Competency O

Competency O

Understand global perspectives on effective information practices that are supportive of cultural, economic, educational, or social well-being.

The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) supports library organizations around the world in their missions, including safeguarding cultural heritage. They have subdivisions, including a school library division that offers a global perspective on how library programming can be inclusive and supportive to the entire community (https://www.ifla.org/advocating-for-libraries/ ). This organization offers webinars and trainings that have allowed me to expand my view of what librarianship can be. Organizations such as IFLA are critical to my work because I can keep in touch with best practices and find out-of-the-box solutions to problems that others might have already dealt with. Expanding my network of professional colleagues can open new opportunities for further training and education that I can use to support my students and staff.

According to IFLA’s School Library Guidelines (2015), “the goal of all school libraries is to develop information literate students who are responsible and ethical participants in society” (para. 3, pg. 7). The Guidelines make several recommendations for school libraries based on their international research. Some of these recommendations include having a clear, published mission statement, all library employees and volunteers should understand their roles, and a plan for growing and evaluating library programs.

Conclusion

One of the IFLA recommendations that stood out to me the most was number 13, “The core instructional activities of a school librarian should be focused on: literacy and reading promotion; media and information literacy instruction; inquiry-based teaching; technology integration; and professional development of teachers.” I appreciate that professional development of collegues was included in this definition. We are most effective as teacher librarians when those we serve have a solid understanding of what we can contribute. Organizations like IFLA help individual librarians advocate for their work.

Evidence 1: https://ischoolblogs.sjsu.edu/info/literacy/2020/04/25/blog-6-the-international-minecraft-community/

I wrote this blog post in INFO 200 as part of my research into the Minecraft information community. This blog highlights the Minecraft community’s international influences and opportunities.

Evidence 2: IFLA Webinar Children’s Librarianship: International Perspectives

I attended this webinar in April 2021 on my own time. The webinar discussed the qualifications necessary for librarianship as well as common practices in children’s librarianship in three countries: Russia, Germany & Norway. This evidence is my reflection from the webinar.

References

IFLA School Libraries Section Standing Committee. (2015). IFLA school library guidelines. (2^nd ed.) https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf