Abstract: The diversified commons have become one of the important parts of academic libraries’
development. Based on the authors’ personal experience during the visit to the University of Tennessee
Libraries in the United States, this paper introduces the multi-phased transformation of the Commons in
the library from the traditional “Information Commons” to modern “Learning Commons”, and the space
value assessment in 15 years. Finally, the paper puts forward some suggestions on the space renovation for
university libraries in China.

Key words: Academic libraries, Space renovation, Commons, Space assessment