Libraries or Learning Commons?
The Evolution of the Modern Library

Libraries are not safe places, and the reason for that is there are ideas to be found – John Bookman

 I have always been a frequent visitor of libraries. I love the smell of slightly musty books and the hushed quiet that invites you to settle in a with a new resource or a place to search out new information. On my travels, I actively sought out famous libraries to visit such as the  Trinity College Long Room Library in Dublin, Ireland.  Libraries have always had a sense of mystery to me - an idea shared in episode 664 of one of my favourite podcasts, This American Life.  

Riedling and Houston (2019) define a library as, "The role of reference services in the school library is to help students to use the library resources to obtain relevant and credible information that meets information needs" (3). But, how does a librarian create an environment that works for everyone? And meets the educational expectations? The Canadian Association for School Libraries' (CASL) vision of a school library, as defined in Achieving Information Literacy (2006) is, " a resource centre, filled with our literature and a wealth of national and international information resources, which acts as a national endowment for all our children and youth" (Asselin, Branch, Oberg, 3). This is a big ask.

This definition then places a significant emphasis on two parts of the librarian's role; teacher of information and research literacy AND the selection, evaluation and maintenance of an ever changing reference collection. 

The teacher aspect feels very familiar as the inquiry process has been embedded in the classroom for many years. The process of inquiry or information research is embedded in the Ministry of Education's curricular competencies and many resources and sample processes are available such as this set of sample inquiry plans from the Ministry of Education. 

It is the curation and maintenance of a reference collection that feels new. CASL's proclamation (2006) that, "if school libraries were to be fully developed, they could be the great cultural equalizer that would give children in every corner of the country access to resources that would enhance their learning, give great personal pleasure, and help them learn about themselves and each other" (3) creates an almost untenable expectation. 

When distilled down to the very essence, there seems to be a simple yet effective process to creating a modern library commons:  

1. Evaluate both digital and print resources ruthlessly so you keep gems like this from staying on the shelf.

2. Follow the recommended guidelines for quantity and variety.

3. Create a barrier free environment with intellectual accessibility, adequate security, and welcoming physical spaces for independent and collaborative work.

4. Ensure a strong online resource collection to broaden and supplement the print items and make sure the WIFI signal is strong and available for all. 

Having been in the same school for 20 years, I have watched the library evolve from a library heavy in encyclopedias and reference materials to a learning commons where learning how to be a savvy digital learner has become paramount. Gone are the security gates and dense dated print resources. Now students are encouraged to congregate and collaborate using their own devices to access the vast digital collections at the high top tables on the free school WIFI.

Before: 

 

After:

The old library did the job and was a very popular place, but the transformation has allowed the Learning Commons to become the hub of the school which Reidling and Houston argue, "[supports] learners by providing library resources, technology tools and support, tutoring, and other academic support services, all in one central location (105). 

When done well, libraries or learning commons, are magical. They hold power and space for people to learn and explore which in turn allow them to live better lives. Poems have been written. TED has curated a Love Letter to Libraries play list of people espousing the benefits and joy libraries bring. They may be changing but they are not going away. Whew! 

Resources:

Asselin, Marlene, et al. Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada. Canadian Association for School Libraries, 2006.

https://awfullibrarybooks.net/eggstatic-recipes/

MacDougall, L. Various Photos, Untitled. Date Unknown. Surrey, BC.

Riedling, A. M., & Houston, C. (2019). Reference skills for the school librarian: Tools and tips (4th ed.). 

“This American Life.” The Room of Requirement, Dec 28, 2018. Retrieved Feb 2, 2022 from https://www.thisamericanlife.org/.

Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, February 1). Library of Trinity College Dublin. Wikipedia. Retrieved February 1, 2022, fromhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Trinity_College_Dublin