We have always strived to be at the fore-front of school library developments and it has been exciting to be part of such a positive, forward-looking team. I received really lovely leaving messages and gifts and I was particularly touched by this wonderful picture of "words about me" from all my library colleagues. The picture was created by Azizah and it is definitely a gift I will always treasure. |
My family and I found out, earlier this year, that my husband's job was moving back to UK so we would all be leaving the sun and fun of Singapore! So, in July I said a very sad goodbye to my wonderful colleagues at Tanglin Trust School. I have had the most fantastic five and a half years working as Assistant Librarian at Tanglin, and feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of an amazing team (of over 20 school library staff!), offering world-class school library services and resources to Tanglin's British School community. Thank you Azizah for making my picture and thank you to the whole team for all my lovely gifts & messages and for making the last five years so great! I'm going to miss you all!
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Today we had the official, grand opening of the new Collaborative Zone and 'The Hive', our makerspace at Tanglin Trust School, Singapore. The event began with a speech by our Chief Executive Officer, Peter Derby-Crook, before the ribbon was cut by our Guest-of-Honour, Kristine Cho - a Sixth-Form student who has been a really keen library-user during her time at Tanglin. The Collaborative Zone Team had organised lots of hands on activities including Strawbees construction kits, Little Bits electronics, Iphone holograms, Google cardboard virtual reality, 3 D printing and much more. So once the area was officially open there was fun for all!
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The last time I posted about our library extension was in September, when building work was still in full swing and my blog stated that "Our extension is progressing...". The 'Collaborative Zone' has now been open for a few months and is hugely popular with our students; it's always buzzing with activity!
Jacqui Makselon, our Director of Libraries, has designed the library so that we are able to offer our students a choice of three spaces:
Interactive Zone - where students, staff and parents can find the fiction collection and they can read books and magazines together. There are multi-media pods for watching DVDs in small groups and a big screen TV showing the news or information about current or topical events. There is also a presentation area for classes, guest speakers, film shows etc.
Study Zone - a very quiet (usually silent) area for students to study individually, with access to over 50 PCs. The non-fiction collection is housed in the Study Zone and librarians are on hand to help with any queries or reference enquiries.
The Hive will give students the freedom to be creative, have fun and learn. There will be opportunities for students to participate in activities that link to the curriculum as well as opportunities to let their imagination run wild and make whatever comes to mind! It's all about creativity and having fun, learning through experimentation.
Libraries are often at the forefront of technological developments and they provide people with access to technology that they may not otherwise be able to use. Where else but a library can people go to have free use of a computer, the internet, eBooks, eJournals, eMagazines...? By creating makerspaces, libraries are again providing patrons with this service. Many libraries around the world are beginning to offer makerspaces where people can try 3D printing and use other equipment that they would not be able to use anywhere else. We're very proud of Tanglin's new makerspace and there's a buzz of excitement as The Hive moves towards it's official launch later this term. The Collaborative Team are working hard to get ready for the launch and to provide a great new service to our community. Find out lots more in the Collaborative Team blogs, including this introductory video created by Azizah: The theme of the seminar was "We are teaching but are they learning?"; focusing on the effectiveness of information literacy education programmes. Participants were invited to share their 'Information Literacy story' either as a Pecha Kucha (20 images x 20 seconds each) or as an IL story (a ten minute case study presentation). We decided to present a case study of the work we have been doing at Tanglin Trust School to embed Information Literacy in the curriculum throughout the school. The title of our presentation was "Changing a culture: Academic honesty (acknowledging sources) in a 3-18 international school". Information Literacy is currently a whole-school focus and academic honesty is being used as a vehicle to drive this focus. This is developed as they progress through the school, with Junior students learning simple referencing, then more complex referencing in lower Seniors and finally full referencing, from Year 10 (approx. age 14) upwards. An understanding of the reasons why academic honesty is so important is also developed as students progress. The school libraries provide support for students and staff, including business staff involved in whole school communications etc. Support materials have also been developed, both online and offline.
