Library links to lifelong learning
Relevant ASLA Standards: Lifelong Learning
1.1 Knowledge of the principles of lifelong learning (understand the principles of lifelong learning)
1.1.1 • Are well-informed about information literacy theory and practice
1.1.2 • Thoroughly understand how all learners develop and apply lifelong learning skills and strategies.
1.1.3 • Have a sound understanding of how children and young adults become independent readers.
1.1.4 • Comprehensively understand the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in lifelong learning.
3.1 Lifelong learning (model and promote lifelong learning)
3.1.1 • Empower others in the school community to become lifelong learners.
3.1.2 • Undertake research which informs evidence-based innovation in school library programs.
3.1.3 • Engage in debate on educational issues within the school community.
3.1.4 • Create and foster library-related professional development opportunities for staff.
O'Connor (2007) is of the view that 'positioning ICT in libraries provides opportunities to reduce disadvantage of unequal access outside the school'. The school's new library will be well equipped with more ICT resources than our current library, but this will only expand student access to computers to include an extra ½ hour at lunch time and after school. A more effective strategy for increasing student access to ICTs and information sources is encouraging students to join the local Council which has longer hours of operations, a broader print based collection, and whose database is searchable online.
Establishing links with external libraries further enhances students’ lifelong learning skills. We visted the Council library this term for an information session about what Brisbane City Council libraries offer, and how to access their print and online resources. The local library is keen for the school to provide a link to the BCC libraries in our virtual library.
Connecting to Brisbane City Council Libraries I decided to take an outward looking approach to being a teacher-librarian, helping students to connect to the world outside school, establishing networks and making links that would support lifelong learning. The nearby Brisbane City Council library seemed an excellent place to start, as it's right across the road. I thought establishing links with the library would supplement our limited non-fiction collection. But the BCC libraries offer so much more. How can your students benefit from Council library membership? The vision statement of the Brisbane City Council Library is “We seek to be the biggest and best public library service in Australia, providing a gateway to recreation, culture, information and knowledge.” With over 30 library sites across Brisbane, the BCC library network is strategically placed to cater for all ages and all interests. These sites provide exciting collections of print fiction and non-fiction books, ebooks audio books, and books in languages other than English, magazines, CDs, DVDs and weblinks. But the Brisbane City Council Library offers more. It provides an impressive array of events and online services. The libraries also promote reading, literature and learning by holding story telling sessions, book clubs, homework clubs and author visits. Library members can check their library accounts online, search the collection using eLibCat, reserve and request books from other library locations. They provide free word processing services, mobile phone training, internet access and ICT courses and language courses for members, and free wireless access for member’s IT devices. |  Above: Children's collection at the Council Library.
Below: Class visit to the Council library.  |
The Council's website is a gateway to more than the eLibCat search engine for the library collections.
My favourite Council library links
Catalogue for kids   | eBooks for kids   |
Online Reference Library
 Brisbane City Archives
Community languages
Brisbane ImagesThe Council's online image catalogue provides access to thousands of images dating from the early 1800s to the present day.  |  ibraryThe Council's ibrary caters for high school students. ibrary is designed to help students find out how to get the most out of the BCC library. It connects young members with friends and fellow students so that they can talk about school and study, explore common interests, and find out what's happening in Brisbane.Study Vibe is the Council's one-stop study mate, providing links to learning style tests, research strategies, dictionaries, encyclopedia, mindmapping tools and publishing tools. Learning Lounges CoursesMembers can attend the ICT courses at any of its libraries free of charge. Examples of courses offered include:Introduction to computers: Learn the basics to get started, including how to use a mouse, a keyboard and basic computer terms.Introduction to eLibCat: Learn how to get the most from eLibCat, the online library catalogue.Introduction to the internet: Learn how to use search engines and find websites. You will also be shown popular websites to browse.Community languages internet training: LearnChinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, Serbian and Somalian. Bi-lingual library staff and Council trained community workers conduct the sessions.Discover email: Learn how to use email to keep in touch with friends and family.Advanced internet searching: Learn web searching strategies and techniques. You'll find it useful if you've experienced frustration with the time it can take to find the information you want online.LearningFast: an initiative of Monash University that provides free online computer tutorials for popular PC applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint). REFERENCES Brisbane City Council Libraries. http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/index.htm O'Connor, Cheryl. (2007). Teacher librarians and school leadership. Access, 21 (March), 5–7.
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