Reading Collaboration Reading Partnerships in a School Community

Greeley, Chris

Watkins, V. (2020). Reading collaborative reading partnerships in a school community. Changing English, 27(1), 15-33. https://doi-org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.1080/1358684X.2019.1682966

Summary
Watkins explores an intergrade reading program in which Year 12 students (ages 16-17) support Year 7 students (ages 11-12) who are identified as struggling, reluctant readers by their English teachers. The author starts with a semi-critical, albeit brief, overview of the English National Curriculum standards, which are written in a way that suggests learning to enjoy reading is inherently natural. She disagrees. In exploring existing research on read aloud and the dynamics of learning to read, Watkins cites a few researchers--Minns (1997), Barrs and Cork (2001), Hodges (2009) and (2010)--in which she sets up her argument that learning to read is social practice.

Throughout her three vignettes of student partnerships, a few features stand as that allowed this reading program to be successful. The first was conscientious decisions in pairing particular students. The personality of a reluctant reader appeared to be the starting point, matching the Year 12 student accordingly so that there was the potential for a relationship to form. The researcher also supported the Year 12 students in their mentorships, providing tools (such as activities) as well as coaching them through the dialogue that had occurred in order to consider what how to further support the Year 7 students. One such activity that all three pairs completed was a reading collage in which students shared their reading journey along with reflections. Choice was also an important part of this process, whether it was what to talk about or what to read; giving the reluctant readers space to have a voice in the process was advantageous in their journey towards developing as readers. Relationships were at the core of this program and allowed it to be effective, with Watkins concluding once again that learning to read is a social practice; and should be playful, inquisitive, and organic.

Evaluation
The way in which Watkins posited this research was insightful, using snapshots of conversation to show a window into how a program like this looks, then analyzing what was taking place. The images embedded in article with the reading journey activity, although repetitive, helped frame how these students saw themselves as growing readers. Other activities would have been nice in order to create some dynamic in how the mentors were helping the reluctant readers think about themselves as readers and the books they read.

I'm torn as to whether or not I wanted some sort of data collection. I would have liked to have seen some numerical value that captured students' perceptions on themselves as readers in the beginning versus at the end of this project. The key to that is self-identification: how does one see themself as a reader? This program wasn't meant to boost reading levels, per se, but to support students in merely feeling comfortable and confident as readers. Some pre- and post-survey data could have shown the effectiveness of the program, although based on the research she provided, it did seem to support the younger students.

Organization Theories and Collection Management in Libraries

 

Kanazawa, M. (1991). Organization Theories and Collection Management in Libraries. Collection Management., 14(1-2), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1300/J105v14n01_03

Summary: 

        Kanazawa's article, Organization Theories, and Collection in Management in Libraries, is about collection management through organization theory. The article concludes that in smaller libraries, a part-time collection librarian is enough to manage the collections. In comparison, mid to more extensive size libraries need a separate library collection management division. 

Insight: 

One insight that I received from the article is that collection management functions, through the framework of organization theory, correspond to staff. I find this valuable information because I realize that more extensive libraries, like the Central Public Library in Los Angeles, has separate collection management division due to its amount of media it contains, while smaller, suburban libraries, like my local library, has part-time collection librarians who work other duties.  

Applying theory in practice: The serious leisure perspective and public library programming

 Reise, Ashley

VanScoy, Amy, Thomson, Leslie, & Hartel, Jenna. (2020). Applying theory in practice: The serious leisure perspective and public library programming. Library & Information Science Research, 42(3), 101034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2020.101034

Summary: The Serious Leisure Perspective, a grounded theoretical framework imported to the information and library science field, offers clarity to researchers of leisure-related information activities. Using this framework, libraries can analyze their programming and identify areas of development and improvement. A content analysis shows that most adult library programs (59%) are casual leisure based. Revealing that there is a void for those in serious leisure pursuits. 

Evaluation: Since starting at SJSU I've been interested in serious leisure and how libraries can help fill the void in regards to lack of location and programming. As this is a recent article, I'm both maddened to see that serious leisure as a whole is completely missed by the public library community but have hope that with awareness, new programming could be introduced in libraries that caters to the public that have serious pursuits. 

“Equity Through Diversity: The Importance of LGBTQ Titles in Our Elementary School Libraries.”

