The “Partnering to Shape 21st Century Learners” conferences--held in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Pocatello this spring--provided an opportunity for professional development and collaboration, along with plenty of inspiration and encouragement from the Washington Moms.” School librarians served as team leaders and brought along an administrator and one or more parents to help formulate blueprints for their 21st century libraries.

Library field consultant Frank Nelson highlighted the results of the Idaho School Library Impact Study (see the full report and Executive Summary at http://libraries.idaho.gov/study). The bottom line is that students are more likely to succeed when librarians play active and collaborative roles with other teachers and with administrators. Participants at the Boise conference discussed the value of collaboration on a regular basis, as well as communication between teachers and librarians about specific topics students are studying.

Participants envisioned libraries of the future that are “inviting spaces, safe places, cool hangouts, teen friendly, and wireless accessible, with a laptop for every student.” Libraries of the future would also promote global citizenship and include opportunities to share ideas with other librarians.

Other nuggets from the Boise conference include:

• (From a student): Teachers need to be aware so I can be prepared. Teach from your past for our future. Teach me the technology that I need.
• Instead of teaching abstinence, teach safe surfing.
• Flipcams in every classroom is a must: this brings up level of accountability and students can see immediate feedback.
• Have students present technology to teachers during in-service.
• Task high school videographers to produce Public Service Announcements about Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and 21st century skills to introduce those terms to parents and other stakeholders.

Participants contributed to "charrette” wikis, intended to be a starting point for drafting a sketch of what is necessary in order to develop strong, crucial partnerships and Library Information and Technology programs. Elements of what is accomplished in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Pocatello will be presented in October of 2010 at a pre-conference of the Idaho Library Association's Annual Conference. Check out the wikis for more ideas and resources for school libraries.
http://boisecharrette.wikispaces.com/
http://cdacharrette.wikispaces.com/
http://pocatellocharrette.wikispaces.com/