David+Loertscher


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Dr. David V. Loertscher
||~ =David's Web site [] ​= =David's blog []= ||

One of the leading voices in the United States on the role and impact of school libraries on teaching and learning, David Loertscher is a Professor of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University in San Jose, CA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Utah, a Master of Librarianship from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in Library Science from Indiana University. He has been a school library media specialist in Nevada and Idaho at both the elementary and secondary school levels. He has taught at Purdue University, The University of Arkansas, and The University of Oklahoma. Loertscher also serves as the President of Hi Willow Research & Publishing, whose works are distributed by LMC Source at www.lmcsource.com. Loertscher is also a columnist for //Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals//.

Loertcher's driving concept is that it's time to rebuild school libraries from the ground up. The key to school library success in the 21st century is that if THEY build it, THEY will use it. Loertscher uses the differences in Google and Microsoft as his definitive example. Both companies are successful but they are built on very different business models. End users utilize Microsoft products as the company intends. End users utilize Google products to construct the the end product they want. In the past, school libraries have been constructed on the Microsoft model. But for survival in the 21st century and in order to regain their relevance and success, school libraries must be rebuilt on the Google model, allowing the needs and desires of the end users to dictate the construct of the school library. Loertsher doesn't even want the moniker "school library" to be used as it's too limiting. He insists that the traditional school media center be converted into a Learning Commons to serve as a hub of learning and communication for the entire school. It is a physical and virtual place constucted collaboratively and that uses Web 2.0 tooks and skills to boost teaching and learning.

=//Thoughts on Loertscher's writings ...// =

As a teacher and as a librarian, I think Loertscher is right on in his vision for 21st century school media centers. It is an opportunity for the school librarian to lead the school on it's path of learning. Dr. Loertscher is the leading voice on where school media centers need to be in order to be active and productive in the 21st century learning environment. I would encourage Dr. Loertscher, however, to write more on the interim steps he sees necessary for meeting this long term goal. In the school district in which I work, many of the school libraries aren't even up to 1990s standards. To take them from where they are to the 21st century Learning Commons is a long, complicated road that must be travelled in a short amount of time. I hope Dr. Loertscher uses his influence to construct the definitive road map for getting us there. EH

​Mr. Loertscher s also involved in a project called KNOWVILLE, where he encourages children and teens to a challenge to read, to write and to do a billion books/projects.st

I liked Mr. Loertscher link to [|Professional readings]. It included topics such as School Library Media Programs, Books for teachers and librarians, and operations of the Library Media Center. He also has a virtual library page in the making.JD

I agree with Mr. Loertscher that the "school library" is much more than that for the 21st century learner. It is truly a media center and a vibrant hub of the school. BG

I agree with Mr. Loertscher that a media center should be a place to lead the education of a school building. The media center can be so much more than just a place to check out books even for very young children. He has a very good concept in mind I just hope he can show schools how to get to where he thinks they should be. KG

I listed to Mr. Loertscher speak at this year's OELMA conference. The particular session was in regard to library cataloging, but his driving idea of centering the school library media center around student achievement surfaced. Specifically, he said that the ownership of a library's collection is in the hands of the user. He also touched on the idea that books may or may not be dead. That too is decided by the user of the library media center. School librarians need to "throw out" some of what they've learned in library school (in regards to cataloging) and focus on what the user needs and wants. He believes librarians need to listen to and consult with their users. KAP

I was very interested in reading about Loertscher's ideas about the library becoming a learning commons. Not only can this be done in the physical sense in a school building, but it can also be done in the virtual world as well. It would be interesting to see how this operates in a school and on the web. DM

I thought this web site could use a little work. Compared to the other sites I have viewed this one didn't have as many things that interested me. I did like the sample newsletters, posters, and brochures that were located under the "advocacy" tab. There were also some useful activities that were listed that could be used in a classroom. MP

I love the idea of a learning commons....and I agree that students are way more likely to use what they have invested personal time and creativity making...I had never thought of a Microsoft vs. Google model being used to describe how a library functions either. Very insightful! RL

I also checked out the advocacy tab. This issue is very important right now. I know of some schools who are trying to decide wheter to replace retiring Library Media Specialists with another licensed LM Specialist or an aid. I think that it is wonderful that there are advocacy resources out there. I was excited to see all the sample brochures for various audiences. However, I was disappointed to find that they weren't really professional examples that anyone could use. Also some of the links were old and the pages were no longer there! I think Mr. Loertscher has a lot of great ideas and resources and I hope the site gets updated in the near future. CNR

From Loertscher's website under Professional Reviews under Children check out [|www.seedwiki.com] CW