Transforming a high school media center into a library learning commons

This study outlines a planned action based research project focused on studying the transformation of an urban high school media center to a learning commons model. This study includes a descriptive account as well as the impact of steps taken to match the media center to the needs of the 21st century learner. The research focuses on shifting policies from traditional practices to those that better serve the needs of the students and staff. This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to determine if changing specific library media center policies and procedures would result in higher rates of circulation and increase positive attitudes toward the library media center. The shift in policies and procedures were based on the library learning commons model with special attention given to accessibility and learning climate. Special attention was given to interactive, Web 2.0 technologies including Springshare's Libguides, a popular software application common in academic libraries.