Paradigm shift for school librarians in the 21st century

Abstract

Ongoing changes in the information format, information behavior of learners and pedagogical setting and design are creating a crisis in the school library work. Less and less students are consulting the librarian. Students’ noise and infractions in the school library are on the rise. Decreasing circulation and library visits are some of the manifestations of the present learning divide that separates the library and the 21st century classrooms of the school. This professional sharing calls for a paradigm shift on how the school library must be viewed and developed to fit in the 21stcentury teaching and learning environment. Six points are forwarded: 1. The school library is the whole school, and even beyond. 2. The school library is part of the curriculum. 3. The school library caters to various learning strategies and styles. 4. The school librarian is a multi-specialty professional. 5. The school library caters to both learners and experts in the school. 6. The school library is service-focused.