Changing Dynamics of

School Libraries

October 24, 2014Teacher Librarians of NL Special Interest CouncilProfessional Development Workshop

According to the Canadian Library Association (CLA)…

…the focus of the library program in the past was on building strong collections of resources and assisting users to find and use them effectively, the goal now is to build learning communities and make connections among learners, thus facilitating knowledge creation in the school community.

Canadian Library Association. 2014. Leading Learninghttp://clatoolbox.ca/casl/slic/llsop.pdf

CLA acknowledges the reality might be different…

Our school libraries should reflect our common values of equity, diversity and cultural identity as well as the best approaches in the educational and library professions. They should be contextually relevant to student need and success…

Canadian Library Association. 2014. Leading Learninghttp://clatoolbox.ca/casl/slic/llsop.pdf

What is driving the changes we are seeing in school libraries?

• Publishing industry (print / electronic)

• New formats (hybrid texts, graphic novels)

• Multimodalities (digital, print, video)

• Technology adaptations (tablets, interactive white boards)

• Budget constraints• Differentiated instruction• 21st Century Learning (integration, collaboration, inquiry)

• Globalization / Cultural Diversity• Inclusion / Individualization

Use the orange/pink post-its and indicate 1 or more positive changes in your library/learning commons.

Use the blue/green post-its and indicate 1 or more negative changes in your library/learning commons.

What changes have you seen in YOUR library?

How can you help bring about positive change?

You don’t need to be a superhero, but you do need to

consider some engagement strategies:

• Inquiry-based research• Collaborative problem solving• Community literacy programming

Inquiry – The Stripling Model

Stripling, Barbara. 2008.http://www.teachingbooks.net/content/InquiringMindsWantToKnow-Stripling.pdf

Problem-Based Learning Model

Beall, Lisa. 2014.http://lisabeall.bgsu.wikispaces.net/Inquiry+and+Problem+Based+Internet+Resources

Community Literacy

Programming

Community Literacy is an engagement strategy that draws on your local community and encourages:

• Place-based learning• Intergenerational programming• Intent participation• Service learning

Community Literacy

Programming

Community Literacy evolves when members of the community are given opportunities to gather, talk, and share expertise.

It has the added benefits of:• raising the profile of your library & school • being cost-effective• providing networking opportunities

Community Literacy

Programming Ideas

IFLA Sister Libraries Program

Example: Let’s Dream Together

http://sisterlibraries.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/lets-dream-together/

Community Literacy

Programming Ideas

StoryWalk®

Example: Annapolis Valley Regional Library

http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2012/06/walking-the-storywalk/

Community Literacy

Programming Ideas

Could a Community Programming initiative work in YOUR community?

Community Literacy

Programming Ideas

Want to review some of the sources shared in this presentation:

http://www.slideshare.net/bethmaddigan