This book focuses on inquiry-based teaching one of the five vital aspects of the instructional
work of school librarians identified in the second edition of the IFLA School Library
Guidelines (2015). Effective implementation of inquiry-based teaching and learning requires a
consistent instructional approach based on a model of inquiry that is built upon foundations
of research and best practice. The book explains the importance and significance of inquiry as
a process of learning outlines the research underpinning this process of learning describes
ways in which models of inquiry have been developed provides recommendations for implementing
the use of such models and demonstrates how the other core instructional activities of school
librarians such as literacy and reading promotion media and information literacy instruction
technology integration and professional development of teachers can be integrated into
inquiry. Inquiry-based learning is part of learning to be a learner a lifelong pursuit
involving finding and using information. Inquiry develops the skills and understandings that
learners need in new information environments whether that be as students in post-secondary
institutions as producers and creators in workplaces or as citizens in communities. Through
inquiry-based teaching school librarians help students to build the essential skills and
understandings needed for dealing with complex learning challenges including analysis
critical thinking and problem solving. In this book special attention is given to the
development of students' metacognitive abilities which are essential to their becoming
life-long and life-wide learners.
