Once the heart of student learning, many school libraries across Canada, and beyond, are quietly disappearing. Whether it's budget cuts, shifting priorities, or changes in how learning is delivered, school libraries and the people who run them are being left behind
In 2011, the Canadian Library Association (CLA) adopted a controversial restructuring plan, aimed at solving its financial difficulties. The result? CASL, the national voice for school libraries, was disbanded (Gibson, 2011).
⚠️ Why This Is More Than Just a Structural Change
As Jo-Anne Gibson noted, the disbanding of CASL left a vacuum in leadership and coordination. While dedicated volunteers are still working hard, the reality is that school libraries have fewer supporters at the top. And without leadership, school libraries are vulnerable to being seen as nonessential, especially in times of financial pressure.
This is part of a wider trend. Across North America, school libraries are closing or being cut back. Full-time librarians are being replaced with part-time staff or volunteers. In some cases, libraries are being turned into classrooms or computer labs.
🧑🏽🏫 Libraries as Lifelines for Marginalized Communities
In When the Well Runs Dry, Dig Deeper, Talibah-mawusi Smith (2012) argues that the decline of public libraries disproportionately harms minorities, low-income families, rural residents, and non-English speakers. For many, the library isn’t just a place to borrow books, it’s their only access to the internet, job resources, homework help, and community services.
During times of economic hardship, public libraries are essential safety nets. They help people apply for jobs, complete tax forms, access government benefits, and stay informed in a digital world and school libraries give these children access to the resources needed to be successful in school. As Smith writes, “Many public libraries have had to cut back hours... as budgets are significantly reduced... In the current economy, many minority Americans... will have no other outlet for help” (Smith, 2012, p. 139).
💡 What Can We Do?- Advocate for permanent support for school libraries through national and state/provincial policies.
- Support public library funding by contacting lawmakers and participating in local budget hearings.
- Raise awareness about how the closure of libraries affects marginalized communities the most.
- Highlight the success stories—like public libraries offering free computer access, hosting ESL classes, and providing career support.
📚 Sources
Gibson, J. (2011). The Demise of the Canadian Association of School Libraries (CASL). MSLA Quarterly, 39(1), 25–27.
Smith, T. (2012). When the Well Runs Dry, Dig Deeper: The Case for Funding the Public Library, a Necessary Resource for Minorities. Berkeley La Raza Law Journal, 22(1), 138–154.
BYOD Bring Your Own Device.
📱In the time where smartphones, tablets, and laptops are practically extensions of our hands, it's not surprising that the idea of bringing personal devices into the classrooms, known as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has caused both excitement and concern in schools across the country.
⁇What is BYOD, BYOD referrers to students bringing their own electronic devices to class instead of relying solely on school-provided equipment. The logic behind this is simple: when students work with technology they're already comfortable with, they're more likely to engage in class activities.
💻Benefits of BYOD
According to Patricia Bruder, educational consultant and contributor to NJEA Review, one of the strongest arguments in favor of BYOD is the flexibility it offers both students and teachers. With their own devices, students can:
- Conduct real-time research
- Participate in interactive polls
- Complete assignments that involve multimedia creation
- Collaborate through cloud-based platforms like Google Docs or Dropbox
- Use music to help with focus
This kind of access encourages engagement and also allows schools to redirect funds that might otherwise go to purchasing hardware.
Bruder notes creative uses of tech in the classroom, even pointing out how games like Angry Birds can be used to demonstrate principles in math and physics. Interactive, personalized, and, when used responsibly, highly educational.
📚 Sources
Bruder, P. (2013). Gadgets Go to School: The Benefits and Risks of BYOD. NJEA Review, 87(December), 30–31. Reprinted in The Education Digest, November 2014, pp. 15–17.
Makers Space
🔨Makerspaces are popping up in more libraries, for good reason. They give people a chance to be creative, solve problems, and try hands-on projects. Whether it’s building with LEGOs, sewing, coding, or using circuits, a makerspace can spark imagination and build real skills.
