Significant and non-significant results matter: School librarians and assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joette Stefl-Mabry ◽  
Michael Radlick ◽  
Shannon Mersand
Keyword(s):  
School Librarians

Lessons learned from designing flipped lessons for fourth grade students: implications for school librarians

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella Smith
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of flipped learning lessons designed to teach information literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was implemented using a paper-based survey and an online focus group. The survey asked questions about the participants’ perceptions of the flipped lessons. The focus group was used to clarify the participants’ responses to the survey questions. Findings A majority of the students enjoyed completing the lessons. Responses also indicated that a majority of the students felt that the lessons helped them prepare for class. However, issues with computers and internet connectivity at home resulted in some of the students completing the lessons before or after school. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to a class of 21 students enrolled in a public school in North Texas. Originality/value There is limited research supporting the value of flipped learning in relation to the technology implementation role of school librarians. This study provides insights into how school librarians can develop flipped learning lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the information literacy skills of students.

scholarly journals Evidence or Evidence Based Practice? An Analysis of IASL Research Forum Papers, 1998-2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Marcia A. Mardis
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
International Association ◽  
School Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Or Practice

Objective - Conferences are essential opportunities for professional development and for learning about research. This study analyses papers presented in the Research Forum track of the International Association of School Librarians (IASL) conferences to determine whether the amount of school library research reporting increased or decreased over time; who (i.e., what author roles and affiliations) has written about research; which countries were represented in the research articles; what topics were discussed in research articles; and what research methodologies were used. The aim was to determine the extent to which the Research Forum provides research evidence that relates to practice. Methods - This study continues the longitudinal analysis of published school library research begun by Clyde (1996) by analyzing Research Forum papers published in IASL conference proceedings from 1998-2009 and using the same approaches and metrics as previous studies by Clyde (e.g., 1996; 2002; 2004), Clyde and Oberg (2004), and Oberg (2006). Results - Conference paper topics, author origins, quantities, and research approaches remained static through the 11 years analyzed. The analysis reveals that the papers’ authors, methods, and topics reflected those found in previous studies of school library research. As well as replicating previous studies, the role of academic research at a practitioner-based conference was investigated. Conclusions - Based on long-established imperatives from leaders in the profession, the IASL conferences provide both evidence and evidence -based practice for school librarians from all over the world. However, when scholarly research is shared at practitioner venues, it is possible that school librarians may assume that research results constitute evidence -based practice (EBP), not evidence upon which practice should be based. This distinction is important if considering that the purpose of academic research is to objectively inform, not to advocate a particular position or practice. The Research Forum can be a valuable venue for the presentation of empirical research findings and conclusions and objective program evaluations and provide a valuable complement to the evidence -based practice descriptions shared in the Professional Papers portion of the conference program. It is argued that the Research Forum must be clear in its purpose: to present the results of research; to present effective practice determined by rigorous evaluation; or to present research-supported arguments for the support of school libraries. Through a reconceptualization of EBP, the paper demonstrates how EBP is both a method and a methodology for the presentation of school library research and practice in a conference atmosphere.

scholarly journals The Transformational Leadership Practices of National Board Certified School Librarians in North Carolina

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Hirsh
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Leadership Practices ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
National Board ◽  
Teaching Standards ◽  
Professional Leadership ◽  
High Level

This study describes a questionnaire survey of school librarians in North Carolina who have received advanced certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. The survey was conducted to identify the transformational leadership practices of these school librarians and assess their ability to implement professional leadership guidelines. School librarians’ leadership practices were assessed using the Leadership Practices Inventory, 3rd Edition (LPI). School librarians perceived themselves as possessing a high level of transformational leadership in the five exemplary practices identified by the LPI: Modeling the Way (MTW), Inspiring a Shared Vision (ISV), Challenging the Process (CTP), Enabling Others to Act (EOA) and Encouraging the Heart (ETH). They perceived themselves as being very strong at MTW and EOA. They were less successful at ISV and CTP. Overall, they were very successful in implementing professional leadership guidelines. Successful implementation of these guidelines was highly correlated with ISV and CTP.

