Author Archives: David Smith

The seeds of this project can be traced back to the positions of reflection and revision I regularly undertake as a librarian.  An approach that follow’s Marshall’s first principle of action research as an ongoing inquiry, a process of “engaging … Continue reading →

Having established a research question and a possible creative approach, my next step was to consider in more detail how a game played within the library might achieve this. This led to the development of a statement that would guide … Continue reading →

Following my contextual research, I was now able to start developing the game.  I started with a name: Character Defining. The principle being that the players in the room would use a range of library resources to help them create … Continue reading →

A major part of the development of the Character Defining game was the curation and amassing of the books needed to run the session. Taking my initial estimate of a maximum of 15 players attending, all of whom would need … Continue reading →

Leading up to the running of the Character Defining session, a number of decisions and adjustments were made to its delivery: The room The newly refurbished learning lounge was set-up with floating tables able to sit two players each. Copies … Continue reading →

After the Character Defining session was completed, I gathered copies of each of the players’ character sheets, after gaining consent.  As had been set out at the outset of the project, I would use these to discern patterns and levels … Continue reading →

Using the method of reflection suggested by an action research project (Marshall, 2016) I reviewed my personal observations of the running of the Character Defining session, making critical observations within the context of continuing practice. Critical observations Positive outcomes Future … Continue reading →

Why do the embedded developments in educational policy deigned to reduce attainment differences and inequality in the UK appear to fail?  It is a difficult question, but one that Alice Bradbury tackles in her thorough review of the topic and … Continue reading →

I want to explore an intervention that seeks to improve mental health literacy through participatory library sessions that utilise specialist collections capable of revealing authentic voices.  This project is derived from my long-term investment in the area of mental health … Continue reading →