The Role of the School Library in the 21st Century
When I was being interviewed for a new position in a public library, one of the questions being asked is what I thought was the future of the public library, Many answers from other people being interviewed included e-books or other resources that may be added. My answer however looked broader into the future scope of libraries in general. I thought public libraries would become more of a community center. Focusing not only on resources and literary accumulations but on other services that a library may provide, which might help it become more valuable to an ever changing society.
In the past 20 years, how society finds and uses information has changed drastically. Instead of print based information, now we are a technology driven society. So it makes sense that education also has become technology driven. The highest growing and changing job market is the tech market. When students leave our schools they need to be prepared for this growing field as it is affecting all other jobs as well. So the question arises is this the job of the library staff or the teachers? I propose that we are all educators and that as a team we can work together to further the education of our students.
So if we apply the original question to school libraries, what is the future of school libraries? I think the answer is the same. It needs to be a community center within the school, providing services to the school population to become a more valuable space in an ever changing educational field. This means providing more than a book repository and reader’s advisory but programs and services that prepares students for the ever changing technology driven society of today.
Many school boards have addressed this issue with changing our school libraries into school learning commons. Why? A change was needed to reflect the change in society and education. Also, a new name always helps the user and staff with the perception and acceptance of a change in space, scheduling and purpose. According to Louise Osland with Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium, “Everything in the school has purpose and intention. Change is deleting what is not working to support students’ learning success and adopting a new way that has the promise of increased student learning results” (Osland).
This may sound harsh to librarians, library technicians and staff but the reality is that we are employees of school boards. If the board feels that the library is not providing everything needed for the students of the 21st century, then things change or funding is cut.
What are the needs of the 21st century student? The education field calls them the 6 Cs (Collaboration, Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, Citizenship, and Character). When makerspace, robotics, green screening, 3D printing are added to the library program, all these skills can be practiced when the opportunity is provided.
Most staff see the need for change rather than cutting their budget and try to provide what programs they can with limited training. Many staff also don’t know where to start when it comes to coding, green screening, robotics, 3D printing and makerspaces, let alone updating the space into a collaborative friendly zone for the school community.
So what can staff do? One of the best things librarians, library technicians and other staff are good at accomplishing, is reading and researching. Find books, articles, videos, and conferences to learn skills. Ontario Library Association has a great conference in January 29 - February 1, 2020 and there is also a Connect Conference in Niagara Falls April 28 - May 1, 2020. Both conferences will give you new perspective and skills to bring to your library. Ask staff and students for help with learning social media skills to promote your library or learn robotics. Start a club, believe me that you will learn as much as your students.
The best thing you can do to update your library, programs and space is to be optimistic with the changes, and proactive in trying to learn a new skill. There are many colleagues, staff and students who would be delighted to help with new ideas, floor-plan changes, clubs and general change that would help make your library into the learning hub of your school.
Today’s schools are experiencing a great deal of change. Just as the rest of the world’s political, social, economic, and scientific realities have been shifted by swift advances in information and communication technology, so too has education. These forces are altering the way people work, play and learn.” (Together for Learning 2)
Tech to Try
Some of the interesting technology that I have tried in my schools
Micro:bits
Great for students of all levels. Those who are new to coding or experienced coders can fun interesting and useful ways to use this new tool.
Make a step counter, thermometer or rock, paper scissors game.
Many beginner coding exercises are included at www.microbit.org.
Sphero
Spheros are very versatile as they run through water, paint or just on the floor. Code spheros to run through an obstacle course or paint a picture.
A device is needed to run the app.
Dash, Dot and Cue
Code and build with Dash with all kinds of accessories and activities. Attach lego to code dash to write or plow the snow.
A device is needed to run the app..
Bee bot, Blue bot
When a grid is added to these basic coding robots, students can practice math, learn to spell, count money and learn mapping skills. A device can be used with the blue bot.
WeVideo
I like WeVideo for two reasons, it can be used on chromebooks and you don’t need a green screen to do green screening. Any single coloured surface or background can be used with this program.
Merge Cube
Augmented reality is here. Merge cube is a fun way to put science and learning in the students. Using different apps, merge cube become a hologram for students to explore.
Resources
Baker, Patricia. “Creating a learning commons for the 21st century: with design thinking”. Patricia Baker Publications. 2018. Print
Osland, Louise, Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz7PA5cm_N8>. accessed July 2018.
Together for learning: school libraries and the emergence of the learning commons. Ontario Library Association, ©2010. print.