The Library Space as a Learning Space

During undertaking subject ETL504- Teacher Librarian as a Leader and also in ETL401 Teacher Librarianship & ETL501 Information Environment, I examined the importance of the library as a learning space for the whole of the school community, but not only in the school environment.  The community libraries have adopted this vision as well, as I saw during our study visits and professional practice visits.

Haycock (2006) believes that the major objective of the library or the school resource centre is to contribute and increase the effectiveness of the instructional programs of teachers, thereby the student learning, and the IASL Policy Statement on School Libraries (1993) describes that the school library is central to fulfilling goals and objectives in regards to curriculum, resources and information technology that will expand the learning environment of the students.

A letter written to the Troy Library by Isaac Asimov (1971) portrays my thoughts on what a great library is: ‘a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you …and most of all, a gateway, to a better and more happier life’.  I believe that this is one area that I would love to have dwelt on a bit more in the course and will be researching more on my own because I feel it is an important aspect in any school or community library, as children are becoming more visually engaged within their learning and understanding.

Hughes (2010, p212) has stated that ‘the library can make a positive difference when the school adopts a collaborative approach between teachers and the library professional’.

‘The development of strong, collaborative teaching partnerships, and the high regard in which the whole school community views the library, will ensure exciting and rewarding learning journeys in the future for all involved’ (Scheffers, 2009, p11).

While completing my professional placement I observed that this was a course of action that the teacher librarian was trying to engage in, but the teachers were not so inclined to accept.  I found it frustrating that the staff were ignorant to their understanding of the importance of collaborativeness and how it could ease their workload and help their students receive a more integrated learning experience that encompasses all learning styles and resources.  I believe that this could be an obstacle faced in my future endeavours and therefore it is important to consider and devise ways that would encourage the staff to utilise the library space more.

Education Services Australia (2010) claims that in this 21^st Century’s interconnected, technology driven world, learning will typically take place in a physical, virtual or remote place.  This integrated and technical environment is an area in which learners learn. ‘These new learning spaces incorporate technologies that will engage the learner, create new learning possibilities, enhancing achievements and extend social and non-social interactions within local and global communities.  Studies have shown that by improving the school’s physical environment test scores can be increased by up to 11%’ (Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment, 2002).

Winzenried (2010) explains that libraries need to be enjoyable places, which are relevant to students’ needs and responsive to their learning.  I have learnt that this includes their enjoyment of the written word whether in print or digitally.  Ronald Reagan (1971) wrote ‘a world without books would be a world without light…without light, man cannot see.  Through the written word, a world of enlightenment has been created and has taught us about the past to enable us to build the future’.

During my research in this subject and for this topic, I found that appropriate 21^st century learning environments should have technology at the forefront so as to better prepare students for a relative future in a technologically driven world and also having flexibility of the learning space is essential, as it should be a space where the school community can socialise as well as learn.  Does this really happen?  Are the schools looking at the space it has and how it can be utilised more?  I think they are thinking about it.  I am thinking about it.  Will it become a reality, soon?  I hope so, for this and the next generation of learners.