Learning Commons Reference Collections in ARL Libraries

Authors

Cindy Pierard, University of New Mexico - Main CampusFollow
Sever Bordeianu, University of New Mexico - Main CampusFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

Many academic libraries have developed or partnered in the development of learning commons over the last two decades. Although the nature of these environments may vary, learning commons are characterized here as adaptable spaces in which services, programming, and specialized resources are brought together to support and enact specific learning and research activities.The development of learning commons spaces has resulted in significant changes in traditional library collections, including decisions to weed or relocate physical collections, to transition from print to electronic collections, and to develop collections to support new learning services, programs, and collaborations (Brown et al., 2014; Detmering and Sproles, 2012).This study focuses on the relationship between a specific collection—the reference collection—and its role in the learning commons environment. The researchers surveyed staff at academic libraries with membership in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) on their local practices concerning the design of learning commons and the role of reference collections within these environments. Information gleaned from these participants is analyzed in order to inform and improve practice.

Publisher

Emerald

Publication Title

Reference Services Review

ISSN

0090-7324

Volume

44

Issue

3

First Page

411

Last Page

430

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/RSR-02-2016-0014

Language (ISO)

English

Keywords

academic libraries, learning commons, reference collections, Association of Research Libraries, space planning

Recommended Citation

Pierard, Cindy and Sever Bordeianu. "Learning Commons Reference Collections in ARL Libraries." Reference Services Review , 3 (2016): 411-430. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/RSR-02-2016-0014.