Posters

Designing an Academic Library Learning Commons: Students Have Their Say

This research study is a user needs analysis of the views and comments of potential student users as to what should be included in a learning commons, how the space should be designed and what services should be provided. Focus groups conducted with undergraduate student users of the existing Informatics Commons at the University of Toronto Scarborough Library showed that students appreciated convenient access to desktop computers and to staff help. In a future learning commons, students need spaces for quiet individual computer use, collaborative group computer use, and social activities. Service needs include improved technical, research and writing support.

Sue Reynolds, Reference Services, University of Toronto Scarborough Library

Saying Yes! To student Requests for Space Use in the LC and What We can Learn as a Result

How can a Learning Commons convey a sincere message of openness to student ideas and collaboration? How do they know we are listening? And what happens when they take us up on our offer? Using images and other media, this poster will illustrate many examples of vibrant, creative, and sometimes surprising student-created spaces and events in LCs, even some that didn’t receive advance permission! It will also review what both students and library staff learned from these experiences.

Lesley Pease, Head, Learning Commons, Syracuse University Library, Syracuse, NY