Future Ready Library Design:

Learning Commons Design Assignment

Christina L'Hommedieu 10/9/22 School Library Media Center Field Experience

LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Introduction

Last week, I toured the library at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and spent some time

in the school library. The space was clean and held a vast collection of books, magazines,

reference materials, and even a computer lab area. The furniture was tidy and up to date with a

new carpet and bookshelf upgrade purchased in the last few years. The space offered a nice

sitting area that invited patrons to relax and enjoy their library. Although I was pleased with the

library and its many great features, some areas could be improved. Some spaces in the library

leaned into the realm of managing a collection, rather than caring for the needs of each student

within the diverse school population. Using the core principles found in learning commons, I

have envisioned a shift in the library space from traditional library design to caring for the

people who use the library.

With our fictional class model in mind, the changes highlighted in this document

represent the diverse needs of our middle school students and educational staff. I believe all

school librarians strive to embody an inclusive library space; however, common barriers and

approaches seem to prevent this shift in mindset. We know now more than ever that students

learn in different ways, embody exceptional needs, and need flexibility in their learning design.

Creating a library that aligns with learning commons standards will make sure that the school

library remains the cultural center of this exceptional and diverse school.
LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

The Library

Created by C. L'Hommedieu with Room Sketcher

Upon first entering the library you reach the circulation desk to the left and three long

rows of books on the right. The bookcases are lower in the center and higher along the wall and

stand as opposed to a full row of bright windows along the north wall. The carpet, furniture,

and bookshelves are all darker in color and traditional in style and aesthetics. The library offers

several different distinct areas that include lecture space, individual reading, and small group

gatherings. Several desktop computers are available for students if needed.

Finally, the checkout area is located in the lower-left corner of the library near the

entrance/exit. Open space is in abundance near the circulation desk and between the windows

and rows of shelves where the majority of the collection is housed. No makerspace is visible,

however, there are games stored inside a shelving cabinet near the main circulation desk.

Overall, the current library space is clean, and comfortable, and offers more than enough shelf

space to accommodate the physical collection.

LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Future Ready Library

Created by C. L'Hommedieu with Room Sketcher

Overview

The new library design will begin with an appropriate assessment of the learning

community. We will send student and staff surveys to evaluate current and future library space.

After collaborating with stakeholders in the school community, I have suggested some notable

changes that align with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) core principles and a Learning

Commons design for learning. The re-designed library includes a centrally located circulation

desk with four counters sides, all inhabiting usable space for both patrons and library staff.

Various creative maker center learning space is included in the left area of the library to

encourage active learning and collaboration. The bright windows along the north wall offer a

welcoming seated space with plants and magazines. The northeast section of the library

includes a couch area, a calm sensory-friendly space, and a large fish tank. Finally, the library’s

southeast section houses most of the library’s book collection with an abundance of large wall

shelves and murals high above the shelving.

LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Flexibility

Supports
Multipe
Uses
Updated
Charging
Adaptable Stations
Design

Flexibility

Rolling
Zone
Cart
Design
Storage

Movable
Furniture

Libraries need to provide flexible space as technology and user needs as the library’s

usability needs evolve. Adopting a flexible mindset of space and library use is key in the new

library design. All storage is movable on rolling carts for flexible use. Students, our encouraged

to customize space as needed by moving red chairs, various maker and tech moving carts, and

using the portable whiteboard, green screen, or smartboard. With this flexible design, students

will gain ownership of their library and use it to create new information, rather than just

search for information. Also, the couch area can be used for club meetings, individual reading

space, or even a relaxing area to view films on the rolling vibe smartboard. A zone design

system will be implemented into the library using separate zone sections as separators in space.
LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

User-Centered

Universal
Design

Libguides
Sensory
for Virtual
Space
Learning

User Centered

Accessable Sinage &

Space Visual Aids

Bright &
Welcoming

Our new design offers a user-centered design beginning with welcoming signage, visual

indicators, and positive academic space indicators. Signage includes the “Collaboration Couch”,

“Maker Lab”, “Libraries are for Everyone”, and the “Plant Yourself Here” sign over the chairs

along the window aligned with foliage. Also, the new self-checkout area on the west side of the

circulation desk has photo instructions to encourage independent use. Also considered, is the

overall look and feel of the library. From color choices in the makerspace section to the calm

corner with a fish tank, and over near the conference table and conventional instructional area.

