While there is no single definition for Information Commons, it is generally understood as a place where technology and references services are brought together in order to empower learners to find information independently, with some also emphasizing a design that encourages learners to work with this information.

Information Commons

Rather than focusing on the resources or services offered by a library, the Learning Commons model centers the users of libraries, and how to best support their dynamic processes of learning.

Learning Commons

Fixed function design means that library spaces are built for one key function. Up until the 1950s, this was to physically hold book collections. Multi-tiered stacks were used, with a separation between reader areas and stack areas.

Fixed Function Design in Libraries

Modular design centered operational efficiency and flexibility. This looked like dividing the floor areas into equal rectangles so that librarians could more easily modify the floor plan when changes were needed.

Modular Design in Libraries

Libraries were moved towards a romantic architectural style when the modular design was called too boring or plain. This new style included atriums, monumental effects, special lighting and shapes, and gave readers direct access to books. 

Romantic Architectural Style in Libraries

Computer stations replaced card catalogues in the 1980s, signalling the introduction of technology into libraries, and the departure from libraries as places of strictly paper-resources. 

Computer Stations in Libraries

With the World Wide Web introduced in 1990, users could now access library sources from outside of the physical library space. With the internet now serving as a gateway to information, libraries no longer held such a monopoly on this role, causing them to need a new or adapted focus. Many libraries began turning to users as the thing to design libraries around.

Online access of/and Libraries

- Up until the 1950’s: fixed function design
- 50’s: modular design
- 60’s: romantic architectural style
- 80’s: computer stations
- 90’s: online access
* “Library as place” concept introduced
- 2000’s: information commons space
- 10’s: learning commons space 

Georgetown University

The idea that libraries still function as an environment for teaching, learning and research despite advances in technology. Instead of becoming obsolete due to the accessibility of these new technologies, libraries should instead be the center of these advancements.

Library as Place

Oliveira, Silas M. "Trends in Academic Library Space: From book boxes to learning commons." Open information science 2.1 (2018): 59-74.
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/opis-2018-0005/pdf

Trends in Library Space Design

- Digital Storytelling
- Digital Scholarship
- Library Automation
- Digital Archives

Technology Used in Libraries

- Value to Neighborhoods
- Value of Proximity to Libraries
- Gathering Place
- Tourist Destination

The Value of Physical Libraries

- Academic Library as Place
- Public Library as Place
- Special Library as Place


Types of Libraries as Places

In Library and Information Science, it is important to acknowledge that Librarians will be sought out to answer hard as well as lifechanging questions. How do you help runaways, poverty, and homelessness? What do you do to make sure they have a chance at life?

Homelessness and Runaways

How Librarians interact, develop, and improve communities they are in. How librarians tackle issues in the environment around them(ie. Poverty, learning issues, and illiteracy

Community Development

Library Partnerships are collaborations between libraries and the rest of the community. Partnerships can help with collection development, funding, and building a positive relationship with the community.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After