Empowering Learners

Turning students into lifelong learners is not easily accomplished. How do school librarians ensure that students have a zeal for learning? How do they encourage, cajole, or entice students to want to learn? The answer lies in empowering students with the skills they need to enjoy researching as well as reading for information and pleasure. This article focuses on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Learning4Life (L4L) program and discusses how school librarians can empower learners through this initiative. The author concludes that becoming an empowered learner does not happen overnight but, it results from careful exposure to ideas, concepts, and skills that nurture curiosity, creativity, and interest in students. By carefully piquing student interest on all levels, school librarians empower them to become life long learners.