Blog Post 1: My Eyes to the World of Reference Services

 

The first theme of our course has been both depressing and inspiring. This theme has highlighted for me the important role that a well-equipped Library Learning Commons and an educated teacher-librarian has in a school. It has also made me aware of how little I know about resources and reference materials. Unfortunately, this theme has also emphasized how far my own school is from seeing these benefits. 

Changing the Role of Libraries

The video above demonstrates inspiring examples of Library Learning Commons that I dream to run in a school one day. The language of inquiry is a part of each teachers' vocabulary. The first theme of our course has made me consider several questions:

• How can I support my students in finding the answers to their questions? 
• What are the most appropriate resources for my students? 
• What research models are best to help my students gather, interpret and share their learning? 
• What is the role of technology in a Library Learning Commons?                     

 In this video, Mr. Thomas Morley from Palmer Secondary in Richmond (3:14), highlights the importance of a Library Learning Commons having access to various online references and databases. Mr. Morley explains that teacher-librarians can find materials for teachers and students to help them learn, such as Ebsco and various online data bases. In his words, "we can show them all sorts of stuff other than Dr. Google and Dr. Wikipedia." 

Teacher-Librarians and Reference Services 

The role of the teacher-librarian is ever changing. In reading our course module notes and our textbook's first three chapters, I created these notes outlining the responsibilities of teacher-librarians today.

         

This is a lot for one person to be responsible for!

According to Riedling, an important component to successful reference services is, "competence in selecting, acquiring, and evaluating resources to meet students' needs." (p.6) This course is teaching me factors to consider when I will need to purchase resources for our library. It has also made me very aware of how building a library collection is an ongoing activity and how quickly print resources become out of date.

A Whole New World: Online Databases 

As a classroom teacher, I do teach my students research skills. We spend time learning how to evaluate sources, synthesize information and share our learning. I have access to laptops in my class and I have always used the Internet as our main source of information. However, Reidling says, "The Internet is not really a source of information, but rather a means of communication - the ultimate communication network." (p.105) I am learning how little I know about where to find information and that there are other options in terms of reference materials. Unfortunately, I didn't know about them until this course started! There are several benefits to using online databases that I had not considered. 

1. I don't have to worry about the safety of my students. They will not stumble upon inappropriate content when searching for information within a controlled platform.                 
2. The information search is narrower. Students do not have to spend time filtering through results.                                                                                                                                                     
3. The authority of the information has already been reviewed. Students do not have to question whether the source is reliable.  

Inspiring Change 

Our library has an extensive collection of picture books, graphic novels and current popular choices. Our non-fiction section is also well developed. However, there is no access to a reference collection (digital or print). My students attend library once per week for their library block. They enter the library and are told who can and cannot take out books. They can then explore the library and check out three books. There is no access to technology and there is no way for students to search materials within the library. It is discouraging to see how much potential our library has. It is also frustrating to know that other teacher-librarians are supporting classroom teachers with digital literacy skills, research and are creating environments for collaboration. Currently, teaching these vital skills fall on me, the classroom teacher.

• How do I make suggestions that change is needed in our school and the role of a teacher-librarian has shifted? 
• How can I share the importance of online databases? 
• How can I encourage my co-worker to support me in teaching 21^st century skills? 

References:

Riedling, A. M., & Houston, C. (2019). Reference skills for the school librarian: Tools and tips. Libraries Unlimited. 

Richmond SD38. The Evolution of the Library. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sadWGKFs4k