Linking Literacy and Libraries in Global Communities

Libraries in today's global world have emerged as key players in building a culture for reading in communities while enhancing the literacy development of children, youth, adults and seniors. Whether one lives in a modern city with sophisticated library services or in a remote region of the world where access to books and literacy services may be limited, librarians and libraries are contributing to the development of learning communities. This book captures some of the essence of this work in libraries in order to inspire and support all those who value the role of libraries in building global communities. The authors highlight the emerging role of libraries and community partners in literacy development and provide concrete examples via case studies drawn from global communities, demonstrating how libraries are working to support local literacies. They also suggest recommendations for supporting the critical role for libraries in supporting global literacies. The book will become essential reading for all those interested in literacy and libraries throughout the world.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Libraries as forces for literacy and learning; Building a culture for reading through libraries; Supporting learning and literacy through libraries; Libraries as learning commons; The library as community learning centre; Libraries as agents of social change; Mobile libraries as effective solutions to reading access and reading promotion in remote communities; Effective practices in reading promotion and literacy development; An ecological framework for ongoing community library developments; List of references; Index.

About the Author :
Marlene Asselin is Associate Professor, Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia and Ray Doiron is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Review :
'Linking Literacy and Libraries in Global Communities offers a good mix of research findings and international case studies on the key aspects of modern school librarianship, including literacy and life skills, learning communities and information and media literacy, digital technology and social media. It is interesting for the professional school librarian, teacher and decision maker in schools but is also important for grassroots readers in this field. A must read for everyone interested in the range of function, responsibilities and tasks of the 21st century school library and a valuable addition to the existing literature.' Lourense Das, Adviser and Trainer, Vice-President of the International Association of School Librarianship and Coordinator Stichting ENSIL 'This book, blending authoritative research results with applicable international case studies is a useful resource for teachers, librarians and administrators in the field and for students aiming for careers in these areas. It is a positive and inspiring contribution to the promotion of the value of libraries in building globally literate communities.' Australian Library Journal 'The book would most interest those interested in global issues facing community libraries and those interested in the broad issues in promotion of literacy through community responsiveness of library collections and programs.' Australian Academic and Research Libraries Linking Literacy and Libraries in Global Communities offers a good mix of research findings and international case studies on the key aspects of modern school librarianship, including literacy and life skills, learning communities and information and media literacy, digital technology and social media. It is interesting for the professional school librarian, teacher and decision maker in schools but is also important for grassroots readers in this field. A must read for everyone interested in the range of function, responsibilities and tasks of the 21st century school library and a valuable addition to the existing literature.’ Lourense Das, Adviser and Trainer, Vice-President of the International Association of School Librarianship and Coordinator Stichting ENSIL 'This book, blending authoritative research results with applicable international case studies is a useful resource for teachers, librarians and administrators in the field and for students aiming for careers in these areas. It is a positive and inspiring contribution to the promotion of the value of libraries in building globally literate communities.' Australian Library Journal 'The book would most interest those interested in global issues facing community libraries and those interested in the broad issues in promotion of literacy through community responsiveness of library collections and programs.' Australian Academic and Research Libraries