Role of the School Library?

[Kathy Starks]

I know this is a biggie, but I'm just curious how you view the role of the school library within the larger culture of the learning environment. Does your ideal vision fit with the reality of your particular library environment? What would your students say is the function of your school library? I ask this especially in the context of having seen the impact of the cafe on Kari's experience.

[SLST-East]

According to the State Ed Department, the Library is where students learn Information Literacy skills, in context with other sujects, and in collaboration with other teachers. Does it always work this way? I would say not; usually the Info Lit skills are taught valiantly and in a vaccuum by the Librarian who tries to keep in touch with other teachers, but who is usually paddling alone.

Students at the elementary level probably have a limited view of the Library's place in the school environment. It's a place to get Pokemon books. ;-)