L EARNING C OMMONS University of New England, Armidale Created by Kate Hunter for Information Services, May 2008

L EARNING C OMMONS … W HAT IS IT ? “The Learning Commons provides an integrated work environment for students with technologies and spaces that support learning…, are student-centered, support a range of flexible learning methods, and provide a single point of access to support services” (Lippincott, 2006) Not only a space to integrate technology, reference and services but to facilitate learning (Remy, 2004) The Learning Commons is situated on the Ground floor of the University’s Dixson Library. The Library is on the Eastern side of the main courtyard, across from the Teaching and Learning Centre. The Commons provides students with support services and state-of-the-art facilities.

P RINCIPLES FOR A L EARNING C OMMONS LEARNING ORIENTATED: Facilitates active, independent and collaborative learning LEARNER CENTRED: Focus on student needs, preferences and work patterns FLEXIBLE: Responsive to the changing needs of learners for resources and support COLLABORATIVE: Collaboration between different learning support areas in the University COMMUNITY BUILDING: Provides a hub for physical and virtual interaction for staff and students Learning Commons are becoming a crucial resource in Universities across Australia and globally …

L EARNING C UTS

L EARNING C C HARLES S TURT U NI (CSU)

L EARNING C M ONASH U NIVERSITY

L IBRARY TO L EARNING C OMMONS … A shift in thinking “…from a static, passive study area into a lively, user- friendly space for researchers to utilise new technologies and work collaboratively… encourages the exchange of ideas and facilitates the use of technologies essential for today’s digital communications” (Curtin, 2008) “To adapt, evolve, and reassess to ensure that library spaces – physical and virtual – are useful to users in today’s society” The librarian as facilitator… a paradigm shift in work spaces, learning and support….

A PARADIGM SHIFT … The concept of work space has altered due to portable, mobile and wireless devices, and the way resources and information are used and accessed. Space for individual learning, active learning, informal collaboration and more formal small group learning. A learning hub … “a one-stop seamless learning and educational support service” designed for students, it recognises the social aspects of learning. Flexible, innovative, accessible and student-centered. A collaboration of human, technical, information resources and services to support the user. Access to support services, computer hardware and electronic resources, including e-books and full-text databases.

L EARNING C D IXSON Current resources and facilities… T HE P HYSICAL C OMMONS  More than 60 computers with internet access, including 5 express machines  24x7 online access to over 4,500 e-books and 23,000 full-text online journal titles  Free colour scanning, laser printers, multi-functional devices (MDFs)  A computer training lab  Microfilm and microfiche readers and digital printer  Media rooms equipped with dvd player, tv/pc monitor and recording facilities  Sound proof rooms and Problem Based Learning (PBL) areas  Food and drink vending machines  Break out areas with casual lounge seating for informal study and relaxation

L EARNING C D IXSON Current resources and facilities… T HE E L EARNING C OMMONS Extending the service and the community beyond four walls  24x7 Self access: to support users not in the physical space and wireless networks for those in the Commons.  myAssist: request IT support or arrange a meeting with an academic advisor. Future plans include a podcast library and fact sheets  myLibrary: Portal to online training packages including eSKILLS une, an award winning guide to information literacy. Quick links to commonly used applications. Online booking facility.

L EARNING C D IXSON On-site support services… A CADEMIC S KILLS O FFICE  Help you succeed in your studies by offering group and individual programs which will equip you with general academic skills - tertiary essay writing (analysing the question, planning and structuring the answer, academic style etc), referencing, reading strategies and notetaking etc  Assess your current strengths and weakness to get you started on the road to success with your studies. Help you drive your own learning.  Encouragment and guidance to develop learning and research skills The friendly, professional staff at the Learning Commons include academic tutors, technical staff and reference librarians. Learning advisors from the ASO are available for consultations via appointment.

L EARNING C D IXSON On-site support services… S TUDENT A SSIST Career development  Informed career planning  Graduate recruitment including Employer visits to campus  Resume and application assistance  Interview and assessment preparation  Workshops for internal and external students  Job blog: UNE job search database  WorkReady: Work experience program  Counselling  Student Financial Assistance  Student Equity  Don’t drop out! program  Disability and special needs  Service quality unit

L EARNING C D IXSON On-site support services… I NFORMATION T ECHNOLOGY D IRECTORATE (ITD) The IT Service Desk has a permanent presence at the Learning Commons Service Desk providing a range of services from access and network connections to help accessing online teaching… o E- SUBMISSION o O NLINE L EARNING o I NTERNET SUPPORT (account registration, passwords, setup and connections) o P RINTING o S OFTWARE SUPPORT

A CROSS U NIVERSITY COLLABORATION Working together to provide a holistic service to students “Provide high standard facilities that optimise the learning environment to meet the teaching, learning and social needs of the University community” (VU, 2008) Working closely with faculty and students to ensure resources and facilities reflect teaching and learning, multimedia and technology and elearning developments and requirements

L OOKING F ORWARD … To stay in touch with user needs, to update facilities, equipment, and software, and to keep current with developments, trends and issues To continue to consult and communicate with students, staff and external stakeholders “Learning Commons are about the people who use them… How you learn, how you use space, how you research and how you interact with the world” The Learning Commons is about today and tomorrow…

L EARNING C D IXSON Summary of resources and services… But wait there’s more!..... Study skills Library services Learning support IT assistance Personal counselling Academic writing help Career development Research support Special needs support