Library Possibilities

Through this course, I have learned that the Library Learning Commons is not only a space for books and research, but it is a space that encourages creative thinking. The module of a LLC as Brown (2008), states, as educators we need to create a learning environment that is a safe place where students can take risks, try new things, and encourage playfulness and explorative play. Libraries can be places of learning where students are exposed to playful environments helping the student to become more engaged and open to other possibilities.

In my future library, I hope to pursue these “Library Possibilities”.

Developing Creative Thinking:

In the library learning commons, I hope to support creative thinking through developing a space that is an inviting and welcoming environment. I have been inspired, by the Reggio Emilia philosophy where the classroom becomes the “third teacher” by creating an inviting library space using warm earthy tones, elements of nature and developing a home-like setting. The safe and inclusive learning environment will enable creative and critical thinking that will empower students’ curiosity and exploration.

ADST in the Library:

In my future library learning commons, I hope to incorporate the ADST curriculum into the library space to develop the Design Thinking Process and Human Centred Design (Understanding, Defining, Ideating, Prototyping, Testing, Making, Sharing) for students. To incorporate ADST in the library, I would like to create a “Makerspace” area incorporating an assortment of materials for students to develop design ideas and expand their creative and critical thinking. The materials could be composed of arts and crafts materials, building materials to developing engineering, and robotics materials to develop technology and coding. I would like to create the “Makerspace Club” at the school to encourage students with design passion, inquiry projects and genius hour projects to have a time and the space to explore their curiosities in these areas.

Story workshop:

I would love to develop a “Story Workshop” area in the library. Through story workshops, students can develop creative story writing through the building, playing, drawing from exploratory play with loose parts. We can have students create individual wet felting story mats to build creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging through their creation and development of the story. TL can incorporate digital literacy using technology to present storytelling and bookmaking in multiple ways.

Question:

When starting in a new position as a teacher-librarian, we all have new, and creative ideas for our new library space. The teacher-librarian will have their own goals and overall vision for their library learning commons space. Should there be a process to develop changes in the library to make sure the changes requested by the new teacher-librarian are the most valuable to the overall school community’s needs?

References:

BC Curriculum. (n.d.). Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/adst/2/core.

Brown, T. (2008). Tales of creativity and play [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_brown_tales_of_creativity_and_play?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare.

IDEO. (n.d.). Journey to Mastery. Retrieved from IDEO | Design Thinking website: https://designthinking.ideo.com/journey-to-mastery