Theme 2: Choosing reference resources for your library learning commons

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 Theme Two: Managing and evaluating reference services.

The five reference tools that my school library learning commons should have for staff and students are as follows:

1.   Encyclopedias

A 

3.    Atlases


H Handbooks


4.    Dictionaries


5.    Almanacs


According to Reidling and Houston (2019) several considerations are important with regard to the selection of reference materials:

  • 1.    Knowing about the school, the school community, and the student population (input from teachers, staff, and students is also vital). I know my staff is using place-based learning with their classes and having nature handbooks in the library learning commons will definitely be in demand, meet curriculum content, and be appreciated. A grade two student came to mind when I chose encyclopedias as another one of my reference tools. He is a student that comes to me every week asking for help to find information. Each week I conduct a reference interview like the one in the video below.

    As the description on Wikipedia states I conduct the interview to provide the student with an answer. When any student approaches I am:

ü  Welcoming

ü  Gathering general information from the user and getting an overview of the problem

ü  Confirming the exact question

ü  Intervention, such as giving information, advice, or instructions.

ü  Finishing, including feedback and summary.

I look forward to his questions each week and feel so happy when we work our way through the process, and he gets the information he needs to answer his question.

  • 2.    Continuous collaboration with teachers and eliciting the expert advice of the school’s faculty members and drawing on their experience and knowledge is essential as well. After many rescheduled meetings I am meeting with my library committee for the first time Tuesday morning.  The committee consists of my principal, three teachers, one parent, and my library assistant. I am excited to discuss policies, budget, and library programming since strong policy, robust funding and equity of access is critical to the effectiveness of school libraries.


  • 3.    Keeping a record of questions asked or research requests is another consideration. I love this suggestion and would like to implement it in my library learning commons. During my prep time on Tuesday, I am going to create a recording sheet to start this process.

“Because of the high cost of many reference materials, it is critical that effective evaluation of reference resources occurs by the school librarian" (Reidling & Houston, 2019).



This is a picture of my current reference section. Most of the newer items were donated by my children. I would like to add more encyclopedias, atlases, handbooks, dictionaries (various types) and almanacs. These tools provide students with information that is accurate and reliable. A collection map like the one provided in the link will help me make informed decisions.  In addition to print resources I also provide virtual resources.  I created a library learning commons website that has links to the library catalog, digital classroom, and a virtual library that also links to online reference resources.  Finally, managing the reference collection and evaluating reference services are only a couple roles a teacher-librarian fulfills.

In conclusion, according to Reidling and Houston (2019) “in order to create and maintain a school reference that meets the information needs of students, effective selection and evaluation of resources by the school librarian is essential” (p.52). This is a big responsibility but I am excited to do it. I want the best for my students and have them be lifelong learners.

References

Carla Murphy. (2014, March 19). New Librarians Reference interview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrOdtu1UCu8

Craig Seasholes. (2013, January 10). Teacher librarians at the heart of student learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ybY5O7WvA

Foundations for School Library Learning Commons in Canada: A Framework for success. (2027). Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. https://www.canadianschoollibraries.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CSL_Foundations-Frameworks_FINAL_Nov2023.pdf

Ho, M. L. (n.d.). Collection mapping in school library media centers. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED267775

Riedling, A. M., & Houston, C. (2019). Reference skills for the School Librarian: Tools and tips (4th ed.). Libraries Unlimited. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB19171881

Students Need School Libraries. (2018, October 16). Teachers + teacher librarians = better learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKtZ_unsHHo

Wikipedia contributors. (2023, July 27). Reference interview. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference_interview


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