Started in October 2013.
I attended the Treasure Mountain Research Retreat with David Loertscher et al on November 13 & 14 in Hartford. My goal is to transform my little one-person library into a vibrant learning commons.
My interest in the Learning Commons comes from Brookfield High School. The former librarian there, Sydney Cohen, worked with the principals to make the library a hub of learning. BHS has a whole-school iPad initiative which started three years ago with this year's juniors. Prior to the roll-out, administration took the time to encourage staff members to use Google tools with their students so the rollout wouldn't be so difficult for them (staff.) It made things smoother, according to Joe Palumbo, the current principal.
Some juniors are part of a tech team that helps out in the library with device issues. The library is staffed with the team every period of the day. We got a chance to meet them, and they are very engaged in the process. BHS has blocks instead of periods, so they can do deeper learning. I remember when it started. John wasn't thrilled initially, but he liked it after a while.
Things I need to do to get a LLC model running:
4/2016 finishing this post (started in 2013)
Better collaboration
More staff
Moveable furniture
Buy-in - self and administration
I hesitate, because many of the area Fairfield County schools follow a "learning commons" model and are frustrated by the seeming chaos in the library at all times. I'm not a chaos girl. Right now, I could get a room full of students every single period who want to come and hang out with friends. That makes it a lounge instead of a library. I don't feel good about that.
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