In order to answer the question "We are teaching but are they learning?", we created short video clips of our students in Infants, Juniors and Seniors, talking about academic honesty. Atiqah created an excellent video of one of our students, for our Senior School example. These videos were very well received by the audience. If you are Tanglin Trust School staff you can access our presentation, including the videos, here. The seminar was very interesting with a series of short presentations from a variety of institutions, including Sunway College (Malaysia), Singapore Polytechnic and National University of Singapore (NUS). Our International School Librarian's Network (ISLN) colleague Foo Soo Chin, gave an interesting talk on 'The art of thinking'. There is a blog about the event, by Katie Day, on the ISLN site and a Storify by an SMU Librarian (@rockbrarian) [unfortunately not accessible on TTS computers]. Following the seminar, we were given a tour of the SMU library; here are some photos taken by United World College (UWCSEA) librarian, Katie Day. This is the programme for the event: INFORMATION LITERACY SEMINAR 2015 29 January 2015, 2:00-5:30pm, Li Ka Shing Library, Singapore Management University Theme: We are teaching but are they learning? This Information Literacy Seminar will be facilitated and moderated by Judith Peacock, Learning and Study Support (LSS) Coordinator at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Library, Brisbane, Australia. Come join us to learn, share and discuss about the effectiveness and impact of information literacy, instructional and learning programmes. Are we making a difference on our learners? How do we know this? Agenda: 2:00 pm Welcome and Opening Remarks Gulcin Cribb (Singapore Management University) 2:15 pm PechaKucha & IL Stories, Part I
5:00 pm Closing Remarks Judith Peacock (Queensland University of Technology) 5:15 pm Tour of Renovated SMU Library (Optional) As librarians, we are part of a profession that is changing rapidly and it is essential for us to keep up with all the latest developments. I therefore like to take up as many opportunities for continuing professional development as possible. MASTER OF INFORMATION STUDIES I am, of course, still studying towards my Master of Information Studies and this is really helping to bring my professional knowledge up-to-date. I'm currently studying 'Research in Practice' which is opening my eyes to the theory and philosophy, as well as the practice, of academic research. Understanding the theories and practice of the research studies that are reported in academic papers enables scholarly articles to be thoroughly evaluated by the reader. This will help me, in my role as Reference Librarian, when I'm evaluating whether a particular scholarly article will be appropriate to a student's or member of staff's needs. Other recent professional development opportunities have included: LIBRARIES FOR TOMORROW 2014 I attended the Libraries for Tomorrow conference in October with my colleagues, Azlinda, Xiao Mang, Vani, Zana, Yati and Jaaziel. Both Azlinda and Xiao Mang, my colleagues from the Senior Library, have already written very interesting blogs about the conference: Azlinda - Libraries for Tomorrow 2014 Conference by LAS Xiao Mang - Library for Tomorrow 2014 All the presentations can be accessed on the Libraries for Tomorrow 2014 website. ![]() There were many excellent presentations, too many to discuss here, but highlights for me, included:
This presentation talked about the ways the National Library Board (NLB) is moving more towards self-service in their libraries. The NLB has already introduced eKiosks in their libraries for many customer transactions (such as paying fines etc.). There are also a number of mobile services, such as the SMS reminder service, the 'Library in your pocket' app and 'MobileRead' for eBooks. Another app, My Library was also mentioned, which enables patrons to issue books to themselves directly from the shelves. Clever technology has been developed to enable the security gantries to recognise that a book has been issued to stop the alarm from sounding. ![]() The NLB are also rolling out reservation lockers (see photo on the left) which allow patrons to self-collect books they have reserved. This service has been introduced in the new Library @ Orchard, which recently reopened after being closed for seven years (Atiqah recently went to the recently re-vamped library and blogged about her visit). So, as always, I found it interesting to hear about the latest NLB projects. I love the way the NLB are always looking for the next way to move forward. This is key for libraries to remain relevant to our users and NLB are so good at it!
The National Institute of Education (NIE) Library is currently embarking on a five-year plan to transform into a teacher education library that is relevant in the 21st century. This transformation is involving a number of areas covering human resources, library buildings and facilities, library resources and services etc. One project that was recently completed is their 'Library as Space Project' which ran from 2011 -2013. An overview is given here: (Source: Sharing NIE Library as Space Project) ![]() Many levels of the library are being transformed: Level 2 - Service Space - includes: One-stop Service Point Touch Screen WebOPAC Reserves section Self-check machines 24 hour bookdrop Research Commons Interactive Digital Signage Private Media Viewing Room ![]() Level 3 - Service space - includes: Private discussion pods Smart room Elegant gallery Makerspace with 3D printer Learning Hub lounge for students Lounge for staff Spacious cafe integrated with the Learning Hub lounge It was particularly interesting to hear about this space, as it is similar to the one that is currently being developed in our library. Level 4 - Knowledge space, includes private study area and an open area for group study. The library has received a lot of positive feedback about the changes they have made. These are just two examples of the interesting presentations from the Libraries for Tomorrow 2014 Conference, you can view more presentations here. Another event that I attended recently was: FOBISIA INFORMATION LITERACY JOB-ALIKE WORKSHOP On Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November Jacqui and I attended a Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) workshop on Information Literacy, which we hosted here at Tanglin Trust School. Other participants from our school included Celeste (Junior School Teacher Librarian) and Ben (Infant School Teacher Librarian). Our Head of Integrated Technologies for the Infant School, Kim Vernon, also gave a very interesting presentation. This wordle was created by one of the attendees to give an overview of many of the terms and topics that were covered over the course of the workshop: Each participant was required to plan a session relating to information literacy. Jacqui Makselon and I presented on "information Literacy at TTS Senior School : a work in progress" ![]() Our presentation covered the progress that has been made with regard to information literacy in the Senior School: Jacqui, Celeste, Ben and I have created an information literacy framework, which is a continuum of the information literacy skills that we expect our students to learn, from Infants right through to Sixth Form students and staff. This framework is now being taken and put into practice, by using a three-pronged approach: 1. Online support - a number of libguides have been created to support various aspects of information literacy including Research Skills, Referencing and Academic Honesty. 