This year for my professional development project, I wanted to find an opportunity to visit other school libraries, including other CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) school libraries, public school libraries, and the Ottawa Public Library.  By observing different library spaces, programs, and approaches, I knew it would be an opportunity for me to gain fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and practical solutions to enhance my own practices. These visits offered me a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues, network with other professionals, and stay current with trends and best practices in the field of school librarianship.

Here are some key areas that I wanted to focus on in my visits to other great school libraries;

1. Space Design and Layout

• Flexible Seating – Creative seating arrangements that promote collaboration and comfort.
• Zoning – Observe how libraries create distinct areas for quiet reading, group work, and technology use.
• Display Areas – Check out how books and materials are showcased to attract students.

2. Technology Integration

• Tech Stations – Identify areas where students can use computers, tablets, or other tech resources.
• Digital Resources – Explore how libraries integrate e-books, online databases, and educational apps.

3. Programming and Events

• Storytime Sessions – Observe how libraries run storytime or read-aloud sessions, especially for different age groups.
• Workshops and Clubs – Look for unique programs, such as book clubs, coding workshops, or art classes.
• Community Involvement – Note any partnerships with local organizations or authors for events.

 4. Collection Development

• Diversity in Selection – Examine how libraries curate their collections to reflect diverse voices and topics.
• Graphic Novels and Non-Fiction – Pay attention to the balance of genres and formats available for students.

5. Promotion and Marketing

• Visual Appeal – Take note of bulletin boards, posters, and other promotional materials that engage students.
• Social Media Presence – If applicable, see how libraries use social media to connect with students and parents.

6. Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Adaptations – Observe how libraries cater to students with different needs, such as sensory-friendly spaces or resources in multiple languages.
• Guided Navigation – Look for signage or tools that help students find materials easily.

7. Collaboration with Teachers

• Integrated Curriculum – Check how librarians collaborate with teachers for integrated lesson planning or resource sharing.
• Teacher Resources – Look at how libraries support educators with materials and professional development.

8. Student Engagement

• Feedback Mechanisms – Note how libraries gather input from students about their interests and needs.
• Peer Leadership – Observe any student-led initiatives or programs that promote leadership and ownership.

9. Environmental Sustainability

• Green Practices – Explore how libraries incorporate sustainable practices, such as recycling programs or eco-friendly materials.

10. Library Management and Operations

• Circulation Systems – Observe how libraries manage check-outs, returns, and inventory.
• Staff Roles – Note the different roles staff play and how they engage with students and programs.

I chose to visit the two other Ottawa CAIS schools Elmwood and Ashbury, Fisher Park Summit Alternative Public School, and the Carlingwood library.  I can’t wait to share with you the fruits of these visits, and some of the ways in which I plan to incorporate these new ideas here at the OJCS.  It is through connecting with professionals outside of our immediate workplace that all professionals learn and grow.  I plan to continue to meet with these amazing librarians on a regular basis so that the OJCS library can continue to evolve and improve each year.