Evaluation plan to improve reference services

For Assignment 3: Evaluation plan to improve reference services, I created a plan that aims to provide strategies to improve the reference services available to staff and students in an elementary school library. Presently, the bulk of the reference collection consists of out-dated encyclopedias that largely go unused. The quality of resources no longer support student needs, therefore this plan suggests an approach to revamp this area to improve reference services.

Laying foundational information literacy skills

Theme 3: Reference Materials

Theme 3: Reference Materials, has been an interesting exploration of various types of reference materials (presented in both print and digital formats) and I have learned a lot about considering their style, format, currency, and scope when selecting and evaluating resources for a school library learning commons.

In reflecting on each lessons readings, my take-away is that although information changes rapidly, providing a range of well-selected reference materials remains the priority of a well-rounded reference section whether physical or digital.

Throughout this final theme I have been thinking about past observations (mostly in elementary schools library learning commons, but also in high schools) and experiences when working as a teacher-librarian and as a classroom teacher bringing classes into the library for projects.  I have found that generally, reference collections tend to be dusty and underutilized, and I feel unsure why exactly that is the case; I am left with more questions than answers.

Are they dated and forgotten? Are students being shown how to use them? Do students have easy access to digital formats? Are teachers weaving them into the required resources? Are teacher-librarians able to have the time to teach students information literacy skills and search methods? Are teacher-librarians and classroom teachers having the opportunity to collaborate and make reference materials a stronger piece of research projects? Are students having the opportunity to learn and practice using general and specialized reference materials with support as they develop into independent learners?

This leads me to think that in my own practices I will focus on teaching students the foundational skills required in the process of using reference materials.

A library learning commons could spend a lot of money to invest in the best quality, current and well-selected reference collection, but if teachers and students do not have the foundational skills required to use these resources, it is worthless. Perhaps I could collaborate with a like-minded colleague as a pilot project to see how to best teach the necessary skills, where we focus more on the process than the end-product and feedback from the students is listened to and considered. For example, many students struggle with alphabetical order when using a dictionary and often give up quickly or ask an adult “help” (to do it for them, really). Additionally, I believe the skill of understanding mapping coordinates remains important, despite the popularity of Google Maps. Recognizing how something is organized, and then how to navigate it is a practical skill to learn and practice, whether using print or digital formats, because sometimes search functions on digital platforms are not as helpful as one would want or do not pinpoint your desired information for you.

References

gfycat. (2019). Dust Bunnies GIFs [GIF file]. Retrieved from https://gfycat.com/gifs/search/dust+bunnies

Smithsonian Institution. (2019). Legos Go Sustainable, and Everything (Really) is Awesome [JPEG file]. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/legos-go-sustainable-everything-really-is-awesome-180955874/

Theadless, lxromero. (2019). Where Am I? [JPEG file]. Retrieved from https://www.threadless.com/designs/where-am-i-5

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. (2019). Educational Resources [JPEG file]. Retrieved from https://orc.uams.edu/compliance-education-program/educational-resources/

Collaborate with a teacher and evolve their practice

For Assignment2: Collaborate with a teacher and evolve their practice, I identified a situation where reference and resource materials were not being used properly during a research assignment, and students were not correctly referencing sources used. Using the CBAM model of change theory, I offer some possible changes and pre-teaching that could help create a more collaborate working environment with this colleague and others moving forward.