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The Learning Commons: The Undergrad is having an Extreme Makeover!

The concept of a learning commons is new to the University of Illinois. The information below may be of assistance as you begin to conceptualize what this space will be.

What is a learning commons?

• A space on one or more floors of the Library that integrates library and other campus services, staff, resources, collections, and technologies into the entire fabric of the campus
• Brings services distributed across the campus into the Library as the heart of the campus and where the students already congregate
• Its principles are clearly aligned with the campus wide mission
• Not library-centric
• Integrates the social and academic
• Accommodates student lifestyles with long hours and food services
• Emphasizes the inclusion of all students and student groups plus faculty and staff
• Connects students with the information, resources, and support they need to succeed on campus
• Emphasizes the creation and construction of knowledge
• Enriches the cultural life of the campus through exhibits, events, and other activities
• Supplements or replaces the former computer lab function as it provides wired and wireless technology to access licensed software as well as online library resources
• Provides varied and flexible collaborative spaces that adapt to students' changing patterns of learning and innovating
• Provides a high service environment heavily staffed with students (but guided by dedicated staff and supported by highly-trained specialists)
• Provides print and electronic resources to support both personal and academic needs

Based on: Bailey, Russell. From Information Commons to Learning Commons . ACRL National Convention, Minneapolis , MN , April 10, 2005 .

Learning Commons Vision

We have the opportunity to re-imagine Library space to enhance campus services for 21 st century student learning and reinforce the library as the academic center of campus. The Learning Commons is envisioned as a vibrant open studio environment with seamless, coordinated resources and services--a place where students will be able to access the library's extensive print and electronic collections; use state-of-the-art technology for research and coursework; meet with faculty and fellow students in comfortable, flexible furniture configurations and study spaces; and receive support from experts in research, advising, technology, writing, and the disciplines.

The Learning Commons is envisioned as a primarily student-centered space, and is based on a convergence of several campus initiatives and trends- pedagogical, technological, and social. Students would come to study alone or in groups, conduct research, receive course and writing assistance, and visit Help Desk services. They would not have to leave the Library for the typical reasons: hunger, breaks, and technology and service obstacles.

The Learning Commons will fill a void on campus for collaborative space and is intended to create a new vision of the library as the place where all students come together to study, learn, and socialize. Through the Learning Commons, students will have more just-in-time access to resources and support, both virtual and physical. The Commons will encourage engagement with information in its various forms, reinforce the value of collaborative inquiry, create new opportunities for community interaction, and support students to adjust to and succeed at the University of Illinois .

• A hub of student activity;
• A blended space that removes barriers to learning and facilitates student success;
• An open and flexible collaborative environment to support innovation;
• A social gathering space for students, faculty, TAs, and staff;
• A centralized point of referral: research, technology, advising, and academic support provided in one place;
• A common point for information on campus services with direct service during periods of peak demand through collaboration by several now distributed campus services;
• A bridge for students to rediscover and increase use of the Library and its resources.

Return to main Learning Commons page.

For comments on this page contact: Undergraduate Library

Last modified by: Logan Moore on 2/13/09