What+is+a+21st+Century+school+library?

Will I know it when I see it?

Lots of activity, students and teachers engaged in purposeful learning, a buzz of excitement, technology and resources everywhere-is it a library or a libratory, or a learning commons? =** //The 21st Century School Library is all about inquiry-access to resources to answer questions, process and create deep learning and understanding, and encourage pursuit of personal interests and new knowledge!// **=

" We are in the third year of our transition to a learning commons model that embraces the programmatic and space changes required to support learning information skills, critical thinking skills, collaborative work, and the joy of reading. Most important, it is a model where student learning comes first."

Robin Cicchetti, LMS, Concord Carlisle High School, Concord, Massachusetts
 * "Concord Carlisle Transitions to a Learning Commons," //Teacher Librarian//** 37, no.3 (F 2010) p. 5-8.

=//Physical space//=


 * =====**Welcoming atmosphere, light and spacious**=====
 * =====**Flexible space designed for access to technology and opportunities for collaboration-including a mix of resource and areas for multimedia production, performance, and community interaction**=====
 * =====**Infused with access to a variety of multimedia resources -print, visual, interactive, audio, ebooks, etc., organized and arranged for easy retrieval through online public catalog and bookshelves**=====
 * =====**Technology tools and applications that allow for collaboration and creativity, including smart boards, projection hardware, cameras, microphones, etc.**=====
 * =====**Appropriate furniture for group projects or relaxed reading, flexible and movable**=====
 * =====**Open for learning from early morning to late afternoon or early evening, with appropriate staffing, flexible access for classes or individuals**=====

photos: South Burlington High School Community Library
=//Virtual Space-24/7 website//-Concord Carlisle Virtual Library=

**Even when the physical space is closed, library resources are always available through online access.**

 * =====**Resources, databases for research**=====
 * =====**OPAC (online public access catalog)-interactivity**=====
 * =====**Resources for learning and teaching: students & teachers**=====
 * =====**Pathfinders to support curriculum**=====
 * =====**Homework help-ask a librarian**=====
 * =====**Reader's advisory**=====
 * =====**Tech tools and applications for social media**=====
 * =====**Ethical use resources-citation help, websites for copyright free music, images, and so on.**=====
 * =====**Book clubs, blogs**=====
 * =====**Connections to portals for young adult interests**=====
 * =====**User friendly**=====


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