Ultimate Teen Space The Mix at the San Francisco Public Library is a teenager’s idea of paradise, with places to chill with friends, be creative and explore technology, as well as room to study and read. The Mix is based on the learning theory of HOMAGO, providing teens with spaces to hang out, mess around and geek out and allowing them to explore information and technology and design and create. The popularity of SFPL’s teen space can be attributed to the fact that teens were involved in the planning every step of the way. Teens expressed their interests and planners listened; explore the results below as Cathy Cormier, Manager at The Mix, takes us on a virtual tour of the multiple areas that make up SFPL’s teen space. Entrance Area and Interactive Wall The Mix entrance has comfortable seating surrounded by glass walls. When teens learn that the touchscreen only works from inside the space, they’re excited to know that only they have access to this impressive technology.
The Future of MLS We’ve all seen various reports and discussions around the future of libraries. From Pew (“The Future of Libraries: 7 Questions Librarians Need to Answer”) and the Aspen Institute (“Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries”) to forums (ALA Summit on the Future of Libraries) to articles (Slate’s “What Will Become of the Library?”), and our own white paper (“Re-Envisioning the MLS”), there is no shortage of data or discussion on the topic. We know the challenges: State and local government workforces have faced significant reductions since 2009. Given these challenges, there is need to engage in a parallel discussion regarding the future of librarians. To seed this discussion, the iSchool at the University of Maryland launched its three-year Re-Envisioning the MLS initiative. Our first year is focused on engagement, with years two and three focused on redesign and implementation. What have we learned to date? Adaptable.
The Brave New Librarian Why Brave? For several decades now we have seen some school leaders dismantling the library programs and cutting back the library staffing of their districts. During this period, some school librarians did not view the struggle as one of survival, and in many districts they have seen the cuts happen without putting up much of a fight. There are exceptions to this trend, but we have reached the point where all school librarians must view the threats to program and position as severe. We are facing what amounts to a war against libraries and information literacy. Trained to serve schools, students and the community in a polite and restrained manner with services whose value was rarely questioned in the past, school librarians were not generally inclined toward aggressive advocacy, political action or the launch of bold new program initiatives. Joan of Arc?
ILE The Future for Teaching and Learning What does the future hold for librarians’ participation in teaching and learning in colleges and universities? Many are already taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the emergence of new technologies and faculty interest in giving students assignments that will engage them in their learning. I believe that the greatest opportunities for librarians lie in deeper connections to the curriculum, adapting to new modes of pedagogy, linking technology-rich and collaborative spaces in libraries to learning, and ensuring that individuals who enrich the library’s role in teaching and learning are on staff. Overall, the trajectory is for the increasing integration of librarians and libraries into the teaching and learning program of the college or university. Librarians, Pedagogy, and Curriculum Departments, colleges, or individual faculty might deliberately add the development of technology and information skills within the discipline as new objectives in the curriculum.
the seer’s hat The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a seer as one who “predicts events or developments” and while I can’t lay claim to having that extraordinary insight that sets such visionaries above the rest of us, in the past few weeks I have had the opportunity and privilege to see what might be in the world of libraries. While no one can accurately predict the future, nevertheless there are those who examine what has been, what is and can make a very good forecast of what will be. They undertake the research, read the reports, study the trends and draw conclusions that the astute amongst us will consider and act on so that what we are offering remains relevant and required. In a keynote address at the recent SLANZA conference in Christchurch, Mark Osborne identified three distinct phases in the evolution of education. Skills required in the 21st century How to teach all the skills The New Work Order Report curriculum leader information services manager information specialist the learning space
Transforming the school library for innovative learning The joy of reading is something that stays with someone for life and for many, this joy has its roots in the school library. Reading for pleasure is also inextricably linked with higher achievement and social mobility, making the school library a place of great importance in a child’s life. While the end goal is the same, the layout of today’s library has changed considerably from even a few years ago to accommodate high demand for technology and the shift from a quiet space to a learning hub for both groups and individuals. It is imperative, therefore, that the design and resourcing of the school library is meticulously planned by those with expert knowledge. School News spoke to industry insiders for advice on refitting the school library. Consider your space Start by looking at your space, advises Scott Reed from Resource Furniture, suppliers to hundreds of school libraries across Australia. Case study: Albany Senior High School, Auckland Questions to consider Space Signage Collection
Marketing for Libraries In this section, we'll examine the design of communications and explore the stories that bring library products alive. Key Questions Each of the following questions will be addressed on this page. For quick access, click on the question of interest. What's the message? Each library and service has a story to tell. The photo below is courtesy of the Utah State Library (Flickr). Example: The Lafayette College Library was looking for a way to increase use of their Personalized Research Assistance (PRA) service. According to Rebecca Metzger, "PRA cards get the faces of reference librarians out to students in a comedic format that shakes up the stereotype of librarians as stodgy and serious, hopefully making us more approachable. Each semester all students are mailed the current postcards that feature reference librarians superimposed on movie or TV skills that reflect pop culture (an example is shown blow). Accessibility - Can people easily navigate the library building and website? Timely.
Classroom design should follow evidence, not architectural fads The past decade has seen a boom in the construction of trendy buildings with visually appealing interiors in schools and universities. Proponents highlight the potential of these flexible and technology-rich spaces, referred to as innovative learning environments (ILEs), to shape behaviours to enhance student learning. Economic and technological changes have caused a reconsideration of the nature of teaching and learning. Critiques highlight the constrained, static design of conventional classrooms, which favours more traditional teaching practices. However, this claimed relationship between space and teacher practice is flimsy. What evidence is there for this relationship? Systematic investment in new learning environments is a matter of policy in many countries. The need for innovative classroom spaces stems from questions about how efficient existing classrooms are. Key studies in the field often focused on the design and physical performance of buildings. What works
The TL Toolkit for Student Success Home Think you don’t? Yes you do! Teacher-librarians can and do make a difference. Evidence-Based Practice is not complicated. Some Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice: Improving and demonstrating student achievement Becoming learning central Empowering the learner and the professional Highlighting the school library’s role in school improvement Providing accountability: funding, staffing, scheduling Planning more effectively Increasing your job satisfaction Reflecting on your practice Moving beyond advocacy By getting involved in Evidence-Based Practice you are building a portfolio of local school evidence and the tools to communicate it.
20 Classroom Setups That Promote Thinking 20 Classroom Setups That Promote Thinking by TeachThought Staff This is part 1 in our #iteachthought campaign. This is our equivalent to “back to school,” and is intended to help you focus in the 2015-2016 school year on taking a thoughtful approach to your craft as a teacher. Part 1: Classroom Setups That Promote Thinking Part 2: Learning Profiles: What Great Teachers Know About Their Students Part 3: 50 Questions To Ask Your Students On The First Day Of School Learning Is An Ecology Can how you setup your classroom impact how students think? Desks are a staple of the ‘modern’ classroom as we know it. So what can we do? So, the bit about “classroom setups impacting thinking.” You can also setup a “Google Room” or “Maker Space” and not promote thinking at all, or have students performing stunning cognitive acrobatics sitting by themselves on a cold floor. Note, we’ve placed an asterisk* beside those approaches that are more strongly suited to “thought” than others. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9.