2. Use academic honesty as a vehicle - we have been involved in the creation of a comprehensive academic honesty policy for the school. There have also been presentations on academic honesty for students and professional development workshops for staff, including support staff. 3. Embed i-skills into the curriculum - specific information literacy skills are being explicitly taught by particular faculties. The skills are also being incorporated into inquiry based learning and research projects, and integrated into assessment requirements and rubrics. As mentioned, in the title of our presentation, this is "a work in progress" and we also covered the various plans we have to continue the progress of integrating information literacy into everyone's lives at Tanglin Trust School. ![]() As everyone presented, there was a very interesting variety of topics covered. These included: Information literacy in the UK - Laura Taylor, Junior/Senior Librarian at Dulwich College, Singapore, gave a very interesting overview of information literacy as it currently stands in the UK. Digital literacy in the curriculum - Kim Vernon, Head of Integrated technology at Tanglin Trust School, talk about how Tanglin has integrated digital literacy into the curriculum and the resources that were used to support this. Information literacy in the curriculum - Richard Marlow and Peter Dulborough from British International School of Ho Chi Minh, focused on the information literacy curriculum that they have developed across the primary years and the resources that were used to support this, including their own website. Information literacy in the primary curriculum at Tanglin Trust School - Ben Farr and Celeste Fisher talked about how information literacy has been implemented at the infant and primary level. It was a very interesting and worthwhile workshop, lots of information was shared about what is going on at different schools in relation to information literacy, with everyone sharing thoughts and ideas. Jacqui, our Director of Libraries, is in the process of deciding which furniture to buy for the new extension. She thought it would be a good idea to collect the students' opinions on possible furniture choices. Over the last fortnight we've had a range of chairs in the library for students to try, so they can let us know what they think of the furniture. This has been a very popular idea with the students, they've enjoyed trying out the chairs and giving us their opinions.
When I returned to work after the long summer break, it was exciting to see the progress on our new library extension. The scaffolding was still up outside and inside was still under construction but the whole structure was there and it didn't take much imagination to see that the space is going to be a great, new addition to our library! Now, just three weeks later, the room is looking almost finished. The builders had cleared all the scaffolding etc. before term began. They've been working at the weekends since term started to finish off the flooring, electrics etc., so there is no disturbance in the library during the week. The rest of the library is open as normal, we just have one row of desks that cannot be used, but apart from that it's business as normal. So this is what the extension looks like at the moment:
Even though the Senior Library is already quite large we sometimes find the library is so popular that students have to hunt for an empty seat! The school is continuing to expand so there will be more students next year and therefore an even busier library. In order to continue to provide a quality service to all of our community, an extension is being added to Senior Library over the summer holiday. As well as providing extra capacity, this area will provide a new kind of space for our students. We already have a Study Zone, where students can study quietly, and an Interactive Zone, where they can talk and work together. This new space will provide for all kinds of collaborative work, with mobile furniture that students can move around to adapt the space to their needs. As mentioned in previous posts, the new area will also include a small Makerspace to encourage creativity and collaboration.
Building work has just begun and will continue over the coming months. I will be away from school for the summer break so it will be exciting to see how the building work has progressed when I come back to work in mid-August.
![]() In a previous post, I mentioned that I had written a piece of work for my University course that included a discussion on makerspaces. I really enjoyed researching this topic (and managed to achieve my first Higher Distinction! :) ) so I thought I'd share a brief introduction to makerspaces here. A makerspace is an area in which individuals can use technology tools to create digital or physical items. Making in libraries is not a new idea; in 1873 The Gowanda Ladies Social Society met in New York to "quilt, knit, sew, socialise and talk about books" ("A history of making", 2013). Now, as libraries seek to adapt to a rapidly changing world where their physical space is needed less for the storage of books, there is a rise in the number of libraries offering facilities for people to create audio, visual or physical items.
One of the key advantages of providing a makerspace in a school library is the opportunities for creative learning. Some now believe that creativity can be considered as important as literacy in education (Robinson, 2006).
By creatively applying their scientific and mathematical knowledge in a makerspace students are able to solve problems and build things (Kemp, 2013). Through the development of their creativity, students are building skills for success in the new global economy (Partnership for 21st century skills, 2011). This is obviously a very brief introduction to makerspaces, if you are interested to know more I'm happy to share my report with you, just let me know :) REEFERENCES A history of making. (2013, January-February). American Libraries, 44(1/2), 46–47. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA315371795&v=2.1&u=csu_au&it=r&p=EAIM&sw=w&asid=0726982cf7625e9d0b730d2ae87360bf Kemp, A. (2013). The makerspace workbench: tools, technologies, and techniques for making. Retrieved from Overdrive Partnership for 21st century skills. (2011). Framework for 21st century learning. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/1.__p21_framework_2-pager.pdf Robinson, K. (2006). Ken Robinson: How schools kill creativity. You Tube. Retrieved January 11, 2014, from http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html |
Suzanne Parfitt
I recently worked as Assistant Librarian at a British International School in Singapore. I've now relocated back to the UK and I am hoping to find a job that I enjoy as much as the one I've just left! Searching the ShelvesThis is my blog for interesting things to do with my work, my Continuing Professional Development (CPD), my studies or just anything that catches my eye relating to libraries, technology or books. Archives
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