LIBE 477 - Reading Review B - Collecting Resources

(image source: google images)

Creating a virtual space for my learning commons needs to be more than a website. I am hoping to build a hub that can be interactive, foster community as well as be the go-to space for quality resources. As my searches began through various sources for creating a virtual learning commons, I began to get excited about my vision. There is a vast amount of information to sift through, and the resources I have collected below are more like a highlight reel. There is a multitude of school library learning commons websites, and the more I visited, the clearer I was able to establish what I am hoping for on a personal preference level. I’ve included 5 resources, that I hope to be helpful references as I begin researching and emparking on this undertaking. 

(image source: bythebrooks.ca)  

By the Brooks - Build your Own Virtual Library Learning Commons

At first glance, the website initially looked like a webinar that had already occurred -  (which it has.) However, there is a rich source of information, discussion, and resources in building a virtual learning commons. The slides to the webinar and discussions, links, and resources are all available for viewing. It is a site I will spend more time combing through. Plus, the author, Anita Brooks Kirkland is the Chair of Canadian School Libraries. 

(image source: https://llsop.canadianschoollibraries.ca)

Leading Learning  - Appendix 6: Building a Virtual Learning Commons

This document is one that I have spent some time working with in the past and can be counted on to have the references and criteria I need. Appendix 6 is all about building a virtual space. Ther are ideas for parts to include, templates, references, and further reading. Having a source and reference created by the Canadian School Libraries is necessary, especially when sharing this proposal with my administrations. Using criteria and research from this document adds credibility.

(image source - jstor.org)

Analysis of Elementary School Websites - JSTOR journal article

Although this is an older article (2008), I think it is one that can still be useful for providing context and research behind what makes a website effective for Elementary aged students. It outlines the basics for design, structure, content, and audience. Out of the materials I gathered, this one may be replaced, but the abstract and some reading I have done intrigued me enough to want to read the article in full. 

(image source: google images)

An exploration of the relationship between the physical information commons and learning commons and their web sites (dissertation)

This article speaks to my exact topic and wonderings. Again, it is one the older side (2009) and quite lengthy (174 pages). However, within this context, I think there are some relevant and useful findings applicable to my own learning. The research is Canadian, and context is helpful for this understanding.

(image source: surreyschools.ca)

Library Learning Commons - Surrey Schools 

One of the courses I have taken, LIBE 463 Selection of Learning Resources, was taught by Leigh Husieff. Creating a website was on my mind at that point as well. She pointed me to the Surrey School site, and it is on that I would like to model my own after. It is a living example of easy access, intuitive, organized, and professional. The one drawback is that it is district level, however, and the community, school level piece is not included. 

Beginning with the research, looking at benchmarks and professional development from Canadian sources and examples of what schools are doing will be a solid foundation in starting to build a virtual learning commons for my school.

Works Cited 

Brooks Kirkland, A. Build Your Own Virtual Library Learning Commons. By the Brooks: Anita Brooks Kirkland. https://www.bythebrooks.ca/build-your-own-vllc/. 

Canadian Libraries Association. Leading learning: Standards of practice for school library learning commons in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Libraries Association. 

Hartshorne, R., Friedman, A., Algozzine, B., & Kaur, D. (2008). Analysis of elementary school web sites. Educational Technology & Society, 11(1), 291-303. http://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.11.1.291

Library Learning Commons. Surrey Schools - Library Learning Commons. https://www.surreyschools.ca/llc/Pages/default.aspx 

Unruh, M. (2009). An exploration of the relationship between the physical information commons and learning commons and their web sites Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/618682760?accountid=14656