TMC8 Loertscher & Young

Action Research as a Pathway to Discovery in the School Library

by David V. Loertscher and Michelle Young

In this paper Dr. Loertscher and his colleagues call for more school library professionals to engage in action research. The paper presents a model for action research as a personal discovery focused on how the school library might move into the centre of teaching and learning in the school. The writers ask you to consider, “what is the best thing that I can do to create the biggest impact on teaching and learning in my special/individual community of teachers and learners.” 

David Loertscher is a professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University; has written extensively about the library learning commons and continues to teach students in the masters program to become rock stars in our profession.

Over the years, Professor Loertscher has taught and held professorial roles at four universities and spent a decade leading the editorial department at Libraries Unlimited. His leadership as the President of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) during the "Count on Reading" initiative saw an impressive 68 million books read nationwide. For access to his extensive body of work, including numerous books and articles written over the past 50 years, visit davidloertscherlibrary.org.

Michelle Young has been working in education since 2005. She has enjoyed a variety of positions, including Library Technician, Assistive Technology Specialist, and Education Specialist. Currently, she is in her second year as a teacher-librarian. Michelle recently graduated from San Jose State University's iSchool, earning her California Teacher Librarian credential along with a Master's degree in Library and Information Science. Her goal is to continue working in the heart of the school—the library—where she aims to create a program that supports inclusion and accessibility, fostering a space where students can pursue their passions and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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