Speakers and Abstracts

Keynote Speakers:

Global Education for School Librarians: Methods of Communication in Sweden

 Fredrik Ernerot

IASL Vice President Association Operations

Sweden

The presentation offers valuable insights into communication methods extensively employed in Sweden for more than a decade. These methods inspire higher governmental work and school library processes on national and global scales. The presentation will delve into three key topics, enriching the knowledge base for school libraries. Attendees can apply this knowledge upon returning to their workplaces and collaborating with their peers managing school libraries.

The presentation will cover a wider range, focusing on three selected topics, primarily aimed at cultivating a comprehensive understanding tailored for school libraries. This knowledge will facilitate effective communication with participants’ colleagues upon their return to their workplaces. The topics include inspiration and practical methods:

1. Sweden’s reference group for school libraries is an effective working tool established and developed by the Swedish National Agency for Education.
2. A governmental investigation of current school library situations in Sweden, led by the Department of Education, involves a year-long investigation leading to the formation of a special group of regulatory experts.
3. Elevating efforts in school libraries to a higher standard, this topic at The International Library Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, offers insights into legal and democratic approaches, emphasizing effective communication with authorities and fostering mutually beneficial discussions.

Unlocking the Power of School Libraries in SDGs Education

Antonija Lujanac, M.A.

School Librarian, IASL Regional Director Europe, Erasmus Coordinator

Osnovna skola Dobrise Cesarica, Zagreb, Croatia

How did one small public school library implement projects related to sustainability, inclusion, digital skills, and civic education into everyday school life? A school librarian ensured the education of teachers and collaboration with the local stakeholders through Erasmus projects co-funded by the European Union. The main goal was to prepare educators for teaching about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to empower the local community with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address global challenges and work towards a sustainable future. This purpose included, among others, raising awareness, promoting critical thinking, fostering responsibility, encouraging action, facilitating interdisciplinary learning, promoting sustainable practices, ensuring access to resources, supporting professional development, and conducting monitoring and evaluation for long-term impact. The project results were recognized globally, and the school library emerged as an important resource within the community.

DAY 1 (October 2)

Session 1

Empowering Education:  Strengthening Literacy through Integrated Curriculum in School Libraries in Indonesia

Hanna Chaterina George, S.S., M.I.Kom

President APISI (Indonesian Association of School Information Professionals)

Indonesia

The PISA score for Indonesian students’ literacy in 2022 shows that literacy still needs to be prioritized in Indonesian education. The Gerakan Literasi Indonesia (GLS) or Indonesian Literacy Movement, initiated in 2016, has not yet significantly improved literacy among Indonesian students. The government, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbud Ristek), is implementing a strategy to enhance literacy in Indonesian education, focusing on three environmental approaches: textual richness, emotional-social environment, and academic environment. School libraries can serve as a literacy enhancement alternative within schools. This article will illustrate how the school library contributes to the three aspects of the literacy reinforcement strategy, particularly focusing on curriculum integration and library lesson integration in elementary schools.

Digital Natives’ Plunge: Transversal Skills Supporting Modern Teaching and Learning in Finland

 Hanna-Kaisa Malinen, M.Ed. 

English Teacher, International Coordinator,

Mutalan Koulu, Joensuu, Finland

The educational landscape in Finland, as well as across Europe and globally, is swiftly evolving due to AI advancement. Our ‘diginatives’ students navigate the digital era, but whether their approach is deliberate or reckless remains uncertain. Education holds a paramount place in Finnish society, with a commitment to equitable opportunities. Rooted in national and local curricula, education emphasizes equality and adapts to local needs. In Joensuu, education centres on learning, well-being, and responsibility. Key to our vision is imparting transversal competencies like literacy and digital skills. Nurturing these skills requires both education and courage, for students and educators alike, to navigate the transformative waves of AI and modern technology effectively.

Use of AI in English Literature classroom to enhance students’ Critical Thinking

Vinitha Rani, Ph.D.

TOK Coordinator, BINUS SCHOOL Simprug

Jakarta, Indonesia

This presentation aims to provide educators with actionable insights into how AI can be effectively integrated into their teaching practices to improve student outcomes in the English Literature classroom, focusing on its potential to enhance students’ critical thinking and support educators in creating effective assessments. By leveraging innovative AI tools, students can engage more deeply with literary texts, thereby developing advanced analytical and interpretive skills. Concurrently, AI facilitates the design of personalized assessments that target higher-order cognitive abilities. The integration of AI into both instructional and evaluative processes enables teachers to create adaptive and dynamic learning environments tailored to individual student needs. This presentation will examine the practical applications of AI in education, highlighting its ability to enhance student engagement and academic performance. The use of AI in the classroom offers a transformative approach to teaching and learning, promoting a more interactive and personalized educational experience.

DAY 1 (October 2)

Session 2

Artificial Intelligence in Education

Mayasari Abdul Majid, Ph.D.

Head of Librarian, LSL International School

Selangor, Malaysia

Chair of School Resource Centre Committee, Librarians Association of Malaysia;

Standing Committee School Libraries Section of International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

In the context of school libraries and artificial intelligence, achieving equitable access to devices, connectivity, and digital resources becomes imperative. Bridging the digital divide not only enhances access but also enables students to develop essential learning skills. These skills encompass critical evaluation of information, discernment of reliable sources, and responsible navigation of the vast online landscape. Together, these elements form a cohesive approach to the integration of AI in education and its broader impact on students and libraries. Understand how AI can be harnessed to provide tailored recommendations to library patrons, creating a more personalized and enriching experience.

