GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

The study examined the roles of librarians and school counsellors in the establishment of student-centred libraries in the 21st century, using innovative technological settings. Several concepts were explored, including librarian, counsellor, library, and’ student-centred library, among others. The study noted that a student-centered library is an educational approach that places the student at the forefront of the learning process as it emphasizes active participation, engagement, and personalized learning experiences designed to individual student needs and preferences. It further highlighted that innovative technology has fundamentally reshaped the establishment and operation of student-centred libraries in the 21st century, as the integration of advanced technological tools and digital resources has transformed libraries from traditional repositories of books into dynamic, interactive learning environments that cater specifically to the needs of students. Furthermore, the study noted that librarians and school counsellors are bound to play a more active role in ensuring the learning success of students, as they both have a crucial role to play in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for students. The study further listed, among others, the roles counsellors and librarians should play in the establishment of student-centred libraries in the 21st century, which include understanding students’ needs and advocating for lifelong learning. The study further mentioned how to design a student-centred library, in which engaging students, teachers, and librarians in the design process to ensure that the library meets the needs of all stakeholders, was one of the noted ways to design a student-centred library. Based on this, the study concluded that continued collaboration and innovation among professionals (counsellors and librarians) will shape the future of student-centred learning. One of the recommendations made was that school management should ensure that sufficient funding and resources are allocated to support the establishment and maintenance of student-centred libraries equipped with innovative technologies.

KEYWORDS: Librarians, School, School Counselors, Student Centered Libraries, 21st Century, Innovative technology