21st Century Librarian: English Language Learners (ELL) and School Libraries

This past week I had the pleasure of presenting to The New Jersey English Language Learners Advisory Committee on behalf of New Jersey Association of School Librarians. This group included members of the Department of Education, ELL Supervisors, and ELL Teachers. My presentation was completed with the help of Mrs. Mary Moyer Stubbs who is our Legislative Consultant, various members of NJASL, and the NJ State Library.

I spent the beginning of my presentation talking about the importance of librarians and NJASL.

Librarians and specifically New Jersey librarians are working with ELL Students on a daily basis. Considering the average school's ELL students make up ten percent of the student population, this is no surprise. Some of the areas we are specifically working with ELL Students are: Collection Development, Translating Services, Open Access to the Library, Library Instruction, Collaborating, and Makerspaces.

Collection Development

School libraries, as well as public libraries are adding books in other languages to their collection. Many librarians are also asking ELL Students for input in this area. Interlibrary loan is also a really great resource, especially in these times when budgets are getting slashed. In addition to print books audiobooks, ebooks, and databases are also being purchased. Many of these items are available in multiple languages, or they offer a translation feature. Graphic novels are also a fantastic resource for ELL students. They are high interest and the pictures can fill in the gaps for students. Sara Stevenson wrote an awesome article on using Graphic Novels with ELL Students in AASL's Knowledge Quest. http://knowledgequest.aasl.org/english-language-learners-graphic-novels/

Translating Services

Librarians are helping ELL students with translating services. Many websites and databases offer translation features. I personally use MackinVIA to hold all of my library digital resources. Many of the electronic items that I have purchased directly from Mackin offer wonderful translating features on many of their electronic items. Librarians are also translating other items such as directions. One librarian from New Jersey I spoke to told me that she was able to get directions for computer codeing in the Ukraine language.

Open Access to the Library

Libraries are one of the few places in a school or community that offer Open Access to all, and it is no different with ELL students. ELL students are pulled out of their academic classes and the library provides a safe spot for these students.

Library Instruction

Librarians are providing instruction to classes through information literacy lessons, technology lessons, and interactive storytimes. Many librarians are finding that they need to hand tailor their lessons and assignments so ELL students are included.

Collaborating

Collaborating with other teachers is nothing new for librarians. It has always been our job to work with other teachers, to help provides students with pertinent information for assignments. Many librarians are also forming alliances with school organizations that represent ELL students.

Makerspaces

I saved my favorite for last :) This year I started a makerspace in my school library. One of my favorite things about the makerspace movement is students of all levels, languages, and ages can participate in making. Some of the benefits to makerspaces which specifically applies to ELL students include:

Makerspaces democratize learning
Makerspaces offer open access to all students
Makerspaces offer authentic, real world experiences for students
Makerspace tools are created for speakers of all languages

Bloxels - offers color coded squares, which turns into a video game handmade by students.
Little Bits - color coded by the kind of power
Tinkercad - Software that works with 3D printers - works with shapes, not words
Legos and K'nex
Building with Cardboard

Makerspaces provide opportunities for ELL students and non-ELL students to work together

Our state library also provides many services for ELL community members. Many of the public libraries are also providing services for their local community. Some of these services include:

NJ Talking Book and Braille Center
Fade to Books Program - a program that provides books to young boys and teens in urban sections of New Jersey
ESL classes in New Jersey public libraries
The state library has compiled a list of bilingual resources for New Jersey community members

In conclusion, this was a wonderful experience. I have presented all over the country, but so far this was the greatest honor I have had. I have included a copy of my presentation on the bottom of this post. It is important for other organizations to learn about libraries and all that we have to offer students and community members.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WGGeweRMVXSlHcnGFYo49IluiyutAzsxe-QS9YYyDT0/edit?usp=sharing