Part of the session "Planning & Realizing the "Fourth Place"". Session description: "With the rise of learning commons and collaboration laboratories (COLABs), people are using space differently in order to engage in learning. Rather than a third place as defined by Ray Oldenburg, these fourth places are becoming where people go to participate in specific learning activities. Signorelli discusses the difference between third and fourth places, and how this learning fourth place is different than the library settings we’re used to creating. Coleman and Hurst-Wahl outline how a library can create a fourth place using existing or recycled space (e.g., shipping containers) as well as the library services and resources that would support fourth place activities. Included is an interaction brainstorm about partnerships the libraries can pursue in order to bring this vision to reality." Presentation to be given at Computers in Libraries Conference, Mar 23, 2011. (CIL11 / CIL2011)

1. Fourth Places for Learning Skills & Acquiring Knowledge Jill Hurst-Wahl Asst. Prof. of Practice Syracuse Univ. iSchool @jill_hw

2. What is a library? A place that connects people with knowledge For students, a place that increases their hours of learning activities

6. Where can patrons/members learn “dirty” skills or interact with knowledge-keepers?

8. Exterior dimensions: 40’ (l) x 8’ (w) x 9’6” (h) Approx. interior dimensions: 39’ x 7’8” x 8’9” (320 sq. ft.) Very secure. Can withstand the elements. ~$2000-4000 w/out modifications, transport or handling

9. Uses… Additional library space Space for messy learning (e.g., fixing bikes) Temporary vacant lot learning commons Storage for open-air activities Resource center for a community garden Rural or community reading room Library outside of the library Patron inspired or led learning activities

10. Outfitting the Container Fourth Place Windows and real doors, optional Use the doors on the container Heavy duty padlock Electricity and water, optional Generator, portable toilet and sink Tables, chairs, shelves, tools, books Use your imagination Have the users decide Staff, optional What?

11. Shipping Container Resources to Help You Understand the Possibility Shipping container architecture Shipping Container Housing Guide ISBU Information On Architecture: Transforming cargo containers into a weekend studio ReThinking Out of the Box-Shipping Container Houses Outside the box thinkers put shipping containers to another use Disaster Relief Shelter - 2 x 20' ISO Shipping Containers (video) Shipping containers as building components (123+ pages)

12. Fourth Places Featured… Northern Onondaga Public Library (NY) The Bike Kitchen, San Francisco, CA All photos had Creative Commons license for reuse or were used with permission.