Reflecting on Lesson 13 - Open Access & the Success of our Library

Open Access

As a classroom teacher, and non TL, I found it hard to reflect on whether I promote access to information and sources in a library context.  I am able however, to reflect on how the TL provides access to reference materials and services as well as the role I am able to play in that process.

The TL at our school has developed a reputation of being an authoritarian and as a result, students are reluctant to make use of library sources and services.  With students using the library sparingly and tentatively I do not believe they are benefiting from all that the library program and TL have to offer.  The library is organized well to provide good physical access to reference sources.  The library also has a good collection which can provide students with intellectual access to a wide variety of information sources and services.  The library even has good policies with regards to the usage.  Unfortunately, due to the reputation of our TL, all of these positives do not benefit the students.

As a teacher, I promote open access to reference sources and services at all times.  I encourage students to go beyond the textbook and sources I provide to develop a better understanding of a topic or concept.  I also use research models to ensure that students are conducting meaningful research and using a variety of appropriate sources.  I also have students visit the library on a regular basis to conduct activities which require them to make use of online periodicals and databases such as EBSCO.  Realizing that I have made the transition to relying heavily on online databases, I have taken it upon myself to prepare current students for another way of accessing information come the later years in high school and beyond.  Within my classroom I also promote access to information by ensuring I have a variety of sources aside from the main textbooks we use.  These sources can be referenced at any time to help students and even myself, develop a better understanding of a topic.

While I am sure I could do more to promote even better access to reference sources and services, I try to connect students to a variety of information sources which will help them learn and in the process become more information literate.

Is Our Library Successful?

Based on the account above and the evaluation standards discussed in lesson thirteen, I would have to say that our library is acceptable.  Students do have access to materials, the collection does reflect students needs and diversities, the collection is weeded regularly and there is sufficient funding.  However, I do not believe it is as successful as it could be in promoting reading and information literacy skills.  This is primarily due to the reputation our TL has with students.  I believe that if our TL works at developing a better rapport with students she can ensure students are able to access the wealth of reference sources and services that our library has to offer.  If the teachers work cooperatively with the TL to change the perceptions about the library I think we can create a library program which is not just acceptable, but exemplary.  This would be a success in making our library more successful.