The 21st Century School Library: A model for innovative teaching & learning

by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb

Overview

School libraries stand at the forefront of innovation in education. Yet many teachers and administrators do not know what to make of them, much less how to best utilize their varied and valuable resources. What if school librarians, whose field of practice has transformed in the past few decades, could show us excellent models for innovative teaching? What if the vital adaptations that school librarians have made could help other educators evolve? What if the lessons learned in the library could be scaled up to benefit all fields of practice and all students? The 21st Century School Library takes an in-depth look at the paradigm-shifting work that school libraries are doing to advance student learning, professional development, and school-wide engagement. It explains how library-led, forward-thinking initiatives can guide all educators – teachers and administrators alike – toward transformative educational practices. It is an inspiring survey of 21st century school libraries whose guiding principles also serve as a blueprint for innovation in K-12 education. School libraries – and all the educators associated with them – offer a compelling vision for the future of K-12 education. This book is a roadmap for how to make this vision a reality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781913622824
Publisher:	Hodder Education Group
Publication date:	01/11/2022
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	0.23(w) x 0.33(h) x 0.39(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Ryan Tahmaseb is the Director of Library Services at the Meadowbrook School in Weston, Massachusetts.
The 21st Century School Library is his first book. In addition to writing about education in publications such as Edutopia and Education Week, he also writes short fiction and poetry, with work appearing in journals such as the Carolina Quarterly. He lives in the Greater Boston area with his wife and two young children.

Table of Contents

Foreword Michele L. Haiken 9

Introduction 13

1 Prioritizing hands-on learning that addresses real-world problems 17

2 Improving access to books, information, and technology 43

3 Centering inclusivity 69

4 Promoting and teaching multiple literacies 91

5 Building meaningful connections to the outside world 121

6 Revitalizing research 145

7 Modeling and teaching collaboration 171

Afterword 193

Acknowledgements 195

Editorial Reviews

In a time when school librarians are rapidly disappearing from public schools around the country, Ryan Tahmaseb presents readers with a timely, relevant, and important look at one of education's most invaluable assets. This book is a useful guide for those of us leading change within  school libraries and the colleagues we partner with each day. The 21st Century Libraryis the perfect blend of theory and practice!
Dr. Kristen Mattson

In The 21st Century School Library, Ryan Tahmaseb takes a deep dive into the role of School Librarian. This book is a call to action for schools to utilize their libraries and librarians to help democratize education and allow students to follow their innate intellectual curiosity. Throughout the book, Tahmaseb advocates for student access, genuine inquiry, and opportunities to address real world problems. He outlines a holistic approach to integrating multiple literacies into classrooms, including racial literacy, and teaching alongside students and teachers in an all-inclusive community — all while exploring collaboration, authentic research, and hands-on learning in a global learning community. This is a must-read for librarians as well as teachers and administrators, as Tahmaseb directly addresses these audiences in each chapter. You will leave this book with a plethora of ideas for making your school library the hub of your school: a place where curiosity, voice, and choice foster learning that is meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for all students.

 

— Tomasen Carey, Senior Lecturer at The University of New Hampshire and Field Coordinator for Learning Through Teaching

The 21st Century School Library shows how great instruction benefits students and why empowering the school librarian to lead the way makes for great learning. Bringing in his own experiences and sharing the great thinking of librarians from across the country, Ryan paints a picture of what an essential school librarian looks like. This book is for every librarian who wants to give their students the best library program while working side by side with supportive administrators and teachers. It is perfect for new librarians, experienced librarians, and every colleague they work with.

Tom Bober, author of Building News Literacy: Lessons for Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in Elementary and Middle Schools

  

  

From the Publisher