integrated
Displays/exhibit
Learning Hub
Doug Johnson,
Director of Media
and Technology
Mankato (MN)
School District.

26. “GIANT things are yet to come on
our journey to become among the
most consistently high-performing
and innovative school
communities in Indiana.”
Brad Lindsay,
MCS Superintendent
MARION GIANTS VISION FOR VICTORY!