Canadian Learning Commons book

The Canadian Library Associationn (CLA) is pleased to announce the launch of its latest publication Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. This publication presents a model for the development and implementation of the school libraryas a library learning commons. It provides educators with a common set of standards of practice for moving forward. CLA President Marie DeYoung stated that the organization considers this publication asa “definitive learning support that is critical for all Canadian schools.” Leading Learning addresses the impact on education of new technologies. The explosion of digital information calls for new working spaces, new networks, and new approaches to supporting learning. Leading Learning is focused on the concept of the new school library learning commons which responds to the needs of 21st century learners. School libraries are measured by the transformative changes in knowledge and learning they encourage and support. In the document, learning commons are positioned as centres of teaching expertise which is achieved through a combination of resources, technologies, collaborative strategies, and physical and virtual learning spaces that support all learners as they evolve. Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada offers a vision and provides practical approaches for a ll those engaged in creating successful 21stcentury school libraries in Canada. Its framework presents five standards supported by a set of themes and growth stages that lead to the transformation from traditional library facility to vibrant library learning commons. The standards represent guideposts along a journey of continuous growth. Because Canadian schools are at  different points on this journey, this publication includes a range of markers of progress, sets of implementation strategies, and rich examples of innovation and success. Leading Learning also contains key resources to provide educators, individual schools, and school districts with helpful direction and support. CLA focuses on partnerships and liaisons within and beyond the school ‒with other libraries, such as public and academic libraries, and organizations such as school board trustees, and the Council of Ministers of Education in Canada. The complete Leading Learning document is available free of charge at: http://clatoolbox.ca/casl/slic/llsop.html with a ccompanying bibliography: http://clatoolbox.ca/casl/slic/llbibliography.pdf