• Overview
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• Library
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Library

The Anselm O’Brien Library is a rich dynamic learning space located at the heart of the campus. It is a place of computers, scanners, printer/copiers, cameras, interactive whiteboards, and smartcards.

Library and Information services have changed dramatically over the last decade.

Before the widespread use of the World Wide Web, the explosion of learning technologies and the associated changes in pedagogy, libraries were repositories of books, journals and some limited audio visual materials. The librarian maintained orderly shelves of books, neat rows of tables and chairs and an atmosphere of quiet.

Today the scene is vastly different. Our library is no longer a silent place, although there are quiet spaces for reading and thinking, as well as spaces for group work and discussion, and places to showcase student work. It is a learning environment where students define, locate, select, organize and present information in a variety of formats using a range of resources and technology options with support from staff with specialized skills.

The development of skills for life long learning is achieved through collaboratively planned learning experiences using the Guided Inquiry Framework of targeted interventions appropriate for building understanding and transforming knowledge.

The role of the teacher librarian has changed dramatically as well. While still providing an information rich learning environment and access to that information through an efficient and effective library management system, teacher librarians today:

• Collaboratively plan and resource curriculum programs
• Work with teachers to implement information literacy and literature programs that result in positive student learning outcomes
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of current learning theories
• Understand, articulate and model the principles of life long learning
• Cater for the social, cultural, emotional and learning needs of students
• Teach the appropriate and relevant use of ICT
• Evaluate student learning to provide evidence of progress towards independent life long learning

Extended opening hours ensures equitable access for all students. In addition 24/7 access to the ‘Virtual Library’ which provides a range of digital resources and learning scaffolds demonstrates just how far libraries have moved from providing resources “just in case” to “just in time”.

Extra curricular activities such as book clubs, workshops in study skills, tips for learning in a digital world, media production and writing all contribute to the development of our community of learners.

Today the Anselm O’Brien library is a 21st century library in the Dominican tradition. It promotes productive learning partnerships and co-construction of knowledge in an engaging learning environment. Each student is actively encouraged to aim for personal excellence and to develop skills of independent learning and critical thinking.