Furthermore, accessibility and equity are considered in all zones of the design. The physical

space includes adjustable height tables and dual height counters to wide walkways and efficient

storage that can be easily opened. The library will also add visual shelf labels, diffused lighting,

and sensory seating. Finally, virtual learning spaces are user-focused and encourage

engagement outside of the school setting.

LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Creativity

Makerspace

Moble
Mural Table
Maker Carts

Create

Project Open Use

Building Supplies

Bright
Creative
Space

Multiple concept zones are located throughout the new library design. Our redesigned library

space embodies inviting outlets to awaken creativity. Zone spaces inspire creativity with

interactive posters, open-for-use supplies, and rolling mobile maker carts. Additionally, we have

a mural section that can be displayed on a table or whiteboard to encourage active

participation and student ownership in the library space. Project building is encouraged through

technology checkout options. Innovating learning devices like laptops, and digital video

cameras are available and stored in a rolling tech cart under the checkout counter. The redesign

of the library encourages students to use the information they have learned in class to become

content creators.
LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Technology Focus

Global
Partnerships

Video
Vibe Rolling
Recording
Smartboard
Zone

Technology

Variety of
Technology 3D Printer
Options

STEAM
Activity
Makerspace

This shift from a library functioning as a computer lab into a space where computers and

technology are usable in all library spaces is a large part of this re-design. The learning

commons mindset requires an immediate shift away from the computer lab section, into a large

electronic device charging and workspace area. Study carols and tables lined with computers

have changed to technology-focused spaces that can adapt to the changing climate of

technology. Our technological attributes include a Vibe rolling whiteboard that functions as a

projector, computer, and television monitor. This versatile technology tool is housed in front of

the main conventional large meeting table (on the east side of the library) and can be moved to

be used as a television, projector, or whiteboard in the maker space or couch and the seated

area along the windows.

LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

Instructionally Active

Virtual
Learning
Space

Community Student Run

Engagement Help Desk

Active

Collaboration Movable
Couch Zones

Maker
Lab

Designated space and flow for instruction as needed will be available. Specifically, the new

library design includes several zone areas to meet the needs of all learners. The collaboration

couch area meets the calm sensory area and feels like a warm and comfortable learning space.

A student-run help desk allows students to work together to solve technical problems. Space is

used as a learning resource to promote community engagement and active participation.

Students are invited to take part in the library as helpers and makerspace design content

creators. Our future-ready library design leans well to reach all types of learners through active

instruction.
LIS524 Learning Commons Design Christina L’Hommedieu

References

Blue, E. V. & Pace, D. (2011. UD and UDL: Paving the way toward inclusion and independence in
the school library. Knowledge Quest, 39(3), 48-55.

Foote, C. (2019). Future ready library space. Knowledge Quest, 47(3), 8-13.

Information for School Librarianship Education Programs, American Library Association, July 24,
2006. http://www.ala.org/aasl/about/ed/caep/info (Accessed November 22, 2023)
Document ID: 8e32c6f0-bd37-d3f4-8917-59dadcd26a91

Morris, R. J. (2018). Library Facility Design. Library Facility Design: Introduction [video]. School
Library Connection. Retrieved from
https://schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2170986?
learningModuleId=2170983&topicCenterId=0

Sullivan, M. L. (2015). Designing for the Senses. Designing for the Senses: Introduction [video].
School Library Connection. Retrieved from
https://schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/1985342?
learningModuleId=1980800&topicCenterId=0