Advocacy

Session: Demise of School Libraries: Consequences & Options, panel presentation hosted by Ryerson University Centre for Free Expression and the Faculty of Communication and Design. Panelists included: Michael W. Apple, Brandi Bartok, Kamalijit Purewal and Dianne Oberg. Session was moderated by Richard Beaudry.

Cross Canada discussion of the current state of school libraries and the important role that teacher-librarians play within a school system; from collection development practices that ensure diversity of materials and inclusion (representation matters), to instruction on the use (and referencing) of primary, secondary and tertiary sources. School libraries support teachers by connecting curriculum to information sources, teaching academic integrity, as well as research and referencing skills. School librarians assist with the improvement of literacy skills. Putting the right book into the hands of a child can change a life. The child may discover themselves, and others like them. They may discover a passion yet unignited. They may learn about the world around and hopefully from multiple perspectives that are different from their own. We recognize the importance that reading and literacy skills have for our children, so why is it that we see many school boards release policy documents stating strategic goals for literacy skills, while simultaneously cut funding to the school library and/or staff. Not to mention other equity issues such as the digital divide. Libraries help to reduce barriers and freely allow for access to content. They can be a child's only source of reliable internet access, their only opportunity to read a book and engage with materials. 

As a college librarian I would strongly argue that academic integrity should be taught through a K12 school library as students need to recognize the value of information and the importance of citing their sources from their very first research project. This would allow post-secondary institutions to focus on advance research and writing skills, and shift our discussions to misinformation, critical thinking skills, and evaluating resources.  And dare I say that a focus on academic integrity from a young age might just prevent the alarming rates of plagiarism that we see in colleges and universities. If a child grows up knowing that information has value and needs to be cited, they will not need to learn why this is important as a first year post-secondary student, when the stakes are much higher. Just my two cents, I will step down from my soap box now.