This book is a part of a matched pair of manuals designed to assist teacher librarians and leadership teams in K-12 schools to created and implement a Learning Commons in their schools. The Elementary School Learning Commons manual supports K-6 schools in the U.S. and K-8 in Canada. The Secondary School Learning Commons manual supports grades 7-12 in the U.S. and Canada thus it is ideal for Middle and High School transitions.

Introduction: Key elements of the School Learning Commons -- Part 1. Indicators: Chapter 1. Dedication to learning in a Commons environment -- 2. Access to flexible learning environments 24/7 -- 3. Merger of library, computer lab, and makerspace -- 4. Networked materials, information & technology that boost learning -- 5. Mentoring of inquiry, discovery, and self-directed learning -- 6. Experiences designed to create as well as consume knowledge -- 7. Showcase of literacy, learning, and excellence -- 8. Coteaching and collaboration are center stage -- 9. Led by teaching specialists and support personnel -- 10. Catalyst of professional learning and experimentation -- 11. Center of school culture and personal growth -- 12. "Owned" and "grown" by the school community -- Part 2: Operations: Chapter 13. The collection of the elementary school Learning Commons -- 14. Measuring and sharing the impact of the Learning Commons -- Index to activity concepts.