Learning Commons

Characteristics of the layout:

• The learner's needs are at the center of the plan.
• Print books are still a part of the space. Elementary schools may need more nonfiction print books than secondary schools, which may rely more on databases for research. All will need print nonfiction for pleasure reading. All students still express a desire to read fiction in prin rather than in ebook format at this time.
• Large, heavy, fixed furniture such as bookshelves are moved away from the center of the spaces.
• Center spaces are open and more flexible, easy to rearrange quickly for a variety of activities and purposes.
• Smart tables that are large and can take the place of projectors, whiteboards, chalkboards, screens, and TV's. They also are more energy efficient.
• Makerspaces are part of the plan. These are flexible spaces which may include craft areas or high tech areas with robots and 3-D printers.
• Tables and chairs are on wheels when possible.
• Comfortable seating which encourages conversation and collaboration.
• Quiet zones near shelves for reading. These areas also may have lower ceilings and slightly more subdued lighting and seating arranged to discourage conversation.
• Tables that have tops that can flip and fold. These tops are white with surfaces for writing on with Vis-a-Vis pens for quick and easy collaboration. If they flip up, the small group can see them like a small whiteboard, or when flipped up, they can be pushed and stored away easily and in a small amount of space for larger group gatherings, such as author visits.
• Tables with more unusual shapes that can be configured in a variety of shapes.
• Small group tables with electrical sources and a large monitor. Several devices can be plugged in, and with a flick of a switch, each device can be projected onto the monitor for group collaboration.
• Comfortable seating with USB ports and power plugs to charge devices.

Katie Van Sligtenhorst has been busy transforming the space at Spring High School into a more open and flexible space, which has excited the students.

See the shelving lining the perimeter and the roominess around the tables.

See the open center aisle with the low shelving near the middle, creating an open and invitinig feeling. The displays are near the center, like Barnes & Noble.

See a collection of images of spaces and furniture at this Pinterest site that illustrate what a Learning Commons looks like, some of which are shown here.

These are called Kite tables. The shape is unusual and allows for various configurations in multiple layouts.

You can also see the advantage of folding them and rolling them out of sight in a small space when more open floor space is needed.

Here are other Kite tables in a different shape.

Other vendors have different shapes. Some look like pinwheels and are very easy to bunch in several ways.