Towards a Learning Ecology: Canadian Learning Commons Conference June 20, 2006 The Importance of Forging Strong Partnerships Michael Ridley CIO and Chief Librarian

The Learning Commons Vision  a consolidation of services to support student learning, writing, research & technology  a common, convenient and accessible location with extended hours of operation  a vehicle for new collaborative opportunities  a way of thinking; an attitude

The Learning Commons Vision Library Learning & Writing Services Computing Services Teaching Support Services Math and Stats Student Affairs AVP Academic Open Learning Alumni Affairs & Development CIO

Nurtured Collaborative Capacity  collaboration is a muscle  trust through shared vision & experience  high tolerance for difference & ambiguity  unrelenting focus on institutional mission  managed self-interest  practicing the art of the possible

The Lessons of Collaboration Vision = Action Building Relationships Learning Leadership Community Development

Provincial Collaboration: OCUL One of the largest scholarly information systems in the world Organizational transformation

National Collaboration: CRKN A collaborative program of 73 Canadian universities to expand the universe of digital information to build research capacity. Organizational transformation

The Opportunity & The Challenge A multi-institutional collaborative enterprise for learning support  a seamless “mash up” of skills, services and resources: e.g. Learning Commons 2.0  building upon the success of the Learning Commons experience  extending to the provincial, national and/or international level

“When simple change becomes transformational change, the desire for continuity becomes a dysfunctional mirage.” The Mirage of Continuity (Hawkins & Battin)

Confessions of a Control Freak

Provost’s White Paper  “The Lighting of a Fire” – a campus dialogue  only the status quo is unacceptable  innovation; risk; change  leadership and champions  an opportunity for new ideas:  Learning Commons 2.0?

Organizational Challenges  strengthening collaborative capacity  locating the shared ground  replacing control with trust  moving toward “open governance”  enabling innovation; risk; change  leveraging technology (particularly Web 2.0)

“Culture eats strategy for lunch every day of the week.” Elson Floyd, President, University of Missouri

The demise of the Titanic was brought about by the Airplanes, not icebergs. As we contemplate new collaborative learning enterprises are we thinking about airplanes or icebergs? In the final analysis the Titanic was not sunk by an iceberg. rise of commercial air travel.

Learning Commons 2.0 A multi-institutional collaborative enterprise for learning support. The Importance of Forging Strong Partnerships Is it the right idea? Are we ready to provide leadership?