Updating the Plan- Revised

Please click the image above or visit this link to view the full Linoit board: http://linoit.com/users/jheagles/canvases/Updating%20the%20Plan

The image above shows the current layout of the Learning Commons. The changes that I refer to on the Linoit board to the Teacher Librarian office refer to the office on the right of the image, shown in more detail in the image below. Red labels indicate the new changes to the spaces.

Generally, I am happy with the overall layout and space in our learning commons, and feel that the Creation Station needs the most attention, as other than the Green Screen and Sound Booth, it needs more supplies. The teacher librarian mentioned to me this week that one of her wishes is to have computers with maker/design software in this space as well, which I noted on my Linoit board. I got additional inspiration from two teacher librarian blogs, Don't Shush Me and This Librarian Reads. 

Changes inspired by the images:

Sound absorbing panelling- the current panelling at our school is spaced apart and is not doing its job. This image shows continuous panelling for better absorption of sound- if there are to be two classes in the commons working collaboratively, it will get loud and the panels should help keep the noise down.

Non-fiction book display on stacks- this will allow the non-fiction to get more views, as currently our low stacks for fiction have the fiction book displays. We could use the tops of the non-fiction stacks to showcase maker books and other non-fiction to support cross curricular learning.

Inspiring words on circulation desk- our circulation desk is a stand up model and is a boring grey- adding inspiring words to spark curiosity and inquiry mindset fits the overall design goal. Could use the IB learner profile attribute words or the school's official Wordle words.

Low-tech Maker stations - stations that provide students a creative outlet without requiring the use of power tools. These could be located in the Creation Station at the back of the learning commons. The Creation station is currently focused on digital design and recording, as work requiring tools is done in the tech lab. The low tech maker stations could also be used for clubs, etc. For instance, a button maker station.

Explanation of revisions from previous post: 

I added an annotated floor plan diagram of my vision of the new teacher librarian office (replaces student work room) and teacher collaborative work space. These would be low-cost changes, at it is just a matter of moving existing furniture and computers; overall, this is designed to maximize use of space. Currently, the student work room is rarely used by students, as they typically are in the main learning commons or the Creation Station.

Added further information about how many classes can be accommodated in the Learning Commons- 3 classes would only be for guest speakers or other special events; 2 classes is more appropriate for daily use, considering noise, teacher-librarian energy, and technology availability.

Added information to my communication sticky (purple): noted possibility of using the space as a revenue stream on weekends. This happened before the pandemic and was stopped, but reinstating it with the moveable furniture that was bought during the pandemic, the new loft screen and projector screen might make it attractive for groups. Additional money raised could be used to buy computers, maker project components, or software licenses. 

Image References: 

Amanda. “Elementary LLC.” This Librarian Reads, 30 April 2020. https://thislibrarianreadsdotcom.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/from-library-to-learning-commons-the-transformation-of-an-elementary-school-llc/. Accessed 14 May 2022.

Bogan, Kelsey. “Low Tech Maker Space.” Don’t Shush Me, 16 November 2021. https://dontyoushushme.com/2021/11/16/low-tech-makerspace-in-the-h-s-library/. Accessed 14 May 2022.