LEARNING COMMONS

Background

The District is committed to providing quality learning commons programs in each of its schools.  The learning commons program is an essential and integral part of the entire school program and necessary in meeting the goals of education.

A quality learning commons program requires a collaborative effort on the part of the teacher-librarian, classroom teachers and school administrators.  The partners work together to provide students with resources that actively involve students in a wide range of curriculum-related learning experiences.  These experiences will enable students to develop research strategies and digital literacy skills that will help them to cope with and contribute to an information-rich society.  Positive connections to the learning commons will also help to affirm the value of reading for pleasure as well as reading for information.

Procedures

1. In establishing and maintaining effective learning commons resources, the District endeavours to ensure that there is:
   1. A balanced collection of print and non-print materials which will meet school curricular needs as well as contribute to the emerging interests, needs and creative potential of individual students;
   2. Support for a learning commons program that promotes co-teaching and collaboration;
   3. Assistance for students and staff in the effective and efficient use of learning commons services and resources; and
   4. Ongoing support for district resources as a key element in the provision of effective learning commons programs;
2. During the annual school staffing and budgeting processes, each Principal will work to ensure that the learning commons has an appropriate level of qualified staff and other resources to:
   1. Organize and operate the learning commons;
   2. Develop a learning commons program through collaborative planning and teaching that integrates information literacy skills across the curriculum and promotes reading for all students in the school;
   3. Select a wide variety of print, non-print and electronic learning resources to support the learning outcomes and learning styles and interests of students; and
   4. Develop and maintain a quality up-to-date collection.