This session will examine the potential repurposing of spaces originally occupied by physical collections into Learning Spaces, dedicated to the creation, instruction and use of digital visual resources. It will provide an overview of the concept of Learning Spaces, including why it is important and worthwhile to advocate for and invest time, energy and money in this type of space. Panelists will speak on issues including how to negotiate for such a space, and provide specific examples of VR collections that have investigated or have completed the shift to a Learning Space. Due to the shift from analog slides to digital images, many visual resource collections are either currently facing, or will soon face, a major change in the use of space. What was once known as the "slide room" has grown to include a variety of resources for ever-evolving research and teaching needs, as well as digital image creation and manipulation. An inevitable part of that evolution includes using and presenting digital technology as a way to organize, search, present, research, and discover visual resources. The transition to Learning Spaces can help keep the visual resource collection--and the professionals that staff it-be vital, viable, and necessary in these uncertain times.
