What does a student centered library look like?

While researching 21st Century libraries last night, I found the website for Central Oregon Community College.  I was enlightened by the librarian's collection of quotes relating to the Learning Commons concept and 21st Century Libraries.  The quote below is from his collection.

What we want to do with our libraries is make students comfortable with this strange, hybrid print and digital world of ours by incorporating some of the traditional messages of past libraries - the ones Barnes and Nobles has used to such great effect in their bookstores - with the technology our students need, We want to do it in a way that says to students: this is a place you want to be. This is yours. You have citizenship in the realm of knowledge.

Fundamentally, learning isn't about use of tools, it's a social experience. We should make it easier for our students to conceptualize research as a social act, not simply manipulating inert bits of information and documenting where those bits came from. It's important when we draw them into research that we don't send the wrong message - e.g. that research is transcription - because they will take the message to heart.
--Barbara Fister

How powerful is that statement - You have citizenship in the realm of knowledge.  I believe that for students and teaches alike, this is an essential part of learning! Many of our students feel somewhat disconnected from the intellectual world and many times have no idea how to access that world.  This especially tends to be true in middle school when they have a hard time seeing past their immediate situation.  I feel that as a library media specialist, my job is to assist students with "jumping into" the world of knowledge with complete abandon and explore what is out there.  

Think about how amazing it would be if the library was known as the "place to be" on your campus.  I know many schools where this is true and I can only hope that this is true for the library at Lady Bird Johnson Middle School.  I truly can not wait for the first day of school and for all of the days that follow so that I can see and experience students taking up residence in the realm of knowledge and then taking that knowledge to the next level to solve problems and create!   

Have a great Friday everyone!  :)

 

A New Love for Picture Books

I have always enjoyed a good read and often find myself trying to juggle at least 3-4 books at a time.  It was just recently that I rediscovered the joy of picutre books.  My daughter has reently decided that she is too old for picture books so I have not had a "reason" to read them.  Well, since when do I need a reason to do something enjoyable?   And, that was that....I have been on a picture book reading frenzy.  Here is my favorite for today

X is disgruntled becasue he is in so few words and at the very end of the alphabet so he calls for a new alphabet.  The letters all start to jump on board until they realize that everyone has an important role to play.  Not only does this book offer an excellent way to teach grammar rules but also gives the opportunity to discuss the importance of being content with who you are.  Loved it!!!