By Heather Daly
The Potential of the School Library Learning Commons
Abstract
This paper takes us on the author’s authentic journey into library a learning commons approach that truly prepares students for their future worlds. In the author’s words, “when we are talking about what libraries value and do, we are talking about discovery, opportunity, creativity, future jobs, technology, flexibility, growth mindset; we are also talking about STEAM.”
Heather Daly is the Coordinator, STEAM and Resource Innovation for SD43 Coquitlam in British Columbia. From UBC, she holds two Bachelor-level degrees (Cell Biology & Genetics, and Middle Years Science Education), one Diploma of Education (Teacher-Librarianship), and two Master-level degrees (Library and Information Studies and Archival Studies). She frequently contributes at UBC as an Adjunct Professor (Teacher-Librarian Diploma & Certificate program) and is the BC Teachers’ Federation representative to Focused Education Resources. Heather is the recipient of several awards including BC Teacher-Librarian of the Year (2017), the Ontario Library Association President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement (2013), the Margaret B. Scott Award of Merit (2011), and the Angela Thacker Memorial Award (2009). She is a Past President of the BC Teacher-Librarians’ Association (2008-2017) where she contributed to the development of critical documents such as Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. Other previous roles include Program Chairperson for the 2017 PSA Superconference and Vice Chairperson of the BC Libraries Cooperative Board of Directors.