Learning To The Second Power

Karla Morones

CA, CO

Wallace, V., & Husid, W. (2012). Learning to the second power. Teacher Librarian, 39(3), 25-29.

Summary

This article discusses the importance of librarians in inquiry-based learning.  The article shows how historically the role of school libraries and how it has grown in greater significance in education.  The article also discusses the challenges that a school librarian faces and demonstrates how a willingness to be flexible will have a positive effect on the school’s and the student’s educational success.  

Evaluation

I found this article to be incredibly informative.  The authors begin with a historical context of the school library and the librarians. Many of us will find their description very familiar.  The authors then discuss the challenges that many school librarians face such as lack of support staff, budget cuts, and primarily the way people view of school librarians.   I know many people view libraries as an old profession that really doesn’t have any place in today’s modern world of technology.  This article gives many tips on becoming more flexible and at the same time becoming more relevant in today's society,  First collaboration is key, we need to attend staff meetings when curriculum is being discussed .  Creating the library so that it is conducive to group learning, having places where the students can work independently from their teachers.  The authors suggest and I agree that for the school library to survive it needs to become not only relevant but necessary in a school.