Learning Lounges

Learning Lounges are equipped with computers that live either in a computer lab or on a mobile cart. Some Learning Lounges are held in a computer lab and others have access to laptops that are stored in a mobile cart. For locations that have Wi-Fi access, visitors may bring in their own devices including laptops, tablets or smartphones. For locations that do not have Wi-Fi access, one option is to have mobile hotspots available for patons to use. Learning Lounge staff do not provide diagnostic services or repairs for devices, but they should be able to troubleshoot common issues such as no volume or video display in order to assist adults in using their own devices.
Other technology hardware available for Learning Lounge visitors includes:

• Headphones, ideally with microphones (Microphones might be needed for language learning resources.)
• Printers (ideally wireless)
• Scanners
• USB drives for transferring documents from personal devices for printing.

Ideally, Learning Lounges offer free printing of education and employment-related documents. If wireless printing is not available, Learning Lounges should have at least one computer that is connected to a printer.

Learning Lounges can be located in a dedicated space, in reservable space such as meeting rooms, program rooms, computer labs, or even in a tucked-away corner of open space. Tables and chairs are needed and round tables are ideal for peer-to-peer interaction. Easy access to electrical outlets is recommended for charging devices.

There will be conversations in the space as staff consult with learners and learners with each other. Quiet adjacent space may be needed for test proctoring or for those who require it for concentration.

The location and schedule of hours should be consistent and posted for the public. At Providence Public Library, Learning Lounges are typically open 2-3 days a week (weekdays and weekend) for 3-hour shifts at varied times of the day. A library can increase or decrease hours based on the need and resources available.

Visitors will bring a wide range of needs to the Learning Lounge. Staff and volunteers should be prepared to support:

• lifelong learning: staff can encourage visitors to learn independently by exploring, experimenting and asking questions
• research: staff can model and support patrons in doing simple research tasks
• goal-setting: staff can help patrons consider and set education and/or employment goals

Learning Lounges with a large number of English language learners would benefit from having at least one multilingual staff member and, ideally, at least one volunteer. Where available, career coaches are an additional asset to Learning Lounges. They work, often by appointment, to help individuals with career planning that helps adults:

• identify their career goals and strengths
• create resumes
• secure employment
• connect to jobs that match their skills and interests

When selecting staff for Learning Lounges, consider their interests, comfort level, skills and knowledge. Libraries can consider partnerships with community-based organizations or adult education providers who might provide staff for library Learning Lounges as a supplement to their own programming. 

Learning Lounge staff need to be:

• familiar with community resources
• proficient in using computers
• comfortable assisting others with a variety of needs such as resume writing, doing a job search or learn to use a computer

It can be helpful to have a handbook that lists the web-based academic and employment resources suited to the kinds of purposes visitors most commonly bring to the Learning Lounge, and that includes protocols for tasks such as:

• welcoming visitors and having them sign in
• opening and closing the Learning Lounge, and
• collecting feedback on the visitor experience.

Since the majority of Learning Lounge visitors need help accessing information on a computer, staff need to be able to navigate web browsers, work in a Windows environment, and do basic technology troubleshooting such as locating a printer setting, recovering passwords, and enabling sound and video.  

Virtual Learning Lounges

As part of the intake process, staff will need to know what kind of device learners will be using and be prepared to help them engage in the online session and navigate online resources. It is highly recommended that Learning Lounge staff are familiar with PCs, Apple computers, tablets, Android and Apple smartphones and even Chromebooks as these devices have different operating systems. Learning Lounge staff should be able to troubleshoot issues with sound and video and know how to access or download the online learning resources on the devices learners will be using. 

Onboarding learners to digital resources virtually requires practice and takes time. For example, staff might start with a phone call or meetings on WhatsApp before the learner is ready to access and engage in a Zoom call.  Here is a guide for Best Practices for Onboarding Learners to Digital Resources that includes tips for on-going support.

Visitors are welcome to come to the Learning Lounge as often as they need while pursuing their goals. The aim of the Learning Lounges is to help adults build confidence and take ownership of their learning by offering them guided practice and support to learn independently. Staff are available to help learners find and navigate resources, and to answer questions, but are not expected to provide in-depth tutoring. Where Lounges are staffed by adult educators, visitors may benefit from academic support such as feedback on a paper or help with a homework problem.

Career Coaches help pinpoint visitors’ personal strengths, job and career goals, needs and barriers. They assist visitors in creating individual job search plans, resumes and cover letters, and in completing on-line job applications.

At a minimum, learners should receive the website addresses and descriptions of learning resources so they can access them outside of the Learning Lounge hours. Depending on the learner’s needs and interests, staff may want to create a learning plan that details action steps toward the learning goals, a timeline, and the recommended learning resources (URLs and brief description).

Online and digital resources are an essential part of the technology-supported environment of Learning Lounges. A list of curated online and community resources will enable staff to efficiently find appropriate resources to match a learner’s interests and needs. The list might include resources to support:

• math
• reading
• computer basics
• creating resumes and cover letters
• career interest inventories.

Look for resources that are easy to navigate and engage the learner with some interactivity rather than dense text-only based resources. It is best to inventory what resources are available and known by the library and use them as the core of resources and, over time, add to the list from patron feedback and information from partners.

Community resources can include classes (computer skills, adult basic education), job fairs, state workforce development centers, community action programs, colleges, vocational training programs, employers and other libraries. For community resources, staff offer well-informed personal referrals by making direct contact to facilitate communication between the two parties. This includes setting up an appointment or getting the name and contact information for following up on a request.

Books (for math, reading, and writing), DVDs, and any of the library’s free and subscription-based resources and databases are also useful learning tools to have on hand. Adults may come in with their own resources as well.