The way ahead: learning cafés in the academic marketplace

Abstract

Libraries, like the universities they serve, are faced with the daunting task of reconciling the traditional role as repository and provider of information with the increasing demands of a market‐driven society. Learning cafés can provide a place where these two divergent demands are potentially reconciled. By providing sophisticated technologies within a sociable environment, learning cafés seek to enhance the potential for interactive learning among its users. They have the potential to be hosts for an increasingly diverse array of emerging library services. Before incorporating a learning café within new or existing libraries, however, planners must keep in mind the types of learning best suited for this type of area and maintain a flexible design model so that the café can be adapted to future needs.