My reflections
July 3rd, 2012, reflecting back, I never imagined being accepted to UBC into the library Science Diploma program. My first degree, Bachelor of Arts in languages from University of Alberta afforded my early experience working in libraries. I worked at the H.T. Coutts Education library first, as a summer employment and then at summers end I worked as a circulation clerk. I met such wonderful librarians who enjoyed their work it made me contemplate doing a Master’s in Library Science. In addition to working at the university’s libraries, I worked in school libraries in Edmonton, therefore, when my husband and I moved to Chilliwack I wanted to work in a school. The only feasible way that I could envision realizing my personal goal was hinged upon my attaining a library technician’s diploma. I quickly set out and achieved my goal by attending University of the Fraser Valley and completed the diploma program. I worked at various schools in both the Abbottsford and Chilliwack School District until my final position at Chilliwack Senior Secondary School where I essentially has free run the library since the teacher librarian and I had a great working relationship instructor. It is through working and interacting in the school that I came to understand that to truly enjoy the experience I need to have my own school library. I became aware the only way this could be possible was through my attaining my teaching degree so I endeavoured to attain my Bachelors of Education at Simon Fraser University. Upon graduation, I have been working as a French and Spanish instructor as well as working at various Libraries earlier on in my teaching career.
It is very nice to work in groups with other teacher librarians who are so eager to learn. Accessing resources in an organized library is essential for any library program to succeed. Staff and students need to know that items will be located and available when needed. The readings of different school districts library handbooks, and the Canadian library association help us realized that we all need to have the same school library standards across libraries. These standards will help us keep our library organized. A knowledgeable teacher librarian knows that in the event there are some items that would be best served to our patrons in a different location than its regular location according to Dewey, she will adjust her marc records location and make a note to show her patrons of the change yet keeping the library standard rules.
We talked about access, development of strategies to make our libraries accessible to all. This is when we looked at the National/District teacher librarian standards, and found that we all use the same standards since this is what makes us accessible to all but yet keeps us organized as well. All school libraries and community libraries use the Dewey Decimal classification system while most post-secondary schools use the Library of Congress classification system. In the Dewey Decimal classification system, books on similar subjects are grouped together by means of their call numbers. Library of Congress classification looks different from that of Dewey Decimal system because the item’s subject identification begins with two to three letters followed by numbers. Most school districts do not have an extensive library collections that requires the use of the Library of Congress classification system. We did research about other school district’s websites such as school district 36 various library sites. All their library websites are very well organized, they all use destiny’s library software for their cataloguing purposes however, each library site has added other resources and links to make their website unique and to cater to the needs of its patrons. Since, the needs of elementary schools patrons would be different than that of a secondary school.
We also touch points in class about designing our libraries. What would our libraries look like if we received a generous donations that could help build a new library from scratch where money is no object. What would this look like? In my group there were all elementary teacher librarians therefore we chose the theme of an elementary school. We made our library an open design concept, with big windows that would allow natural sunlight, a view of a forest or garden, unique tables in different shapes that could easily joined if a group of students needed to work as a team. We created a small amphitheatre for various presentations, a loft with hammocks and various entries such as a ladder, fire station, a slide and an elevator. We made this library accessible to all. We provided all our patrons with I-pads. Ensured that all areas of the library could be visible from the circulations desk area.
What type of library do we want to have? We have already covered the physical aspects, what about a welcoming environment that encourages students to read and research.
Student’s Information Literacy Needs in the 21st Century: Competencies for Teacher-Librarians
Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada (ATLC) and the Canadian School Library Association (CSLA), November 1997