Taking the LSC530 course has been an eye-opening experience for me, giving me a real sense of what it means to support children’s literacy and overall development. Using Sylvia Vardell’s Children’s Literature in Action as our guide, I learned how librarians can meet children’s needs—not just in reading, but in supporting their cognitive, emotional, social, and digital growth.
One of the things that really stuck with me was how important it is for kids to see themselves in the books they read. Vardell does a great job emphasizing this point, and I loved the way she quoted Rudine Sims Bishop: “Students who do not see any reflections of themselves or who see only distorted or comical ones come to understand that they have little value in society in general and in school” (ReadRock, 2015) (Vardell, 2019, p. 3). This idea underlines why core documents like the ALA Beliefs, Bill of Rights, and children’s privacy laws are so crucial—they help ensure that libraries provide safe, fair, and empowering access to information for every child.
Another big part of the course was learning how to evaluate children’s literature. We looked at print and media awards and explored the works of diverse authors and illustrators. Vardell showed us that literature can serve as both a mirror and a window for young readers: it reflects their own experiences while opening up new perspectives. I found it really helpful to understand the different evaluation criteria—for example, knowing that historical fiction needs authenticity or that fantasy should have consistent rules for its world (Vardell, 2019, pp. 235, 285). These insights have definitely boosted my skills in selecting quality materials.
We also dove into the practical side of librarianship—curating, evaluating, and organizing both print and digital resources. The course highlighted the importance of creating collections that reflect the diverse interests and needs of children. Whether it’s a physical book or an eBook, it’s all about making sure every child can find something that speaks to their identity and experiences. I now feel more confident about using both traditional methods and digital tools to build inclusive collections.
Digital media and technology were also key topics. In today’s world, it’s essential for librarians to help kids navigate digital spaces safely and effectively. Learning about digital citizenship resources, like those from Common Sense and even Google, has been really useful. These tools not only complement traditional reading but also help children develop important digital literacy skills.
Promoting reading was another rewarding focus of the course. We discussed a variety of strategies—like read-aloud sessions, thematic displays, and digital literacy programs—to spark a love of reading in children. This isn’t just about pushing up book circulation numbers; it’s about inspiring a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
One of the standout aspects of this course was the required reading. While the workload was substantial, the material was directly applicable to my current role as a Library Media Specialist, making it both relevant and engaging. I especially appreciated the course textbook, which was exceptionally well-organized and concise. Unlike other textbooks I have encountered, which often contain lengthy chapters that can be difficult to connect to module objectives, this one was clear, to the point, and highly informative. Whether the selection was made by URI or the instructor, it was an excellent choice.
I especially enjoyed using the blog to post assignments. It was fun to see my site evolve from a rough start to something I’m proud of by the end of the course.
Overall, LSC530 has reshaped how I see the role of a children’s librarian. By combining insights from Children’s Literature in Action with professional standards and modern digital tools, I now have a more holistic view of how to support the developmental needs of children. Moving forward, I’m excited to use these ideas to create a welcoming, dynamic, and inclusive library environment that truly empowers every young reader.
References:
Vardell, S. (2019). Children’s Literature in Action. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited.
Reading Rockets: (2015, Jan 30). Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors [Video]. YouTube. Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors