By Judith Sykes and Carol Koechlin
Leading Learning as a Tool for Reflection and Growth: Culturally Relevant and Responsive Library Learning Commons
Abstract
This paper explores the many ways school library professionals can enable every student to see themselves in the spaces, resources and learning approaches in the learning commons as well as uncovering and appreciating their broader communities. This exploration occurs through turning to Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada / L’apprentissage en tête : Principes relatifs à la transition de la bibliothèque scolaire vers le carrefour d’apprentissage au Canada for themes and exemplars to demonstrate evidence of culturally relevant and responsive practices already in place across Canada in school libraries. An added bonus: 17 new “See it Action” exemplars!
Judith Sykes has been a teacher, teacher-librarian, district school library specialist, and elementary school principal for the Calgary Board of Education in Alberta, Canada. She was the provincial school library manager for the Alberta Ministry of Education, leading the School Library Services Initiative 2008-2012. Judith consults, has led library and leadership associations, and has published and presented extensively including acting as committee co-chair/principal writer of Achieving Information Literacy Through Quality School Library Programs: The Vision and Standards for School Library Programs in Canada (Canadian Library Association 2003, 2006) and project coordinator/ contributing writer for Leading Learning: Standards Of Practice For School Library Learning Commons In Canada (Canadian Library Association, 2014). She is currently a director of Canadian School Libraries (CSL). Judith is the author of five books with Libraries Unlimited; the latest is The Whole School Library Learning Commons: An Educator’s Guide (Fall 2016).
Carol Koechlin is an experienced educator who has contributed to the field of information literacy and school librarianship writing professional books, articles for professional journals, facilitating on-line courses, and presenting workshops in Canada, United States and Australia. Working with Dr. David V.Loertscher, the team has developed foundations for the transformation of school libraries and computer labs into a Physical and Virtual participatory Learning Commons. Explore their work at The School Library Learning Commons – Future Forward. Carol is a founding member of Treasure Mountain Canada and has co-chaired TMC Symposiums since 2010. Carol was a contributing writer for Together for Learning: School Libraries and the Emergence of the Learning Commons and writing coordinator for Leading Learning: Standards Of Practice For School Library Learning Commons In Canada (Canadian Library Association, 2014). She is currently a director of Canadian School Libraries (CSL). Carol’s favourite saying, “Empower students to own the question.”