LIS 525- Portfolio Standard 1: The Learner and Learning Christina L’Hommedieu

Name: Christina L’Hommedieu Date: November 22, 2023

Course Number: LIS 524 Course Title: School LMC Field Experience
Course Instructor: Susan Allen Assignment Title: Library Redesign
LIS Program Objective Met: Standard 1: The Learner and Learning

The Learner and Learning

The completion of my user-centered library redesign assignment effectively

demonstrates my ability to meet learners' needs while fostering a positive and productive

learning environment. This artifact began with a full in-person tour and evaluation of

Benjamin Franklin Middle School Library, noting the infrastructure, facilities, and

furnishings. After drawing up a digital sketch of the library, I spent extensive time

researching the learning commons design, universal design for learning, and future-ready

library space. The artifact attached details the changes I would propose to ensure the

school library meets the needs of all learners within the school community.

The ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards (2019), require

candidates to maintain a space that is both engaging and equitable to support the

educational and developmental needs of learners. Students need to grow and learn in an

environment that makes all students feel welcome, accepted, and valued. My library

redesign reflects these important implications with flexible spaces where students can

seek information and demonstrate learning in various technology-rich formats. The user-

centered design of my future-ready library offers both individual workspace and larger

group areas where students can collaborate. Additionally, my artifact also offers an

adaptable design of physical space to accommodate learners' physical needs with

LIS 525- Portfolio Standard 1: The Learner and Learning Christina L’Hommedieu

adjustable tables, moveable furniture, and perceptible environments to ensure access for

everyone.

The school librarianship profession requires candidates to maintain an awareness of

learners' development as they “grow within and across cognitive, psychomotor, affective,

and developmental domains” (AASL, 2019). The space I have designed offers an

educational environment where early learners can develop fundamental skills that support

their reading, writing, and problem-solving abilities. Importantly, the redesign maintains a

student-centered learning environment where learners can delve into their interests and

learning modalities, rather than focusing on the traditional teacher-led educational

environments. My vision for the school library is a place where the learner is encouraged

to actively engage in their educational journey to build life-long learning and skill

acquisition.

The National School Library Standards highlight the importance of considering

learning differences and diversity in all facets of the learning environment and program. I

took careful consideration of learning exceptionalities in the user-centered area of my

design to help students develop a sense of belonging and feel comfortable in the library.

The library redesign artifact features a sensory area for learners who need calm space

and visual signage at the self-checkout desk. Additionally, welcoming signage provides a

visual reminder of the library being a safe space that values respect for all diverse

perspectives in our local community. Educators prepare learners to be culturally competent

by modeling values both in practice and within the environment we cultivate. The learning
LIS 525- Portfolio Standard 1: The Learner and Learning Christina L’Hommedieu

environment I envision is a place where students connect with peers who offer different

experiences and backgrounds while maintaining an inclusive environment for everyone.

As a future school librarian, I have the privilege of overseeing the school library

space and making decisions that will directly affect the learner's experience within the

school community. I feel my library redesign project demonstrated my ability to take a

good learning environment and make it exceptional. A technology-rich library, like the one I

envisioned, will be a place where all student's learning needs can be met to encourage

active learning, collaboration, and a bright future for our students.