Hyperlinked School Libraries Through Participatory Learning

Oftentimes school libraries are simply viewed as a space for students to explore new books, utilize school computers, and a time for quiet learning. Though all of these things are true a school library is and can be so much more for students, teachers, and parents/guardians. Libraries within a school can be a third space for students to explore their learning outside of a structured classroom and choose their own area of interest. This can be done through various outlets and options. Hyperlinked libraries in school could be one way to allow students untraditional access to their library.

A question that seems to come up for me when thinking of hyperlinked school libraries is how to best serve students with this model. Henry Jenkins’ shares that participatory culture, in which communities produce and share their own media based on their interests, should be brought into education. This idea empowers students to make and challenge their own ideas through media and technology and select what they feel is important to their learning. If done correctly this new perspective on education can let students feel a part of their education rather than just being taught at. So how can this come to play in libraries? School libraries can support participatory learning through unstructured activities, makerspaces, media literacy courses, and more! In her article, Buffy J. Hamilton expresses her interest in makerspaces and affinity groups in libraries and the benefits of these programs for participatory learning. Makerspaces can contribute to students’ and teachers’ experience by providing new opportunities for learning and engagement, focusing on individual and group interests, and encouraging connection between home, school, and community. All of these aspects can allow students to dig deeper in their learning and make connections to what interests them. This shift in education will greatly benefit students and parents and libraries can play a crucial role in providing tools and spaces for new experiences. 

I hope to someday work in a school library and feel that participatory learning could be great for engaging students in non-traditional ways. If we can adjust our approach to better serve students by engaging in their own interests they may feel more empowered to utilize the library for more than project research and reading. Offering students a space that feels specially designed for them and their communities where they can contribute will allow for a greater hyperlinked library.