scholarly journals Schooling at the Library in Italy for the Social Inclusion: The “Biblioscuole” Project

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Marquardt
Keyword(s):  
Social Inclusion ◽  
School Library ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Training Course ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Training

“Biblioteche nelle Scuole” (in brief, “Biblioscuole”, i.e. Libraries at Schools), a three year school library pilot project, has been carrying out since 2004 in Italy to improve school librarians competencies and school library services in order to provide an easy access to information for teachers, pupils and their families, and to promote social inclusion. The Project and some reflections - based on learners’ interaction - about the first part of the education and training course, are presented here.

scholarly journals Building a Vibrant Future for School Librarians through Online Conversations for Professional Development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy O'Connell
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Social Media ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
The World ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Teacher Librarians ◽  
Media Channels

Technology and social media platforms are driving an unprecedented reorganization of the learning environment in and beyond schools around the world. Technology provides us leadership challenges, and at the same time offers opportunities for communication and learning through technology channels to support professional development. School librarians and teacher librarians are often working as the sole information practitioner in their school, and need to stay in touch with others beyond their own school to develop their personal professional capacity to lead within their school. The Australian Teacher Librarian Network aims to make a difference, and supports school library staff in Australia and around the world to build professional networks and personal learning connections, offering an open and free exchange of ideas, strategies and resources to build collegiality. This ongoing professional conversation through online and social media channels is an important way to connect, communicate and collaborate in building a vibrant future for school librarians.

scholarly journals 13,000 Students of Ohio Tell Their Story

2021 ◽  
pp. 94-108
Author(s):  
Ross J. Todd ◽  
Carol C. Kuhlthau ◽  
Ann E Tepe
Keyword(s):  
Literacy Development ◽  
Reading Literacy ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Large Research

This paper reports on some of the findings of a large research project undertaken in 2002-2003 in Ohio, USA. The findings of this study are numerous, and this paper specifically focuses on some of the 10,316 stories told by 13,123 students in relation to reading. The findings present a multi-faceted picture of the school library's role in the fostering of reading literacy. The study raises some significant challenges for all school librarians, and provides an invitation to reflect on, critique and re-engineer services to ensure the library's role in reading literacy development is a powerful and visible one.

scholarly journals Policy Challenges for Administrators and Teacher Librarians in International Schools

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artemida Kabashi
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
International Schools ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
School Setting ◽  
The United States ◽  
International School ◽  
Third Culture ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Teacher Librarians

Policy development stands at the heart of running a successful library and having a positive impact on student literacy and overall achievement. This paper reports on the policy challenges that face librarians, teachers and school administrators in international schools, and provides the results of a case study from the Quality International School in Tirana, Albania. More over it provides a synthesis of the literature review on policy standards in international schools and the United States, and their impact on third world culture student achievement and success. Most of the achievements of students in international schools have more recently been studied under the scope of “third culture.” This paper, examines student access to policy and overall achievement within the context of “third culture” as a phenomenon. The paper also focuses on the importance of media selection, censorship, copyright and technology, as evidenced from interviews of school librarians, teachers and administrators at the Tirana International School. One of the central challenges in international schools remains the lack of centralized guidelines that support the institution’s library mission and vision. In order for libraries to thrive in an international school setting, communication at the onset of policy development between staff, teachers, librarian(s) and administrators is key.

scholarly journals School librarians’ anticipated support for students with SEN: Using a Modified Grounded Theory Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyo Matsudo
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Educational Support ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Special Needs Education ◽  
Library Function ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

The purpose of this study is examining some suggestions on how school libraries can be involved in Special Needs Education in a helpful way. The Modified Grounded Theory Approach is used as the method for this study. In my analysis I focus on the change in perception of 19 school staff members with respect to changes in the school library function and factors for these changes. Based on the result the school librarian’s anticipated four supports are suggested as follows: providing suitable materials that take into account students’ situation, searching study by team teaching, supporting students’ self-affirmation by sympathetic understanding, and educational support encouraging students’ socialization.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document