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"Designing Libraries The centre for library design and innovation: a resource for library planning and design, a database of library buildings and a marketplace for services."

Learning is changing in the 21st century. Technologies used in learning, such as interactive whiteboards, personal learning environments, wireless networks and mobile devices, plus the internet and high-quality digital learning resources - and the ability to access many of these from home and the workplace - are altering the experiences and aspirations of learners. Increasing investment in estate and learning technologies, combined with the need for more cost-effective space utilisation, is making it increasingly important for senior managers and decision-makers to keep abreast of new thinking about the design of technology-rich learning spaces. Understanding what makes an effective design is important. The best are likely to assist all within the institution to work more productively and to produce learners who are confident, adaptable, independent and inspired to learn. In short the design of our learning spaces should become a physical representation of the institution's vision and strategy for learning - responsive, inclusive, and supportive of attainment by all.

Image gallery of award winning library interiors from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

Open Education Europa The latest issue of the eLearning Papers is out, on the theme of "Design for Learning Spaces and Innovative Classrooms." The articles offer insight from research findings and practical experiences relating to the re-imagination and re-configuration of learning spaces.

"Rethinking classroom design needn't be expensive, but keeping users in mind is key"

A resource developed by Cambridge University, which aims to answer the questions: What is inclusive design? Why do it? How to get started?

One of the most interesting innovations is the introduction of a 'Fab Lab', as well as a new Business and Information Hub to support local businesses. The 'Fab Lab' is believed to be the first of its kind in a UK public library, though a growing feature of libraries in the US and other countries. The Fab Lab, or fabrication laboratory, is a digital workshop equipped with laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and design tools, where users can "make almost anything".

"'American Libraries' celebrates this year's new library designs, featuring stunning architecture, teen tech areas and flexible, collaborative spaces."

This looks a promising resource, which starts from the premise that library design should start with customers.

A USA-based hub of information and research about learning space design. Much of the focus is on school design, but there's still useful information here.

Re-imagining the design of classrooms as rich learning spaces

A YouTube playlist that highlights videos that relate to the Jisc RSC Learning Space Design offer.

A blog focusing on school design, but some useful insights for all sectors

SCALE-UP initiative at Nottingham Trent, started this year. The purpose of this website is to share designs for state-of-the-art learning studios, teaching methods, and instructional materials that are based on more than a decade of discipline-based education research.

"When designing a new school building with various learning spaces for the 21st century, architects, school leaders and teachers must collaborate to build a space that meets the daily and diverse needs of students and teachers. Bridge3 has created the ideal learning space in their delivery of the School 3.0"

"by P.B. Garrett Published on Monday, October 13, 20140 Comments Key Takeaways Experiential learning enhances student engagement and learning and thus is an important pedagogical driver of learning space design. Successful creation of experiential learning environments and faculty adoption and use of innovative learning spaces depend critically on collaborative partnerships. Investing in the creation of experiential learning spaces proves essential to preparing students for today's marketplace."

This is a useful blog which discusses library design from a user (human) perspective, rather than just bricks and mortar. The focus is on improving the user experience, through working in partnership with them and marketing services effectively.

iTEC is about designing the future classroom. The project, which involves 15 Ministries of Education from across Europe, brings together teachers, policymakers, pedagogical experts - representatives from each stage of the educational processes - to introduce innovative teaching practices.

Providing the higher education sector with a learning space design framework for cost effective retrofitting of existing learning spaces. A really useful resource from Australia.

"hubs for activity - collaborative work spaces (( the article, compiled by designboom's editor-in-chief birgit lohmann originally appeared in print (issue 02/volume 01/december 2013) in the arts and business journal "