Learning Commons in Academic Libraries: Discussing Themes in the Literature from 2001 to the Present. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017) - Blummer, Barbara
ABSTRACT: Although the term lacks a standard definition, learning commons represent academic library spaces that provide computer and library resources as well as a range of academic services that support learners and learning. Learning commons have been equated to a laboratory for creating knowledge and staffed with librarians that serve as facilitators of learning. Many of these spaces evolved over time with the addition of campus partners and services. In this article, the authors examined the literature on academic library learning commons to identify common themes. A qualitiative analysis of 103 articles identified five themes including: planning the learning commons, assessing the learning commons, benefiting from the learning commons, collaborating in the learning commons, and staffing the learning commons. Foremost, the review pointed to the increasing popularity of learning commons in academic institutions. To that end, it remains critical that librarians possess the capabilities necessary to support students, faculty, and staff in these next generation learning spaces. Some of these capabilities include traditional library skills, but librarians' computer literacy, including familiarity with web 2.0 technologies, and their knowledge of instructional design remains important too.