Learning Zone- A way cool job!

OCAD recently posted an ad for a Learning Zone Librarian. The Learning Zone appears to be a collaborative workspace that integrates a variety of services, including library support. The focus is on creating learning space that is driven by student needs. The job ad stresses the importance of student input in the design of the space and its services. I wonder what a school of design students might come up with given the opportunity. Or any student groups, if we really listened.

OCAD isn't the first place to try something like this; Guelph has had its own intriguing ideas. Most attempts however remind me of cube farms without the walls, straight out of Dilbert. Maybe because the focus is on the space (i.e. number of computer connections we have), and not on the services that transform the space into an engaging place, where learning happens. OCAD's Learning Zone is offering a workshop on CREATive Fund$: Develop a Positive Relationship with Money. So what does that have to do with libraries? Nothing. But it has everything to do with students. Dalhousie's Killam Library recently launched a multifunctional space for graduate students. It is a great space, but unfortunately, it is disengaged from the services graduates need.

The Learning Zone (though not by this title) is one I've advocated for our library; a place with project rooms, writing and research support, and web and video conference facilities. A place where students meet, and work and learn. But creating a place like this takes an unconventional vision.

OCAD's ad reminds me of what I am yearning; to be part of something audacious, risky, and unconventional. We don't need to rethink libraries any more; we know what is wrong with them. But change only comes with changing; and if we are changing for our students, we may make mistakes, but we won't be wrong. Hmm...when was OCAD's submission date.