Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

Appendices

From Library to Learning Commons Torch , Spring 2012

By Nicole Davies and Tony Nardi Until recently, the roles and responsibilities for Havergal’s Upper and Junior School Libraries were well-defined: collect, organize and circulate books while maintaining a quiet and calm environment for reading and learning from print materials. In the Junior School, “Library” was a scheduled subject that focused on library skills, read-aloud stories and book exchange. The Upper School Library was seen mainly as a place for girls to conduct research and complete homework during a spare. The purpose of each Library was straightforward and clear, just as it had been for decades. Then, the culture of information changed. Search engines such as Google became the gateway to the world’s electronic library. Publications and journals became available digitally in databases. Textbooks and encyclopedia’s went online. Information previously available to a select few became available to millions. The eReader was invented. Student projects took the form of podcasting, wikis, blogs and tweets. Devices such as laptops, phones and tablets can be found in almost every backpack. To help students wade through the immense amount of information now available at their fingertips, it was clear that the Teacher-Librarian was needed more than ever. It was also apparent that the Library needed to reinvent itself, think big and meet these changes through an innovative approach. We started by asking questions: what are the information needs of today’s students? What unique services can we provide that support and increase student learning, understanding and skill development? How does the Library fit into the continuously evolving information age? After much thought, research and connecting with colleagues, our transition to Learning Commons began. Our Upper and Junior Learning Commons are learning laboratories where information, technology and inquiry come together in dynamic spaces that resonate with today’s students. They are physical and virtual environments that foster thinking,

imagination, discovery, creativity and a love of reading. Learning Commons Teachers understand that students are now consumers and creators of digital information through websites, apps, movies, YouTube, RSS feeds, music, games and social media. In collaboration with other faculty, Learning Commons Teachers bring pedagogical order to the clutter of digital possibilities. While maintaining a solid understanding of traditional information sources, they design challenging learning activities to help students navigate the virtual world. Emphasis is placed on developing skillful researchers and critical thinkers who can evaluate information, develop deep understanding and ethically share new ideas in an electronic format. This information-to-understanding journey supported by the Learning Commons is crucial to our students’ post-secondary education success and future employment, and their desire for lifelong learning in general. As Havergal’s Learning Commons grow, you can expect to see our spaces continue to transform both physically and virtually. Furniture will be replaced by adaptable, multi-purpose pieces. The layout and design of the spaces will continue to encourage collaboration, imagination and creativity. Electronic resources will expand while our print resources will be streamlined. The Learning Commons timetable will be flexible to accommodate spontaneous and planned learning activities. An exciting and informative online presence will be available to all members of our community. Learning Commons Teachers will partner more with classroom teachers and IT staff to provide our students with rich, inquiry- based learning opportunities. And, of course, the Learning Commons will continue to promote the joy of reading through engaging activities including: Havergal Reads, The Forest of Reading program, Kids Lit Quiz Team, Starbooks, Book Fair, For the Love of Books Blogging Club, book talks, recommended reading lists and author/illustrator visits. It’s an exciting time to be a Teacher- Librarian, and we look forward to sharing the transformative journey with our students.

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