Developing a Learning
Commons
at
Abilene Christian University
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Demographics
Masters I - Comprehensive University
4,786 Students
4,236 Undergrad Students
Founded in 1906
Library Building constructed in 1970
Additions in 1984 and 1997
Walter H. Adams Center for Teaching
Excellence created during 1997
addition.
Convergence of Needs
Library Computer Lab Was Crowded
Open Computer Lab Closed
Disparate Student Service Locations
Few Social Learning Spaces
Shifting Student Study Habits
Dropping Library Gate Count
Student Apathy Toward Academic Research
Opportunity for Distinction
Nationwide Success of Information
Commons
Literature Supportive of Learning
Commons Concept
Ideal Academic Environment
Committed Partners
ACU Writing Center
Educational Technology
Information Services
Student Technology Support
Adams Center for Teaching Excellence
Administrative Services
Library
Upper Level Support
President
Provost
Dean of Library
Director of Adams Center
Chief Information Officer
VP for Operations
The Concept
 Writing Center
 Student Technology Helpdesk
 Open Computer Lab
 Print and Copy Center
 Coffee Bar
 Social Learning Spaces
 Research and Information
 Warm, Bright, Relaxed and Modern
Only One Problem…
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Campus Buy-In
Student
Faculty
Learning Commons Partners
Technology Support
Writing Center
Administrative Services
Library
Present Model of Library
Service
Primarily at the
desktop (virtual
or physical)
Encourages
students to work
in isolation
Where we are headed
Greater emphasis
on group work
Merging together
of expertise from
the university
Facilitate
intellectual and
social dialogue
Planning Resources
 BYU Report of the Information Commons Team
 Scott Bennett
 Library as Place: Rethinking Roles, Rethinking
Space. Washington, DC : Council on Library and
Information Resources.
http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub122/contents.ht
ml
 Libraries Designed for Learning. (Council on
Library and Information Resources, Washington, DC,
2003)
http://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub122/contents.ht
ml
Visits to other institutions
Texas Christian University
Trinity University (San Antonio,
Tx.)
Texas Wesleyan University
Colorado State University
Indiana University – Bloomington
Challenge of Developing the
Learning Commons
“To conceive of it as owned by
learners, not by teachers, whether
faculty or librarians”
Bennett, S. (2003) Libraries
Designed for Learning, p.45
Developing a Learning
Commons at Abilene
Christian University
Involving the Students
Student Involvement
Architecture
Interior Design
Market Research
Coffee Shop Name
Survey Results Spring
2005
80%
70%
60%
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
50%
40%
30%
20%
How Often Do You Study in a Gr
10%
0%
Never
Sometimes
Always
Do You Ever Bring Food or Drinks to the Library?
(N=493)
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes
No
If the ACU Library sold/allowed food and drinks, would you be
more likely to study there? (N=497)
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes
No
Neutral/No Opinion
Architecture/Interior
Design
Developing a Learning
Commons at Abilene
Christian University
Involving the Faculty
Faculty as Teachers
LC in supportive role
Top Faculty Needs
1. Computers and Technology
 More workstations
 Configured for groups, not
individuals
Our Response
Added 54 additional computers
Pod design to facilitate group use
2. Proactive Service Model
 Roaming helpers
 Workshops on technology and
information skills
Night seminars would help students learn to use
the ACU Learning Commons
70
58.06
Percent
60
50
40
30
20
10
16.13
16.13
9.68
0
0
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Old Ref. Desk …
New Ref. Desk
…
3. Relaxed Intellectual Atmosphere
Prefer a "Barnes and Noble" atmosphere?
56.67
60
Percent
50
40
36.67
30
20
6.67
10
0
0
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
0
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
“What you see influences
how you act.”
Artwork
Music
Poetry readings/performances
Quiet study/community spaces
Task lighting, pleasing color
scheme
Faculty as Users
LC inspires
Key Partner
Adams Center for Teaching
Excellence
Dedicated to faculty development in
the areas of teaching, learning,
and technology
Current Faculty Culture:
Isolated
Faculty use of the library: 2-3 times
a semester
Interlibrary loan
Use journals
Personal research
Accompany students
Old floor plan: separate
space
New floor plan – Break down
wall
Inspired Faculty Culture:
Integrated
“Office hours” in LC
I could envision using the LC to meet with
students
60
53.33
Percent
50
40
30
23.33
20
20
10
0
3.33
0
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
The Challenge
Merging of Organizational Cultures
Separate Reporting Structures
Multiple Budgets
Increased Workload
Contact Information
Laura Baker
laura.baker@acu.edu
Mark McCallon
mark.mcallon@acu.edu
George Saltsman
george.saltsman@acu.edu

Copyright Abilene Christian University 2006 This work is the intellectual property of the author. Permission
is granted for this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that this
copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is by
permission of the author. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the
author.