ACCI Library Learning Commons
2014-2015 Report
The library looks a bit different...
New computer lab
Conversation Area
ELL Reading Section
A user-friendly environment to support all our library users
Student art featured on the main wall.
Student library assistants
iPads available at lunch
Building and refreshing the collection
New graded level books for English Language Learners
New titles to support the Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity course
Resources for Spanish
Supporting school and board initiatives
Mental Health
Aboriginal Studies
In support of Ontario's aboriginal education strategy to help raise awareness about the cultures, histories, and perspectives of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples the Library Learning Commons provides current and varied resources on these topics
Growth Mindset
Promoting Reading for the Love of It
Happy readers!
Certificate of Completion for White Pine Reading Club
Manga and comic books
Collaboration, creation, and critical thinking
Adobe Voice
Google docs
Online Databases and Internet Search
Raising awareness
LGBTQ Education
Earth Month
Freedom to Read Week
Freedom to Read Week encourages Canadians to think about intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (from the website). Students and staff were shocked at the many examples of books that have been challenged or banned in Canada, and mostly curious about how the content of these novels could be "threatening" to a free thinking audience.
Final thoughts as we look to the future...
There is work to be done, however. So many teachers just want to use the resources without collaborating with the teacher-librarians. We want to reach out to the various subject departments to work with us to increase our students' engagement, research skills, and critical thinking with meaningful activities.
As for the use of resources, the average monthly checkout per student in April 2015 was 0.54. Although this is more than twice the average across the board in Secondary (0.25 checkouts per student), more students need to be encouraged to use our resources and, especially, to read for pleasure. Next year we will continue our efforts to promote reading, and reach out to English and Literacy teachers to have students check out books of their own choice.
With all these challenges to come, it is a good thing summer is here to rest and recharge as we look forward to an exciting new school year!
And it all worked out...beautifully!