Creative Learning Commons Scenarios
To ensure that the physical library learning commons is maximized to its potential it needs to be open and ready for learning at all times.
Students and teachers need to know that real time support, expertise, resources and technologies are always available and that the LLC is a stable extension of every classroom. The virtual learning commons provides a 24/7 environment for teachers and students to work, create and share anytime. Together the two learning environments provide diverse opportunities to naturally bridge the gap between isolated classrooms and the networked worlds of modern learning.
Ideally, the physical and virtual LLC is staffed by full time teacher-librarians working in partnership with other specialist and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate and lead learning growth with the standards.
Recognizing that every school is unique in their needs, the following list provides a few creative scenarios for ensuring that the library learning commons is never ‘down’ but always ‘on and alive’ and ready to provide added value to everyone’s learning at school and wherever they can connect.
- Full time teacher-librarians working in partnership with other specialist and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate and lead learning growth with the standards.
- Part time teacher-librarians sharing the role with other specialist teachers (technology, reading, student success) working in partnership with classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate learning growth with the standards.
- Part time teacher-librarians working in partnership with library support staff (library technician, clerk) and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate learning growth with the standards.
- A LLC teacher/ teacher-librarian with additional support roles such as learning assistance, working with those groups in the library while other students use the space. The LLC remains open with a professional teacher present, and the small groups of students stay in an environment with other learners, rather than going to an assigned resource room.
- A learning commons teacher(s) working in partnership with library support staff and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate the early stages of the standards.
- Librarians/Library Technicians working in partnership with a learning commons teacher and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate the early stages of the standards.
- Librarians/Library Technicians working in partnership with a travelling or virtual teacher-librarian and classroom teachers and supported by central consultants to initiate the early stages of the standards.
- Very small and/or remote rural schools may elect for a virtual teacher-librarian with a learning commons teacher(s) taking responsibility at the school and supported by central consultants to initiate learning growth with the standards.
- A virtual teacher-librarian supporting e-learning or blended learning experiences linked to online learning environments via a Virtual Learning Commons.
- A teacher-librarian working in partnership with a public librarian in a shared library learning commons physical and virtual space to initiate and lead learning growth with the standards.
- More creative ideas to ensure learners have the best professional support and expertise possible in their library learning commons.
For more resources, see: Excellent School Libraries – Canadian School Libraries