Empowering Minds: Transformative Role of Indian School Libraries in Promoting Literacy and Learning

Mamta Maggu

                                Resource Person LIS (CBSE), New Delhi, India                                    

Librarian, Bal Bharati Public School,

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

In an increasingly interconnected world, the pivotal role of school libraries in promoting literacy and fostering a learning culture cannot be overstated. This presentation explores best practices observed in Indian school libraries, emphasizing their transformative impact on education. Drawing on the maxim “When citizens read, the country leads,” the session highlights how libraries facilitate access to essential knowledge for societal progress. Unique challenges and innovative solutions in Indian school libraries, including the “One Village, One Library” initiative aimed at expanding access to rural communities, are discussed. Attendees will gain insights into successful models like “One Village, One Library” to empower them to enhance their library systems, contributing to global efforts to advance education and literacy.

The Philippines’ Big 4 Academic Libraries as Catalysts for Sustainable Development: Mapping Library Services, Projects, and Action Plans to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Rosendo S. Rama, Jr., Marie Chezka G. Tamayo, and Veronica A. Bolos

Readers’ Services Librarians, De La Salle University,

Philippines

This study aims to investigate the role of major academic libraries in the Philippines in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. It will examine how academic libraries can support the SDGs and the alignment of their services, projects, and action plans with the different goals. The study will also identify challenges faced in integrating SDGs into their operations and highlight best practices to aid academic libraries in championing the advocacy and support for SDGs. The research will utilize a descriptive qualitative research methodology through online interviews with librarians representing each library. The findings will provide insights for academic libraries seeking to align their efforts with the SDGs and contribute to the UN’s sustainable development. The study aims to highlight the critical role that academic libraries play in advancing the UN SDGs and provide practical recommendations for library leaders to foster their services, projects, and action plans around the UN’s 17 SDGs.

DAY 2 (October 3)

AI in School Libraries: the Power to Change Lives and Minds

Hosea Tokwe

Library Administrative Assistant

Midlands State University Library,

Gweru, Zimbabwe

This paper explores the adaptation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school libraries across Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by this technological innovation. It examines the potential benefits of AI in enhancing library services, improving information access through advanced retrieval systems, personalized learning, increased accessibility, and fostering digital literacy among learners. At the same time, the paper addresses significant challenges, including infrastructural limitations, a lack of digital literacy, cultural relevance, and the need for policy frameworks to support AI implementation. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of a context-sensitive approach to AI adoption in Sub-Saharan African school libraries, one that considers local needs and priorities.

Artificial Intelligence and Multimedia facilities in school libraries: Possibilities for the Future

Raghunathan Manheri Othayoth

Librarian, GEMS Modern Academy

Dubai, U.A.E.

The role of the school librarian is evolving in the modern scenario. Modern technology plays a crucial role in school libraries. The application of the latest technology is essential for the growth of the learning space and is highly relevant in the era of digitization. Contemporary library services in the academic sector, especially in school libraries, offer numerous possibilities for utilizing technology to create an ideal space for developing various skills through self-paced learning, aided by reference materials, research tools, and intellectual recreation. The topic discusses how modern school librarians leverage the school library platform to deliver engaging and productive sessions aimed at developing and enhancing 21st-century skills. It explores adaptable and agile solutions in libraries that cater to students’ unique circumstances while providing valuable opportunities. The presentation also delves into the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence and explores how technology can enhance the functionality and effectiveness of school libraries.

Sharing Library Resources Usage Data Between Schools: Optimizing Teaching Material Selection and Addressing Information Disparity

Dr. Mutsumi Ohira

Kyoto Sangyo University,

Japan

School libraries are lagging in their function as learning information centres. In Japan, particularly in small schools, there are no teacher librarians or school librarians permanently stationed, and children’s learning activities outside the classroom are stagnant, and even if teachers intend to use library and teaching materials in conducting subject classes, the problem is that there is a lack of people to talk to.  Therefore, this study aims to create a database of how the materials and teaching materials provided by school libraries are used in self-study and classes and create a system to share them between schools online. Specifically, I will develop a unique application based on an existing book review application and conduct demonstrations using the implemented tablet in the field by librarians and teachers. Target fields will be set up in urban areas and mountainous areas. This will lead to a plan to strengthen the functions of school libraries that do not rely on staffing, and in the long term will eliminate the educational disparity between schools with and without librarians, ensuring equal opportunities in public education.

Through The Wall: Localizing Controlled Digital Lending of Printed Collection to Expand Library Borders

Kate Lora Q. Cruz and Karen Cecille V. Natividad

Libraries, De La Salle University,

Philippines

Post-pandemic processes are paving the way for more patron-centric services. One such service that was put into better light is loaning printed library collections. This paper explores the viability and applicability of controlled digital lending in Philippine academic libraries and how this translates to service while considering factors such as intellectual property, licensing, digital infrastructure, and corresponding advantages and risks. The researchers will utilize the existing methodological literature review and corresponding success indicators for comparison and adoption. This study enhances the concept of borderless libraries through a service that allows circulation of exclusively printed collections while establishing safeguards for the library collection and equitable and fair use options for their stakeholders.