Delaware Public Library Journaling Project Supports Self-Directed Learning
| Status | For Immediate Release | Contact | Annie Norman |
| Release Date | Wednesday, 13 February 2008 | Phone | (302) 739-4748 x126 |
The Delaware Division of Libraries’ Delaware Center for the Book has begun rolling out a journaling project in public libraries across the state as part of its continuing effort to support library patrons in self-directed, or “free-choice,” learning.
Hard-bound, spiral journal books titled “Between the Lines” were created for the project, with blank and lined pages for users to keep track of books they have read, jot down concepts and phrases, draw or doodle, record favorite passages and otherwise journal their reading travels. Tabbed sections are titled “Reading Log,” “Inspiration,” “What’s Next” and “Afterthoughts.”
“We collected reading journals from library gift shops and bookstores around the country and ultimately designed our own, which was introduced at the Delaware Book Festival in November 2007,” said Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries. “This is the first of many tools we intend to create for librarians to provide to their patrons in order to proactively support lifelong learning. The journal prompts also remind users of library services available to support their learning journey.”
Initial journaling programs will be held at 11 public libraries across the state in early 2008, where participants will learn how their reading journals can help them direct their free-choice learning to achieve self-awareness, self-improvement and self-empowerment. Participating libraries include Bridgeville Public Library, Delmar Public Library, Dover Public Library, Georgetown Public Library, Greenwood Public Library, Laurel Public Library, Lewes Public Library, Milton Public Library, New Castle Public Library, Rehoboth Beach Public Library, and Selbyville Public Library.
After conducting the initial round of journaling programs at the 11 participating libraries, the Division will refine the program based on those experiences. The Division will later hold a “train the trainer” program for library staff members to conduct their own ongoing programs to support individuals on their lifelong learning paths. The Division also expects that librarians will benefit from increased awareness of how participating patrons are using library collections.
The initiative builds on previous projects the Division conducted in 2003 and 2005 to explore lifelong learning and has already received positive feedback from attendees at the Delaware Book Festival in November and from more than 100 librarians and Friends who attended the Delaware Library Town Meeting in December. The project is funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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