Learning Commons Taking Shape!

It is gratifying to note that the tendering process of the Learning Commons has finally run its course. The winner of the tender has commenced working on the assignment of restructuring the Groung Floor space earmarked for the project, with a view to ensuring the completion of the work, soonest. About sixty (60) computers with flat screen have been installed and the office of the Learning Commons Manager neatly carved out in a corner of the sprawling LC location. With the speed the work is progressing, it may not be out of place to sugggest the launching of the Learning Commons of the University of Botswana could come up as early as January 2012.

Performance Measures

The following are the performance measures of the LC Manager:

1. Existence of policy documents for the various operations and activities of LC.
2. Evidence of established and effective / productive collaborative partnerships
3. Existence of up to date promotional materials including such as blogs
4. Evaluation reports on effective staff development programs and customer education programs.
5. Evidence of continual assessment of evolving customer needs and appropriate new service provision
6. Evidence of cost effective and timely usage of budgets
7. Existence of comprehensive staff development programs

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Initiates, recommends and develops policies and operational
procedures to ensure consistent and effective delivery of services under LC environment
2. Forges effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders
3. Based on the goals and objectives of, sets and monitors staff performance in the delivery of services
4. Prepares and monitors the utilization of allocated funds
5. In collaboration with operational partners, coordinates the development, management, implementation and evaluation of long term and short term plans for LC.
6. In conjunction with In Service training manager, designs, develops and implements training that empowers library faculty teams and peer assistants perform at their peak in LC services
7.Working with Faculty team managers, analyses students learning, as well as faculty teaching needs, and facilitates appropriate training to ensure effective exploitation of library resources
8. Coordinates the design and effective delivery of Information literacy Skills and drop in sessions for both students and faculty
9. Designs, develops and publishes LC materials to market and enhance the optimal utilization of resources.
10. Develops mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the LC team.
11. Undertakes desk research for the enhancement of professional services as well as professional development
12. Undertakes any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor

Profile of Learning Commons Manager

Main Purpose of the Job:
This position provides innovative, customer focused leadership in the establishment of the University of Botswana Learning Commons(LC); work with various campus partners to provide integrated services for the Learner; supervision of the operations of LC.; to amalgamate staff from the collaborative units, and provide leadership so that the LC becomes harmonious learning environment for students and staff.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Policy, procedures and guidelines formulation and review/ revision plan in the operation of LC.
2. Effective partnerships /collaboration with cognate and key strategic partners,
3. Iterative evaluation in alignment with customer needs
4. People development - Recruitment and training and assessment staff
5. Optimal utilization of resources (finance, human and material) in the LC..
6. Effective and regular programs for Library marketing of all LC activities

Principles and Goals of the Learning Commons

The principles of learning commons

The basic principles which underpin the development of the University of Botswana Learning Commons are anchored on the philosophy of learning and teaching, and linked to the values of the university. These include:
a) Learner centered pedagogy
b) Life-long learning
c) Innovation and
d) Collaboration


The goals of the learning commons

a) To provide and enhance learner oriented services in a collaborative and flexible, comfortable, friendly, and convenient learning environment
b) Align ILS with students’ assignment and assist with special projects on a point of need basis
c) Facilitate training in the effective use of electronic resources

What Learning Commons Stands For

Learning Commons is a friendly, flexible, collaborative, comfortable and convenient learning environment on campus. It provides learner oriented and integrated services with individual and group facilities. It brings about a coalition of librarians, IT staff, faculties etc working in partnership under the same roof for the advantage of the learners. Learning Commons centres around the idea of providing essential services and resources in one location. The effort makes learning much easier and effective. The idea 'improves the student experience' as conceived in the Priority Area 5 of the University of Botswana's Strategy for Excellence.

What Learning Commons Stands For

Learning Commons is a friendly, flexible, collaborative, comfortable and convenient learning environment on campus. It provides learner oriented and integrated services with individual and group facilities. It brings about a coalition of librarians, IT staff, faculties etc working in partnership under the same roof for the advantage of the learners. The effort makes learning much easier and effective.