Article Review #2

Cohen, Sydnye. (2010) "Growing a Knowledge Building Centre." Teacher Librarian, 37, no5, Je 2010, p.37-41. Retrieved from Wilson Web Full Text database.

Sydnye Cohen discusses the success of creating a "knowledge building centre" (referred to as KBC research programs) within her library in the article, "Growing a Knowledge Building Centre." She began planning and restructuring the way she organized research projects after reading the article: "The Learning Commons: Where Learners Win!" by Carol Koechlen, Sandi Zwann and David Loertscher. After discussions and an on-line class with David Loertscher she was ready to transform her library into a 'learning commons.'

She began her discussion by commenting on the dramatic increase in amount of student and teacher usage of the library but went on to realize that just because they were visiting more did not guarantee that they were learning how to use the tools in order to increase their researching skills and their knowledge base . She decided to implement some surveys to analyze students researching skills and found that, "most students where not using databases. Eighty-two percent of students responded that they used Google as the first choice for research...even though students received lists of databases and passwords" they did not use them for their research needs. (Cohen, 2010, p.38)

She decided to implement her new KBC model within a research project that occurred almost every year, 'The Greatest Greek.' Every year students usually presented a Power Point Presentation of the topic, Cohen decided to change that format into a Voice thread presentation. As part of the project the students had to provide an annotated bibliography for each work sited to show how each resource was used.

What I liked the best was the way the TL organized the assignment by creating a Wiki page for the students. On the Wiki they could find databases with the best e-sources, links to e-books, Noodle Tools (which was the format used for their annotated bibliography and links to how to create a Voice thread. The TL created a “one-stop shopping experience” (Cohen, 2010, p.39) for their project. This format was easy for the students to access and familiar to them. This is an ideal situation where the students can be taught the skills to use the Wiki but then have some independence while searching through it and fall back on the assistance of the TL if they are having any technical difficulties.

Cohen found this model to be more participatory and it also engaged the students to seek out more credible web sites and actually use other databases. When re-administering the same survey on the use of databases the statistics went up dramatically by the end of the year. In another project she created an evaluation test for web sites and had students use this evaluation to rate the web sites they found. The students were able to “engage in thoughtful discussions and could say why their sources passed the evaluation tests.” (Cohen, 2010, p.40)

This article was resourceful and opened up possibilities on how to structure and implement new ideas in order to plan authentic resource projects that students will enjoy and learn from. It allows students the opportunity to build on skills that they are familiar with and also expand their knowledge by showing them new ways in which to conduct more authentic research. It is also a great guide and structure to follow for both TL and planning teachers and clearly sets out the expectations for students in order to allow for success.

Article Review #3

Aden, Abdulkadir. (2008). "Reference Library in a Changing Environment." Library Times International, January, 2008, p.27,28. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete Database.

Within the article, "Reference Library in a Changing Environment,” Abdulkadir Eden poses the question: “What will the future bring for the field of reference library?” (pg. 27) Although Aden’s focus is on the public library system his discussion also relates to teaching reference research skills to students and I found this article beneficial as a guide to how teacher-librarian roles are also changing and how we can adapt to the changes.

Aden states how the role of the librarian is changing due to the increase in technology and we are becoming technology specialist in our libraries. This fact creates many challenges to the librarian that are both “operational and financial” (pg.27) First of all the librarian is selection specialist and must organize the vast amount of information that is available to them both in print and especially with on-line reference materials. As always there is the financial aspect which deals with 'library budget cuts, under funding in professional development and under staffing.' Teacher-librarians also suffer these same obstacles and must make selection choices in their libraries that will most benefit their clientele and consider costs of both on-line research tools and expensive print reference material.

Aden acknowledges the dramatic changes in the Information System and how it is leading libraries to provide their clients with a Digital Reference Service. Should this be the same route to take within our school libraries? It is an invaluable skill for students to know how to properly access referencing sources on the internet. I believe one system cannot be created for all schools but teacher-librarians have access to a number of resources and can teach navigation skills to all their students. Aden also mentions the vast number of search engines that can be used in order to serve specific purposes. This is a great way to introduce different ways of searching for specific information for example, instead of using Google search for all you information retrieval needs students could use 'Bolify' which allows for more detailed searches and models Boolean operators.

I believe that it is essential to create digital databases within our automated library program and to create even more access to reference material for students at home. It is essential that teacher-librarians work with the staff and students to provide the best referencing resources available in order to enhance researching skills. We should not forget about our print resources as well for they will always be an excellent and reliable source of information as long as librarians have the ability to keep it current and appropriate for all student levels.