🧠 More Than Just Play
In her article “Makerspace Tune-Up,” educator Kristin Fontichiaro reminds us that giving kids tools is only the first step. The real goal is to help them learn something new, and we should be able to see that learning happening.
If you’ve ever thought, “I put out the robots and the kids played... so what?”—you’re not alone. Fontichiaro suggests taking time to reflect on your makerspace. Is it helping students grow? Are they learning new skills, working together, or becoming better problem-solvers? If not, maybe it’s time to make a few changes (Fontichiaro, 2019).
🌌 From Random Activities to Skill-Building
“Kristin Fontichiaro (2019) uses the metaphor of ‘stars’ versus ‘constellations’ to describe the difference between isolated makerspace activities and those that build on each other to form a cohesive learning path. Are your makerspace projects scattered like stars, or thoughtfully connected like a constellation, helping students develop deeper skills over time?”
For example, instead of doing only one-off sewing projects, you can create a path:
- Start with hand-sewn puppets
- Move on to fleece scarves
- Then try machine-sewn bean bags or pillowcases
Each project teaches a new skill and helps students grow step by step (Fontichiaro, 2019, p. 43).
📝 Sources:Fontichiaro, K. (2019). Makerspace Tune-Up. Teacher Librarian, 46(5), 42–45.
Cloud Computing In Libraries
☁️ Cloud Computing in Libraries:
You’ve probably heard the phrase “in the cloud” a lot, whether in tech conversations, news articles, or even casual chats at your library. But what does it really mean for libraries?
Cloud computing may sound complicated, but it’s becoming one of the most important tools in modern library services. In short, it lets libraries use storage, software, and other services online instead of depending on physical servers and devices in the building. And that’s a big deal.
Let’s break it down
💻 What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing means using internet-based services to store data or run software instead of using local servers or computers. According to Stephanie Buck (2009), this could include things like:
Software as a Service (SaaS): Tools like Google Docs or Microsoft 365 that don’t need to be installed on your computer, they just run through your browser.
Data Storage: Instead of keeping files on a library’s physical server, files are stored in secure online locations like Amazon S3.
The benefits? No need to install and update software constantly, less money spent on physical infrastructure, and the ability to access your work from anywhere with internet.
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🧰 How Libraries Are Using the Cloud
Libraries of all sizes are finding smart ways to use cloud services. Buck (2009) explains that Google Apps (like Docs, Calendar, and Gmail) can help library staff collaborate more easily and work remotely, without needing expensive local software.
Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers massive, secure storage through tools like S3. This can be especially useful for storing digital collections, like high-resolution images or scanned books, which take up a lot of space on local servers.
Michael Klein of Boston Public Library began using Amazon S3 to host large public-facing files so patrons could access them quickly—while saving the library bandwidth and space (Buck, 2009).
⚠️ Challenges to Consider
Of course, cloud computing isn’t perfect. Buck (2009) points out a few important questions every library should ask:
- Is it cost-effective in the long run? Monthly payments can add up, especially if your library isn’t using the service efficiently.
- What about privacy and control? When data is stored with third-party companies, how much control do you really have?
- What happens during outages? Even big platforms like Google and Amazon have had unexpected downtime.
📚 The Future of Cloud in Libraries
Whether it’s storage, communication, or running entire library systems, the cloud is quickly becoming the norm. As Breeding (2019) notes, this shift opens up new possibilities for innovation and better service.
Libraries that once spent time managing hardware can now focus more on the things that matter most, like connecting patrons with resources, improving access, and making technology more inclusive.
📌 Sources:
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Buck, S. (2009). Libraries in the Cloud: Making a Case for Google and Amazon. Computers in Libraries, September 2009.
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Breeding, M. (2019). Managing Tech and the Impact of Cloud Computing on Libraries. Computers in Libraries, March 2019.
