--- title: Libraries for 21st-Century Learning description: To meet the needs of 21st-Century learning, the role of the librarian is changing. Librarians not only connect children with a great book, but they also provide essential information and digital literacy skills needed to succeed in today's world. image: https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Upper%20School/sanford_school_us_library.jpg --- Search - [mySANFORD HUB](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app/) [![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid) - 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[Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/school-news) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/calendar) - [Sanford Speaks Podcast](http://sanfordspeaks.libsyn.com/) - [Auction 2019](https://sanfordschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Sanfords30thAnnualAuction/tabid/1027331/Default.aspx) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/sustainability) - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - 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[Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/spirit-store) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/sanford-news-network) - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/) - [Video Gallery](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/video-gallery) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) - [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply) - [Parents](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) - [Home and School Association](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association) - [Alumni](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) - [Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back) - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch) - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved) # EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG *Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.* ## Libraries for 21st-Century Learning Posted by [Sandy Sutty](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/sandy-sutty) on May 3, 2019 at 1:25 PM ![Sandy Sutty](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Blog_Authors/Sutty_Sandy.jpg) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-sutty-5089bb141/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![sanford\_school\_us\_library](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Upper%20School/sanford_school_us_library.jpg?width=300&name=sanford_school_us_library.jpg)The way students read, write, and access information has changed rapidly in our growing digital world. To meet the needs of 21st-Century learning, the role of the librarian is changing and libraries are transforming to better meet the needs of students. They are converting into flexible learning spaces to encourage the gathering and sharing of knowledge. Librarians continue to inspire a passion for learning and are also incorporating teaching strategies for students to navigate the digital world. Librarians encourage students’ learning in the following ways. #### Provide Personalized Reading Students learn differently, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. In cooperation with the classroom teachers, librarians provide personalized reading recommendations for each child. Knowing the students’ interests is essential to connecting them with books they enjoy on the appropriate reading level. Librarians help students to find books that will engage them whether in print, eBook, graphic novel, or audiobook form. The top priority is to help children find books that hook them and promote a love of reading. #### Balance Print and Digital Resources Information is limitless in today’s world, making it challenging to navigate our countless resources. Librarians provide a balance of physical and digital texts based on the school-wide community needs making sure that it connects with [classroom curriclum and learning](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics). They teach students the value of quality resources and how to use them effectively. ![2018 Sanford MS-LS Oct DPPs5](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lower_School_Photos/2018%20Sanford%20MS-LS%20Oct%20DPPs5.jpg?width=210&name=2018%20Sanford%20MS-LS%20Oct%20DPPs5.jpg) #### Create Flexible, Collaborative Spaces The library is a hub of learning. Library learning spaces should be filled with comfortable furniture that provides areas to read and work collaboratively or quietly. The furniture can be moved to encourage group discussions. In this way, the library provides a positive learning environment for all students. #### Support Information Literacy and Digital Literacy Instruction Information and digital literacies are essential skills for academic success and lifelong learning. Librarians teach students about how to find information that is high quality and accurate. Also, they teach students how to be positive and effective digital citizens by using technology in appropriate ways, such as how to be safe and responsible online. [![Listen to Our Sanford Speaks Podcast Checking Out Student Learning  In Today's School Libraries](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/677bea0d-7630-454f-b4d3-88300b5b9316.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/677bea0d-7630-454f-b4d3-88300b5b9316) At [Sanford](http://www.sanfordschool.org/), we have [three libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/libraries) for each of our divisions. our librarians work closely with the community to provide the best learning opportunities. Students and teachers can request books and other resources to add to the library collection anytime. Instruction progresses from a focus on literacy to research skills and study habits. Librarians work closely with teachers to develop these skills in collaboration with the teacher. Sanford also provides access to the [UDLib/Search program](https://udlibsearch.lib.udel.edu/about/), a partnership with the University of Delaware and the State of Delaware Department of Education, which provides over 50 databases. These databases provide articles, eBooks, images, videos, maps, multimedia resources, and information from encyclopedias available at school and at home. [![Find Out Why Sanford Provides An Exceptional Education](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/b19a4782-f237-44d9-bf2f-4f5d7c6b6681.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/b19a4782-f237-44d9-bf2f-4f5d7c6b6681) --- [Sandy Sutty](http://suttys@sanfordschool.org/)is the Technology Integration Coordinator and Upper School Librarian at[Sanford School](http://www.sanfordschool.org/)*.* She has a Master's in Science in Instructional Technology and Library Science and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She is also a member of the advisory board of the [UDLib/SEARCH program](https://udlibsearch.lib.udel.edu/about/board/)and is Google Certified. --- See Also: [4 Ways A School Librarian Encourages Kids To Read](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/4-ways-a-school-librarian-inspires-kids-to-read) and [Five Advantages of Personalized Learning](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/five-advantages-of-personalized-learning) Topics: [Education](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education), [Academics](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics) [![Register for a Tour of Sanford School Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/701565/e1e66f9c-c920-4456-90ee-3abd44e94300) ### Subscribe Via Email ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Parenting Tips (73)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/parenting-tips) - [Education (64)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/education) - [Health & Wellness (45)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/health-wellness) - [Academics (42)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/academics) - [Community (35)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/community) - [Elementary Education (16)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education) - [STEM (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/stem) - [Summer (15)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/summer) - [Diversity (13)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/diversity) - [Arts (12)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/arts) - [Sanford School (11)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/sanford-school) - [High School Experience (10)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/high-school-experience) - [Athletics (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/athletics) - [College Guidance (9)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/college-guidance) - [Admission (8)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/admission) - [Financial Aid (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/financial-aid) - [Middle School (7)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/middle-school) - [Affordability (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/affordability) - [Distance Learning (6)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/distance-learning) - [Alumni (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/alumni) - [School Counseling (4)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/school-counseling) - [Preschool (3)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/preschool) - [After-School Programs (1)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/after-school-programs) see all ## Sanford School [6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707) Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500) Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org) - [![pais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571018_49581.png)](https://www.paispa.org/index.cfm) - [![nais](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571017_49580.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![advis](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571015_49579.png)](http://www.advis.org/RelId/33637/ISvars/default/Home.htm) ## Connect With Us - [![facebook](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571026_49585.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SanfordSchool) - [![twitter](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571024_49584.png)](https://twitter.com/sanfordwarrior) - [![instagram](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/large_link571023_49583.png)](https://www.instagram.com/sanfordwarrior/) ## No Talent Lies Latent Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school. Open Sitemap - [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school) - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply) - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days) - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition) - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid) - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships) - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission) - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information) - [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford) - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education) - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code) - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries) - [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience) - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics) - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health) - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health) - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts) - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care) - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs) - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities) - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service) - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling) - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services) - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford) - [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news) - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar) - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup) - [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford) - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give) - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving) - [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome) - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review) - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles) - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory) - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees) - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)