This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module 5: Learner Characteristics

Understanding the needs of your community for effective curation starts with identifying learner characteristics. As Hughes-Hassell (2020, p. 64) states “By identifying the assets of a community, you can build ties between the library, the school, and local people, institutions, and organizations, which will enable you to share and maximize resources and to identify ways individual community members can share their talents with youth.” This process is more effective and useful when community stakeholders are involved, as you will end up with a richer and potentially more accurate understanding of the community and the resources available. However, it is important to understand what this process entails, so for the purposes of this course you will do a solo analysis. When time allows, you should revise your analysis with your community stakeholders.

Module Objectives

Conduct a community analysis to determine the needs of a specific school community as part of the process of designing a suitable collection development plan.

Think

  • Hughes-Hassell, S. (2020). Selecting resources that support learning. In Collection management for youth: Equity, inclusion, and learning (2nd edition; pp. 75-102). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
  • Bishop, R.S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives: Choosing and using books for the classroom, 6(3).

Create

  • Complete Tool 7: Matrix for Gathering Data around the Curriculum from Hughes-Hassell (2020). Focus on one subject area or grade level in your school to the best of your ability. Remember that completing an entire curriculum map is a long-term collaborative process; this is just getting us started.
  • Complete Tool 3: Identifying Learner Characteristics from Hughes-Hassell (2020). Locate whatever pieces of data you can within the allotted time frame. Remember that ideally Tool 3 should be completed with a group of stakeholders so ensure diverse perspectives; when you have time outside of this course, you should revisit Tool 3 with a collaborative group.

Share

Upload your completed assignments to the #5characteristics channel. In your post, share the following and then responding to at least two of your classmates.

  • What information that you collected surprised you? What confirmed your existing beliefs?
  • How might this process look differently when done alongside diverse stakeholders?
  • How might you use this information to inform your collection development decisions?

Grow

Share your takeaway from the module as well as any challenges you have experienced this week.