Learning Commons: Evolution and Collaborative Essentials

This excellent and interesting book is the direct result of a workshop organized in 2005 by the editor. It is a collection of 11 articles written by 15 contributors covering a wide range of Learning Commons implementations. Contributions are from libraries all over the world including Scotland, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia. The authors are clearly engaged in their topics and are real champions of what a learning commons can do for a library and its service to a new generation of users who want to have a more holistic academic experience in their library. There is much to be gathered from this book for any library that may be considering a learning or information commons. The experiences and advice are practical. For libraries that already have a Learning or Information Commons, this collection of articles will provide insight into some of the unique aspects of other establishments that might improve existing services. Each article is well written, edited and represented with figures and tables. These additions give context to the writings and allow the reader to envision a Commons in “their” space. A very useful index is provided. This book is highly recommended for all academic libraries.