CONT797: Teacher Librarian Part 1
In Teacher Librarian, Part I, you are introduced to the contemporary Library Learning Commons (LLC) and its growing importance in Ontario schools. The course places the LLC within current Ministry direction, research, and professional standards, highlighting its role as a vibrant space that supports inquiry, literacy, digital learning, collaboration, and student well-being.
The course encourages you to reflect on the purpose and potential of the LLC as a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Throughout the course, you consider how LLC spaces, collections, and programs can reflect the identities and needs of your school community. Ideas related to equity, accessibility, and culturally responsive practice help shape your understanding of how libraries influence learning and how resources are selected to support diverse learners. You also explore the evolving role of the Teacher-Librarian (TL) in relation to leadership, instructional partnership, resource management, and community connections. Together, these elements provide a strong foundation for thoughtful and responsive TL practice.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to
- analyze the purpose, structure, and guiding principles of the contemporary Library Learning Commons (LLC) within Ontario’s educational context
- interpret Ministry of Education policies, OCT standards, and professional frameworks to inform Teacher-Librarian (TL) practice
- evaluate the physical and digital LLC environments using equity, accessibility, human rights, and culturally responsive lenses
- apply research-informed approaches to literacy, inquiry, digital learning, and resource stewardship in the LLC
- assess the inclusiveness and representativeness of LLC collections and programming in relation to diverse learner identities and community needs
- design learning experiences and collaborative partnerships that support student engagement, curriculum goals, and whole-school improvement
- integrate digital citizenship, privacy, copyright, accessibility, and ethical technology considerations into LLC practices
- examine the evolving role of the TL as an instructional partner, leader, and advocate for inclusive learning environments
- reflect on professional identity and growth in relation to the responsibilities and opportunities within TL practice
- synthesize insights from course learning to conduct an evidence-based Inclusion Audit of an LLC and propose recommendations for improvement
Assessments
Module 1
Getting to Know the Library Learning Commons (LLC)
Module 2
The LLC Framework
Progress Update 1
Module 3
The Role of the TL
Module 4
The LLC is for Everyone
Progress Update 2
Module 5
Technology and Learning
Module 6
Supporting Student Success in the LLC
Progress Update 3
Module 7
Consolidating your Learning
Final Report