A Learning Commons Journey

A Learning Commons Journey: 10 year transition from Camilla Elliott

The recent School Library Assoc of Victoria conference focussing on school library design and change was an opportunity to share our 10 year library transition at Mazenod College. The physical transition has been from a 1970's style library, through to a revamp that breathed in new life and flexibility, until finally in March 2018, moving into a competely new building.

Whilst the physical transition has been complex. Before anything could be achieved we needed to have all library staff on board for the journey. This commenced in 2010 when I introduced the concept of School Library as Learning Commons and the idea of changing the day to day library philosophy to a student centred approach. Library in name but with a Learning Commons philosophy. (See writing on this topic).

Bringing staff on board is an essential first step with any change. When a school library transitions, the first step is development of a shared vision and, in our instance, an understanding of the role of the library in the life of the student. The change required involved a commitment to professional learning and growth for each staff member.

This is often an overlooked first step and as a consequence, the library building changes, is refurbished and renewed and the libray staff remain the same. The outcome of a focus on building over staff results in dissatisfaction, resentment and a lack of ownership. 

A new library building is wonderful but the foundation of success in the construction of that building is an involved and committed library team equipped to offer a vision of school library appropriate to today's society.  Be informed, be involved, be ready.

Challenge, creativity and change - a new school year

As we prepare to return to school after the summer break and the builders are completing the final touches on our refurbished library, I'm starting to wonder how our new spaces are going to be used.  There was much excited aniticipation as we set out on the journey, now it's time to test those ideas and see what works as we envisaged.

This video Challenge, Creativity and Change: Jerry Lee at TEDxStLawrenceCollege struck a chord with me in providing support for reflection as we return to our school libraries for a new school year.  It raises challenges that can guide our thinking and help set an agenda for dynamic action this year.

• SALY - Same As Last Year - is this your plan for 2013?
• What traditions that have outlived their purpose will you challenge this year? Challenging tradition leads us to the world of change.  All of us have different traditions, identify your own, discuss them with your library team, challenge their purpose
• Why are you doing what you do every day? Why? Why? Why?
• Everybody wants change but nobody wants to change.  We can see what others should do differently but it's always more difficult to see how we ourselves should change
• Quote from the movie Shoreshank Redemption: Get busy living or get busy dying!

As so many teacher librarians and library staff worry about their role and the future that administrators may have planed for them, I urge you to reflect, identify and act.  

As a library team (of one or 20):

• Analyse your plans for this school year
• Discuss them and toss around possibilities
• Take your big ideas to the principal and curriculum leaders
• Put a value on everything you do. Prune for new life
• Act decisively and  .......... Don't settle for the frog - aim for the princess even if she scares you!

I'll say again what we hear so often today - 'It's and exciting time to be working in school libraries' - Exciting not Easy!