Fairview High School Online Library
Fairview High School 841 Welcome Road Cullman, AL 35058
June Chandler, School Librarian
Phone: 256-796-5106 Fax:256-796-9025
Library Program = Learning Commons
A Changing World...
A library program that is built for 21st-century learning has to be more than just a room full of books with a glorified computer lab because the culture of learning and teaching has changed.
"Instruction has moved toward relevant, experimental, real-world and inquiry-based models. Learning is collaborative and social and involves both technology and information-rich resources. Learning must be participatory and this is where the philosophy of the "learning commons" meets the school library media center." (Adapted from Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada, 2014.)
Adults must realize that the library program from when they were in school has changed dramatically and so has the job of the librarian. The librarian of the 21st century must be fluent in technology as well as information skills.
We must provide equitable and adequate access to resources and learning opportunities.
Using Journal & Magazine Articles.
Project and inquiry based learning activities.
We must provide equitable and adequate access to resources and learning opportunities.
In her article, Skills for the 21st Century Librarian by Meredith Farkas in her blog entitled, "Information Wants to be Free," outlines the tech skills most needed by librarians and the higher level competencies that should be taught in librarianship. (See hyperlink.)
The philosophical approach for a library program that is going to meet the needs of its 21st century students and teachers is going to embrace the concepts of "learning commons" whereby the library becomes a place where learners connect, share, and create in the school community. The library program still needs a strong collection
of resources, librarians still need to assist learners with finding and using information effectively and ethically, and we still want to serve the recreational reading needs of students. In addition we must support and extend their academic pursuits so that the library learning commons is both physical and virtual where it becomes the central hub for collaborative learning in the school.
In this learning environment everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher working collaboratively and achieving success.
Changing world of the
workforce.
Changing world of the library.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (2009). Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills (IMLS-2009- NAI-01). Washington, D.C.
Workforce chart, pg 2; Library chart, pg 7. (Downloadable pdf.)