LIBE 477 - Who is the Learning Commons website for?

Due to its public nature, a Learning Commons Website can have many audiences. I have gone back to my research, searches, and exploring to become clear in what I am hoping to build. One element that I have missed, is that of having a Mission Statement. When browning Best Library Sites of 2019  although featuring public libraries, the designs with clear mission statements appealed to me. I created one for one of my previous courses, so going back, refining, and revising my LC Mission Statement, I think is a great addition and start. 

 

(image source: https://meetpiola.com/)

In my consultations and meetings with the Communications and Tech departments at my school, the question of ‘who is this for’ has been asked several times.  In my planning, the primary audience and design will be for K-6 students across two different schools. However, as a hub of information, it will be a helpful tool for teachers and parents as well. This multi-faceted audience can pose a challenge in the planning phase. To address this, I am planning on having a ‘Resources’ section for parents and teachers and then keeping the remainder of the site student-focused.

The Vision

In my meetings, there has been less of a focus on content, and more on how the site will be built and how it fits into the larger school website.  I shared that I thought that the LC website could 

• Provide a community for promoting books and literacy

• Create a space for resources

• Provide tutorials

• Have related links for research /  (eventually curriculum specific)

• Incorporate my current blog and virtual library 

• Feature student voices 

• Reflect school happenings around events, connected through literacy (ex. Books around Kindness for World Kindness Day) 

There was much excitement, and even a collective vision on how this could become a district-wide hub, for all students across multiple schools K-12. However, the initial plan is to start at the Elementary level, see what works, be successful at this level, and then grow from there.  

Using the ideas from Library Girl’s website as a reminder and focus piece: 

The Need

Until last year, there has been no teacher-librarian, no learning commons. My job has been working with teachers to establish my program and role, and begin to transition the library into a learning commons.  This is all uncharted territory, there are very few expectations placed on the site at this point. The need as I see it is to create a space that students know how to get to easily. Having it hosted on the school’s main site makes that navigation piece simple. From here, I see the need as creating an essential hub. 

• Looking for a book - reserve through the OPAC 

• Help with research

• Sign into the digital library

• Picture book read alouds and book talks 

• Current and relevant websites for learning

• Student recommendations  

This snapshot from Library Girl has also inspired me to use this opportunity as a space to advocate and share what a TL does. Would it be too bold to create an ‘About’ section featuring this? 

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(image source: https://www.librarygirl.net)

 

She goes on to share about the importance of self-promotion. Which makes me think, perhaps part of the ‘need’ is my own. To share and advocate about my role. It is out of my comfort zone, but, if done well, could be a smart move? I can see on my site could potentially have links to my Twitter, Instagram too. Something to ponder. 

(image source: https://www.librarygirl.net)

My general hope is, if I build it (and promote it) then they will come! However, it has to be purposeful, current, engaging, and well designed.  The plan is to have regular updates, featured books, and student voices, as well as some areas that remain the same to facilitate easy navigation. If done well, it will be used, and the springboard to online learning. I am feeling more focused and prepared in my purpose and design this week, and some further reading and experimenting have allowed me to start building the site! 

Works Cited 

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

LaGarde, J. (2020, May 20). BFTP: Creating GREAT Library Websites for TODAY's Learners! Librarygirl. https://www.librarygirl.net/post/bftp-creating-great-library-websites-for-today-s-learners

Piola. (2019, May 2). The 25 Best Library Websites for 2019. Meet Piola. https://meetpiola.com/the-25-best-library-websites-for-2019/.