Embedded Files
Purpose:
The purpose of this website includes the foundational elements, as the traditional school library uses metamorphosis to transform into a learning commons, and then into an innovation laboratory and learning commons.
format example for this website: https://tsl.mit.edu/ai-guidebook/
Introduction to the Innovation Lab and Library Learning Commons
Years ago, at a Treasure Mountain research retreat, Dr. Joyce Valenza made the final challenge to the audience. She said if this profession is going to survive, libraries and librarians need to be visible and indispensable. She also often spoke of the library as a kitchen where all kinds of delicious recipes were being tested, rather than just serving the same old order of pizza. At this Leap Into the Future of School Libraries Conference, we will investigate the Leap Challenge, examining the transformation of the traditional school library into a vibrant innovation hub, as well as exploring library and learning perspectives. The paragraphs below expand the idea. Please be sure to watch the two videos at the end of the introduction. Hopefully, that will uncover an important transformational concept.
The modern "lab-library" is a dynamic hybrid space that combines a traditional library with an innovation lab that fosters experimentation and creativity, and reimagines learning through physical and digital environments. With the rapid rise of AI in K–12 education, this space becomes essential for testing new teaching strategies, exploring AI-driven projects, and piloting innovations before school-wide implementation. It functions as a maker-space on steroids, integrating books, media, and cutting-edge technology to inspire deeper learning across subjects like math, science, and literature.
The lab-library serves multiple roles: a hub for experimentation and community engagement, a professional development center, a showcase for student and teacher projects, and a center for internships and technology testing. Governed by a website that provides real-time updates, project data visualizations, and event information, it anchors school tours and parent nights. In essence, it transforms the entire school into a living laboratory of learning driven by curiosity, innovation, and the transformative potential of AI.
This concept rises upon the shoulders of major educational scholars dating back many years. Check out the major scholars page on this website to realize how much support there is for true experimentation with students and teachers. Also check out the current scholars page for major sources and research that may not mention the library but support the whole idea of innovation across the school.
We have also created an examples page with many ideas and practices that will help get such an innovation lab up and running. And if you are curious to go on a virtual visit to an actual learning hub or what we would call a close example to an innovative laboratory, watch superintendent Buddy Barry in Eminence, Kentucky describe their learning hub. Finally, to check out the required leadership of such an innovation lab check out this short video that describes the change from a librarian that is a comfy and helpful cat that changes to a dog.
Additional Concepts for Discussion Starters
Introduction to the Concept of an Innovation Lab and Library Learning Commons
Imagine a cutting-edge lab where ideas don’t just emerge—they ignite, transform, and soar into entirely new realms of possibility. Now, fuse that energy with the concept of a traditional library—both physical and digital—and you’ve got the essence of a modern innovation lab. This hybrid "lab-library" melds quiet reading nooks with buzzing virtual tools, opening a vibrant space where students, teachers, and administrators converge to experiment, invent, and reimagine learning.
What makes this transformation truly urgent now is the breathtaking arrival of AI across K–12 classrooms—from elementary through high school. As AI tools become integrated into daily education—helping with lesson planning, personalized feedback, and workload management for teachers —the innovation lab becomes not just relevant, but essential.
"Artificial intelligence won’t replace humans, but humans with artificial intelligence will replace humans without artificial intelligence." - Dr. Karim Lakhanian
Here, the library’s shelves of books, multimedia collections, and cutting-edge tech become raw ingredients—fuel for real-world math investigations, science experiments, literary quests, and AI-powered explorations that spark deeper learning. Educators test fresh teaching strategies; students craft their own learning journeys, perhaps designing AI-driven projects; and administrators pilot bold, micro-scaled innovations before rolling them out school-wide.
Think of this as the ultimate maker-space on steroids—a sprawling physical and virtual crucible where curiosity meets creation, all under the dynamic influence of AI’s rising presence in schools. This innovation lab makes the entire school a living, breathing laboratory of learning—so compelling, it becomes a beacon within the community.
Here are a few possible characteristics; however, every school might approach the innovation lab quite differently to satisfy local needs and take advantage of community resources:
The innovation lab becomes the center of experimentation and creativity.
Includes physical and virtual spaces for experimentation by learners, teachers, administrators, and the larger community.
It might be the Professional Development Center, showcasing projects, performances by individuals and groups, a try-before-you-buy center for testing technologies, AI, and new teaching ideas, as well as a hub for student internships. All specialists in the school serve on the advisory committee.
Governed by a website that announces projects, PD, performances, showcases, etc.
The website features data visualizations of ongoing projects and initiatives, updated in real-time, to help gauge their impact along the way.
All tours of the building begin in the Innovation Lab.
Parents' nights start in the Innovation Lab.
Help centers for technologies serve faculty and students, with Genius Bars staffed by students.
Student internships in the Innovation lab are leadership opportunities for students to organize and conduct initiatives they design and conduct.
An OPAC that is a conversation rather than a one-way street of connections.
"Our libraries should transition to places to do stuff, not simply places to get stuff. The library will become a laboratory in which community members tinker, build, learn, and communicate. We need to stop being the grocery store or candy store and become the kitchen. We should emphasize hospitality, comfort, convenience and create work environments that invite exploration and creativity both virtually and physically" - Joan Frye Williams
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