The Organizing Committee for the 40th Annual Conference of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) incorporating the 15th International Forum on Research in School Librarianship invites you to participate in the 2011 IASL Conference, August 7-11.
Proposals for Paper and Poster presentations that demonstrate best practices are particularly encouraged for the main conference. Scholarly research is featured in the Research Forum track of the conference. All paper types are detailed below.
Submission:
Please complete the online submission form (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFBuc25lWTFndjYwdnIweEVnV0UzdWc6MQ)
Contact for further information: myrtle.harris@uwimona.edu.jm
Submissions are due February 12, 2011
Theme: School Libraries: Empowering the Twenty-First Century Learner
The twenty-first century school exists in an increasingly complex global environment where constantly changing technological developments have helped to shape the way we live and learn. Learners in today’s schools have been described as “born digital”. They are usually comfortable with emerging technologies, which they take for granted as part of their everyday lives. However, while they may be proficient in using the technologies for communication and entertainment, they frequently lack the critical skills that will equip them to use information effectively for personal, academic and professional purposes.
Despite the volume of research that points to the value of school libraries in the educational process, their potential to impact learning is still often underestimated. The conference will highlight research and practice that demonstrate the role school libraries and librarians play in collaboration with other stakeholders in helping students develop the skills necessary for independent and lifelong learning.
Subthemes:
Teaching the Twenty-First Century Learner
This subtheme deals with the characteristics of twenty-first century learners, their learning styles, and how these impact teaching and learning. There are often generational differences between learners and those who teach them, including teacher-librarians. Strategies that address these issues are explored through this subtheme. Topics such as the integration of technology into teaching and the use of social networking tools for teaching and learning may be included here.
Engaging the Learner with Special Needs
School libraries facilitate the provision of equitable access to resources. They should provide a range of resources and services that help to enrich the learning experiences of students with special needs. This subtheme examines how libraries can effectively meet the needs and interests of this group of learners.
Collaboration and Support
School librarians are expected to collaborate with teachers and other stakeholders to provide appropriate resources and services in support of the curriculum. The issues and challenges associated with this aspect of the teacher-librarian’s role and functions are encompassed here.
Providing an Enabling Environment
The twenty-first century learner is comfortable with technology and functions optimally in an environment that is technology-rich and interactive. This requires the type of administrative and policy support that will ensure the delivery of effective school library services. Factors that facilitate or inhibit the provision of quality resources and services (e.g. appropriate standards) may be included under this subtheme.
Developing and Supporting Twenty-First Century Readers
School libraries have an important role to play in helping students to become effective readers, whether for information or pleasure. This subtheme looks at the issue of stimulating and maintaining interest in reading among digital learners with many competing interests.
The School Library: Facilitating Multiple Literacies
Information and communications technologies (ICT) have given rise to new literacies and new ways of learning and communicating. This requires of the learner a wide range of abilities and competencies. The school library and librarian can support classroom teachers in facilitating students’ acquisition of the requisite knowledge and skills to function effectively in the twenty-first century. Papers may address these new literacies and the role of the school library in preparing citizens for lifelong learning
The following types of presentations will be accepted:
Professional papers:
Professional papers describe and discuss the presenter’s work in relation to theory and/or practice. Proposals should include the title of the paper and demonstrate relevance to professional practice (approximately 500 words).
Research Forum Papers:
Research Papers describe completed or on-going research. Proposals should include in approximately 1000 words:
Title of paper/study
Research questions and/or hypotheses
Purpose of the study
Methodology
Results/findings (may be preliminary)
Conclusions (may be preliminary)
Poster Sessions:
Posters give a visual presentation of practice or theory. Proposals should include the title of the poster and a description of the content in approximately 500 words. Presenters are required to be present for a scheduled period of time in order to answer questions.
All proposals will be reviewed by an international panel.
Criteria for Selection:
Relevance to conference theme and subthemes
Clarity of description
Intellectual significance
Relevance to audience
Originality
Proposals must be in English and should be submitted by 12 February, 2011.
Important Dates:
12 February 2011: Closing date for submission of proposals
19 March 2011: Notification of acceptance of proposals
31 May 2011: Submission of papers for inclusion in the proceedings
Submission:
Please complete the online submission form (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFBuc25lWTFndjYwdnIweEVnV0UzdWc6MQ)
Contact for further information: myrtle.harris@uwimona.edu.jm
Submissions are due February 12, 2011
