TMC7 Call for Papers

CALL FOR PAPERS: Canadian Scholarly Research and Professional Writing Regarding School Library Learning Commons in Canada

Canadian School Libraries (CSL) is pleased to announce that the seventh biennial TMC Symposium (TMC7) will take place in New Westminster, British Columbia on Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22, 2022. The symposium is presented in partnership with the British Columbia Teacher Librarians’ Association (BCTLA). Full information regarding rates and registration will be available on the TMC website.

Download this call for papers in PDF format

What is TMC?

Treasure Mountain Canada is a participatory learning experience designed to bring researchers and practitioners together to discuss and debate current Canadian research and scholarly writing which has an impact on the role of school libraries vis-à-vis educational strategy and transformation. Papers and work from previous TMC experiences are archived for viewing and study on the Canadian School Libraries Research Archive.

TMC History: Transforming Research to Action

The first Treasure Mountain Canada, held in Edmonton in 2010, focused on Transforming Canadian School Libraries to Meet the Needs of 21st Century Learners. In Ottawa in 2012 the focus became Learning for the Future: Working Towards Revised National Standards for School Libraries in Canada. In Victoria in 2014 the focus was the launch of Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. TMC4 in Toronto focused on deeper implementation of the Leading Learning, and evidence that the standards are making an impact on teaching and learning in Canada. TMC5 was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in partnership with Manitoba School Library Association (MSLA) SAGE Conference. The work of TMC5 led to a CSL project to help schools build Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons. TMC6, held in Toronto, kick-started discussions around diversity audits and building inclusive collections. This work culminated in the creation of the CSL Collection Diversity Toolkit.

TMC7 Call for Papers

The goal of TM Canada is to make the school library a key area of academic debate. At this time, the TMC7 planning committee is pleased to extend an invitation to teacher-librarians and educators across the country for papers for the seventh symposium. These papers will be published for participants to review ahead of the symposium, and will form the basis for in-depth discussion at the event. Subsequently all papers will be made more widely available on the CSL Research Archive website, adding to the growing body of “made in Canada” research generated by TMC.

CSL Research Toolkit

We recognize the outstanding contributions so many of you are making to teaching and learning in Canada. Your work needs to be recognized by the greater education community – and documented, so that it can become part of the debate. To help you in the process of research and sharing your results, CSL has developed a Research Toolkit. Use this rich resource to guide your approach to preparing for TMC!

We invite exploration and research papers on issues in school library learning commons practice that speak to future possibilities for the library learning commons, post-pandemic. We suggest either teacher action research and/or academic research related to the theme and strands.

TMC7 Theme: Post Pandemic Library Learning Commons – From Crisis to Invention

Subthemes:

  • Increasing development of the virtual school library learning commons, and the development of innovative participatory learning opportunities
  • Ensuring the infusion of digital literacy skills and global competencies
  • Continued growth in diversity awareness and action such as collection development, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion
  • Attention to how the library supports wellness for both staff and students
  • Expanding the engagement of students in making and doing in the physical and virtual LLC
  • Outreach to the school community to inspire reading and learning

Visit the TMC7 Resources to Get You Thinking webpage to explore articles related to the symposium’s theme.

Submitting a Paper

For planning purposes, please let us know if you hope to submit a paper. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this initiative further contact any member of the planning committee. Papers will first be reviewed and edited, and then posted online for study prior to the symposium.

You do not have to attend the symposium to submit a paper. A summary of the review process and a checklist of specific requirements for papers is included below. Papers are required by October 1, 2022. Please send papers to Carol Koechlin (koechlin@sympatico.ca). Watch for ongoing updates and details regarding the TMC7 program and registration information on the TMC website.

Checklist for TM Canada Papers

  • If print format:
    • Approximately 1500-3000 words in length
    • Digital MS Word document – Arial 12 point
    • Single spaced and visuals (e.g. charts and graphs) embedded
  • Alternative media formats such as websites and video are also welcome
  • References in APA or any standard format
  • Short biography of writer, about 200 words, plus a digital photo would be appreciated
  • Permissions if previously published
  • Permission to publish your paper in PDF on the TMC Canada Site
  • Papers are due no later than October 1, 2022

Note: Papers will be reviewed and edited as required. Copyright will remain with the writer.

Process for Reviewing TMC Papers

Papers are submitted to Carol Koechlin for review. Papers are read and edited by both Carol and Judith Sykes using the following review considerations.

Content Considerations

  • Does the paper address the symposium theme and sub themes?
  • Has the writer identified a clear rationale/purpose for the research/inquiry?
  • Has the writer clearly stated research question(s)?
  • Does a review of current views and knowledge in the area of study clearly link to the research questions and purpose?
  • Are research procedures, data collection methods, and analyses appropriate to the research questions?
  • How will findings/insights this study/inquiry advance the work of other school library professionals?
  • Have the required ethical clearances been stated?
  • Are sources acknowledged and correctly documented?

If there are major problems with the paper Carol and Judith work with the writer to address concerns.

Editing Considerations

  • Clarity of expression
  • Organization and flow
  • Proofreading for errors
  • Attention to Checklist for TMC Papers (included in Invitation for Papers)

Publishing Process

  • Confirming major edits with the writer
  • Gathering a photo and short bio
  • Conversion to a PDF
  • Creation of a short summary of the paper
  • Publishing on TMC Blog for review and discussion

Questions about submissions should be directed to Carol Koechlin (koechlin@sympatico.ca).

Download this call for papers in PDF format.

Planning Committee for TMC7

  • Anita Brooks Kirkland, CSL Chair (anitabk@bythebrooks.ca)
  • Carol Koechlin, CSL Vice-Chair (koechlin@sympatico.ca)
  • Richard Beaudry, CSL Director
  • Kristie Oxley, BCTLA President
  • Sarah Wethered, BCTLA Secretary
  • Joseph Jeffery, BCTLA Conference Coordinator
  • Nicole Wallace, BCTLA Member at Large