Academic Libraries and Learning Spaces

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Academic Libraries and Learning Spaces

• BCLA
• April 21, 2006

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Libraries and learning

• Library as place symbol of learning
• interaction with physical collections
• quiet, reflective study
• neutral place for discussion, debate
• Library as virtual place means
• library as virtual service
• interaction with virtual collections
• interaction with virtual services
• library as place still an important concept in
  digital environment
• moving from collection focused to learner focused
  environments

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Learning principles

• learning as a social activity
• peer to peer learning is important
• technology must be integrated, seamless
• learning can happen anytime, anywhere
• active learning incorporates
• discussion, debate
• problem solving
• real-life experience
• time of need information

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Design principles

• formal and informal learning spaces
• access to food and drink
• collaborative study spaces
• flexible furnishings
• integrated technology (wireless)
• space for integrated services
• areas for extended opening hours

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Information Commons

• integrated space for technology and learning
  activities
• integrated support for technical, reference,
  writing assistance
• space for multi-type users - students, faculty,
  community
• non-subject/discipline specific space
• Evolution from information commons to learning
  commons (information download to knowledge
  creation)

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Case Study - Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

• 250,000 sq ft facility
• high-density storage (1.8M items)
• classrooms, library resources, learning commons,
  media lab
• mix of quiet and collaborative learning spaces
• mix of formal and informal (lecture hall and
  cafe)
• learning zones connect library resources with
  teaching/academic spaces

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Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
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Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
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Community outreach

• University interested in community engagement
• global citizen
• community service learning
• Academic libraries can learn from public
  libraries
• attracting community
• attracting diverse user base
• developing community programs

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Trends

• Library as campus community builder
• Integration of classroom spaces in libraries
• Integration of traditional services with new
  services (support for digital scholarship)
• Mix of learning spaces
• Food is good!
• Flexibility physical space and technology
  infrastructure
• Libraries at centre of learning space design
  revolution!