Current Practices in Designing and Developing Effective Learning Center Spaces in Postsecondary Education

This qualitative case study was conducted to understand the process learning center administrators used in the creation or remodeling of a learning center space at a 2-year college system in the Midwest. Participants of the study were learning center directors, facilities, information technology, or administrator team members. Data were collected through interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using first- and second-cycle coding to conduct a within-case analysis. The results of the within-case analysis were used to conduct a cross-case analysis. Themes emerged from the process used to create or remodel a learning center: which were needs assessment, coalition, implementation, and additional changes. The emergent themes from the extent to which learning center administrators considered pedagogy, space, and technology in their learning center designs were instructional, space, and technology considerations. Based on the findings of the study, implications for practice and recommendations for further research are shared.