- Defining and implementing a learning commons model for library services
- Developing and implementing user-oriented space utilization plans
- Implementing tools to improve knowledge discovery, information retrieval and
delivery - Collaborating with faculty in designing instructional programs that emphasize
information and technology literacy - Strengthening and supporting programs and other partnerships with
faculty - Expanding faculty development programs
The Learning Commons Model of the East Campus Library implies shared ownership and responsibility for a space in which services are designed to support core information literacy skills and interconnected technology skills; rather than being offered in isolation from each other, the learning commons service model offers users the ability to receive assistance with all scholarship-related activities under one roof. The learning commons model affirms the commitment of JMU to the free exchange of ideas, the value of face-to-face interactions of all kinds, and the exploration of shared knowledge by fostering creativity and supporting interactions that result in learning. Parts of the building will include easily reconfigurable spaces, movable furniture, collaborative tools like white boards and large wall-mounted monitors, it is hoped that these elements will serve to bring unanticipated uses in the library community.
Another element that the Learning Commons Model brings to JMU is the potential for partnerships with other campus departments; the permanent occupants of the building will be the library services, the Center for Instructional Technology, and the Center for Faculty Innovation but the spaces may lend themselves to occupancy by other campus organizations like the Writing Center, Student Success, and Information Technology. The Learning Commons Model depends on a well trained team of librarians, library assistants, and professional support staff who are prepared to meet the wide variety of needs students, faculty and scholars have; as the needs for resources and services become increasingly varied and technologically complex; the Learning Commons Model will include the entire community in making decisions about what is needed for effective teaching and learning.
Key features of the Learning Commons Model will include:
- 75 networked computers and video viewing stations
- 45 group study rooms
- Individual, collaborative, and casual study spaces
- A 24-hour study space and computer lab
- A Java City cafe
- Amazing views of the surrounding mountains as well as the famous blue stone campus
The East Campus Library has also had a redesign of the library homepage which incorporates the homepage of the East Campus Library; this redesign was based on input from faculty, staff, and students and was implemented in order to provide library users with an improved list of services and help resources and to provide clearer pathways to research tools, subject guides, and information. This redesign recognizes the increasing need on the part of library users not only to locate information but also to manipulate it. The incorporation of the RefWorks tool is an example of this need; RefWorks allows users to download bibliographic citations and use them to create their own collections, create bibliographies, and collaborate with other users.
In addition, all members of the JMU community may now request copies of journal articles and book chapters from any title held by JMU Libraries at no charge; these materials will be delivered electronically and processed within 24-48 hours. For titles not owned by JMU, Interlibrary Loan Services (ILL) are available. Online reference is also available to library users in the form of Ask a Librarian email reference or chat, questions are usually answered within 24 hours; users may also consult in person with a subject specialist librarian for more in-depth needs.
JMU also offers an Information Literacy Program which spans the four-year college experience. The library collaborates with instructional faculty to help students develop information literacy at two levels: Basic Skills and Skills in the Major Field of Study; the latter may consist of course instruction with a liaison librarian , instruction in using the Research Guides developed by the liaison librarian, or individual instruction by appointment with a liaison librarian. Additionally users of the library may access a number of Research Tutorials related to general questions, library research, and subject specific topics.
The JMU Libraries also offer Faculty Development Opportunities through annual workshops and provide a gateway to resources for faculty at the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy .
The information above was compiled from the James Madison University Libraries website at:
7 comments:
Great posting. Thank you for all of those links. Again, I see another library providing a 24 hour study area. Perhaps UNLV should see what kind of usage all of these libraries are getting out of that option.
I don't like trying to get around their website. I kept having to open up another window, bringing up this posting, and clicking on your links to find anything.
One of your links demonstrated JMU's dedication to information literacy. They have a set, four year plan to level the instruction appropriately. I like that.
Collaborating with faculty in the design process sounds excellent- who better would know what is needed? In terms of the Learning Common Model- I like how you pointed out its' success depends on a well-trained team of librarians,staff etc. who can meet the needs of the clientle- very important that they take note of that! They seem to have taken input from the staff on every aspect of the renovation, and the Information Literacy Program sounds like an very useful tool, definitely a program more academic libraries should consider adding.
The Learning Commons Model shows what can be accomplished when a number of needs are meet and when a project has a lot of input from different groups. The university seems to have anticipated the needs of students, faculty and library employees, which will contribute to an environment conducive to learning.
I like this library's emphasis on collaborative spaces and expert assistance -- this seems to be the trend. I was also very impressed by their information literacy program. I noticed that they offer information literacy workshops and offer faculty a stipend to attend. I wonder where they get the funds from, but that's a very interesting idea. Great discussion of this library!
The Learnig Commons model seems to be the wave of the future, and it seems to work. The library is competing for students with the Student Union, etc and must be an attractive, friendly, useful, and well staffed by knowledgeable professionals.
The collaborative aspects of this project sound wonderful. The Center for Instructional Technology and Center for Faculty Innovation sound like great resources to have on campus, and especially to house inside a library.
They sound a little like the Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) that we have inside the Lied Library at UNLV. I'm surprised JMU's new library doesn't have Information Technology in there yet, that's another office that you commonly see folded into a library space.
The renovation of JMU has definitely taken the user-centered approach by creating the Learning Commons Model. Providing spaces for technology interaction is a big part of library renovations and this library has implemented that. Also, designating services for faculty to utilize for their own research and teaching enhancements shows that the university is also providing professors and staff with positive opportunities.
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