The academic library becomes the academic learning commons

The purpose of this paper is to profile the academic “Learning Commons,” a model of library service adopted by numerous institutions of higher education to attract students seeking a “one‐stop” library experience.

The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by cost‐conscious colleagues.

Many academic libraries have adopted the “Learning Commons” model in order to adapt to the new reality of library usage in the present environment.

The value in addressing this issue is to expand the discussion of this evolution of academic library service to offer possibilities for other academic libraries' consideration.