 Winter, Jeromy. “Equity Through Diversity: The Importance of LGBTQ Titles in Our Elementary School Libraries.” CSLA Journal, vol. 43, no. 1, Summer 2019, pp. 5–8. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=138196441&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

"The American Library Association (ALA) stringently and unequivocally maintains that libraries and librarians have an obligation to resist efforts that systematically exclude dealing with any subject matter, including sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (GLBTRT, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table, 2017.). When talking about diversity in a book collection it is important to include books for LGBTQ+ students.  Students request books that represent their own ethnicity but might not be forthcoming in requesting LGBTQ+ books.  Teachers may not know who identifies as LGTBQ+ or those students are not always willing to ask for books. For this reason, making a list of books available or a place where books are openly available.  The need for a strong collection development and challenge policy helps to avoid conflict over adding these titles to your collection. 

It is important to have a diverse collection with books that represent BIPOC characters as well as all abilities, genders, and LGBTQ+, etc.  I have noticed a spark of joy in the eyes of some students lately when I offer up a book with LGBTQ+ characters.  All children need to see themselves in the books that they read, not only to make them feel like they belong but to also help them see the beauty in others and appreciate everyone for who they are.  The first step to providing a safe and welcoming space in the library for all students is to give them mirrors, windows, and sliding doors to the world around them in books.

Transforming Library collections and supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping

 Article Author: Arenthia Herren

Post Author: Connor Schwartz

Herren, Arenthia. (2021). Transforming Library Collections and Supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping. The Serials Librarian(ahead-of-print), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2021.1883207 

Summary:

This article presents the solutions used at Florida South Western State college used collection mapping to overhaul their print collection and enhance their development of a new collection. They used collection mapping techniques not only to overhaul the collection but also streamlined it in order to match the schools curriculum and better serve the students needs. They did not as a result record higher circulation statistics they are confident that their shift from broad subjects to curriculum specific content allows students to find more useful materials effectively. It also is noted that through the process they established closer ties with the classroom faculty and opened lines of communication with librarians about what is actually needed.

 

Evaluation: 

Reading this article was informative to the potential use and value of collection mapping techniques. It allows the reader to see the process in action and view the results. It is instructive in practice and can be used to help guide your own journey through collection development. 

We Have Outgrown IP Authentication

Ananya Madiraju

Thomas Dowling (2020). We Have Outgrown IP Authentication, Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 32:1, 39-46, DOI: 10.1080/1941126X.2019.1709738

Summary:

    In his article, Dowling explains the downsides to user authentications in libraries that have proved to be inhibiting to librarians, faculty, and library users. While IP addresses work well for those on0site, its proves difficult for others who need to access e-resources but aren't able to because of location. Dowling examines the history of user authentication and how the IP protocol has changed over the past three decades. The same standards that worked then, no longer work now. Yet, scores of libraries haven't updated their IP systems and instead depend on proxies, which also have their downsides. In order to address this issue, many institutions over the years have added additional campuses and additional networks. Offering a solution, Dowling suggests allowing users to sign in through a third party verification sites (i.e. Google or Facebook) or implement RA21 codes. This would allow libraries to provide a login service with the account data they already have and confirms the identity of the patron while still protecting their personal information.

Evaluation:

This was an incredibly information article because user authentication has been frustrating for many lately, and especially because of COVID-19 where network access was severely limited if not completely defunct for those not near campuses/institutions. This article would be helpful to others looking to reimagine their current IP authentication system. Dowling mentions several ways libraries can combat issues and confidently states that the 2020s will have the first major user authentication changes and improvements since the 1990s.

The Post-Pandemic Future of Library Services

 Fajardo, Mariella

Shumaker, D. (2021). The next normal: The post-pandemic future of library services. Information Today, 38(4), 14-16.

Summary: Shumaker introduces the main idea that changes in librarianship will mirror changes in society; in this case, the coronavirus pandemic. Two main trends with the change included an increased reliance on digital technologies and the increasing vulnerability of disadvantaged communities. He states that librarians experience the impact of these changes through collections, programs, and community needs. The use of digital collections has been increasing and set new records in 2020. Similarly, in higher education, circulating physical collections is considered to be practically "irrelevant." Virtual programs have changed since they can overcome transportation and distance barriers. In recent years, librarians have taken new approaches to engage their communities, specifically through online services. However, a digital divide continues to persist. 

Evaluation: It's apparent that post-COVID planning is a necessity in the change for public libraries. Librarians should continue to advocate for themselves and to address the needs of their communities during the pandemic. Along with the increasing digital divide, innovation and creativity are important for librarians to maintain in order to be successful and be a part of society's recovery during this pandemic.