It's Here - The Lakewood Learning Commons
As a former high school they were lucky to have a large Library space with a variety of built-in resources. Seminar rooms, risers, screens, study-carols, and many charging outlets. However, the Lakewood Leaders shared their voice and felt this space was designed for older students.
The Lakewood Leaders worked with students of all ages to poll what they would like to see in a collaborative space, called the Learning Commons. They shared ideas of flexible spaces and comfy furniture. They also wanted quiet sections, tables for all ages, and cozy spots to read.
The school researched other Learning Commons, asked for a Teacher Committee, and did an inventory of their current resources. The Committee determined they could use existing storage and shelves in new ways to better suit a younger audience. Simple changes could be made to position sections for all divisions.
With hard work and lots of thought they were able to re-purpose the space, and welcome all to their Learning Commons.Again, students shared their voice and thought all could benefit from organizing books by author and topic, rather than the Dewey Decimal System. The team concluded that organizing with bins would help students see topics more efficiently, and help transport what they needed to work areas. Students who helped sort books agreed, and stated it would be easier to manage when putting books away too.
As they continued to research and discuss options they realized there was a lack of flexible seating, and work stations for primary students. Tables where younger students felt comfortable and didn't have to sit on their knees to reach. They made the decision to purchase wave tables, and other flexible seating options that would be easy to move. Wave tables with light seating would give them a variety of options to organize and meet the needs of all age groups.