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Experiences from a School Librarian Series: AASL Standards - Shared Foundation of EXPLORE

Welcome to part one of a four part series on how practicing school librarians implement the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. This series will delve into four of the standards for school librarians: Explore, Collaborate, Engage, and Inquire.  

Shared Foundation: Explore (Standard 5) 

School librarians have a unique opportunity within a school to provide opportunities for students to explore learning in a cross-curricular and information-rich environment. Elementary school librarian Abby Spitzer enjoys using technology, makerspace activities, and STEM lessons to support the curriculum (A. Spitzer, personal communication, November 13, 2020). Through these activities, she is able to meet the AASL’s National School Library Standards in the “explore” foundation (American Association of School Librarians [AASL], 2018).

Elementary school librarians typically have a captive audience of young learners who enjoy learning and exploring. Spitzer works hard to engage her elementary patrons with activities that foster their love and excitement for learning. With the COVID-19 pandemic, she has altered how she gives students opportunities to explore. Technology, for example, has become a major avenue through which she engages students. Through the use of Flipgrid and virtual choice boards, students have an online environment through which they can have meaningful experiences. Additionally, in accordance with the “grow” domain of the “explore” standard, students are working in an “atmosphere in which constructive feedback is openly accepted for positive growth” (AASL, 2018). As Spitzer notes, she has been “blown away at how well the students have been doing” as they share feedback with one another on book talks they are doing on Flipgrid (A. Spitzer, personal communication, November 13, 2020). In previous years, makerspaces, in-person collaboration, and STEM activities would have been Sptizer’s go-to activities to foster student curiosity, but she has done an excellent job of adapting to a socially-distanced, virtual environment. Her ability to still engage students with exploration and foster positive collaboration among a community of learners, shows how librarians can influence student growth in a variety of circumstances. 

Elementary school librarians in the Kershaw County School District have many challenges to face in a typical year, thus this year’s pandemic precautions and changes have made their jobs even more challenging. Sptizer does not have an assistant due to the small size of her elementary school, and she also cannot have students in the library because of COVID-19 safeguards. She is conducting lessons on a cart going from classroom to classroom. However, her commitment to her students and to supporting student growth is evident. She has taken a difficult situation and created new ways to reach her students in a way that is aligned with national school library standards. 

Exploring does not have to be an in-person only experience as Spitzer’s work with her elementary school student patrons shows. In sharing her challenges and successes, she makes it clear that being a school librarian is not an easy job, but it is one that is rewarding and important. She is making a difference in students’ lives even those who she cannot physically be in the same space with, and she is finding creative ways for students to learn and grow through exploring literacy. 


References 

American Association of School Librarians (2018). National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school libraries.  Chicago: American Library Association.
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