IASL Research Abstracts

IASL Research Abstracts: 312

 

Gordon, C. (2010). The Culture of Inquiry in School Libraries

Abstract: A culture of inquiry is emerging from research-based information literacy instruction that takes place in school libraries. An ethnographic approach views the culture of inquiry through two lenses: (1) cultural anthropology and an emerging theory of evidence-based information literacy instruction, and (2) Tylor’s anthropological definition of culture serves as a framework to examine the knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, and customs of instruction. An emerging theory of information literacy instruction unique to school libraries identifies constructivist learning theory as the knowledge source and evidence-based practice as the underlying belief. The art of teaching in this culture is described in ten corollaries to the theory. Morals and law emerge from 21st century initiatives that re-define the purpose of an education that is relevant to a dynamic information environment. Ethnographic research traditions mold customs that characterize a self-reflective school library community of practice motivated by self-improvement as well as the improvement of society. Such a culture drives decisions about best practice, as well as directions for future research.

Subject categories: 12

Abstract Submitted by Janice Newsum, Florida State University