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IB Assessor Questions for a PYP Librarian

By IB Accreditation, IB Librarian No Comments

While many IB Assessor questions for MYP and DP librarians focus on research skills and academic integrity, PYP librarians are expected to support early literacy, inquiry, and transdisciplinary learning developmentally appropriately. Here are some key IB evaluation questions that an IB PYP Assessor might ask: (NOT NECESSARILY) 

1. How Does the Library Support Inquiry-Based Learning?

  • How does the library support the PYP’s transdisciplinary approach to learning? (0202-01-0600)
  • Can you share an example of an inquiry-driven library session you conducted with students?
  • How do you curate resources and read-alouds that encourage curiosity and questioning?
  • How do you promote student agency in book selection and research projects? (0402-01-0100)

2. How Does the Library Promote Literacy and a Love for Reading?

  • What strategies do you use to foster a reading culture in the school?
  • How do you differentiate book selection to meet the needs of students at various reading levels?
  • What reading programs or initiatives do you organize to encourage lifelong reading habits?
  • How does the library support early literacy for younger students?
  • How do you integrate visual literacy, storytelling, and picture books into learning experiences? (0202-01-0600, 0402-01-0100)

3. How Does the Library Support Language Development and Multilingualism?

  • How does the library provide resources in multiple languages to support the school’s language policy? (0301-04-0300)
  • What multilingual books, audiobooks, or digital resources are available for students?
  • How does the library support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners?
  • How do you involve students’ home languages and cultural diversity in the library? (0301-04-0300)

4. How Does the Librarian Collaborate with Teachers?

  • How do you work with PYP classroom teachers to support Units of Inquiry?
  • Can you provide examples of collaborative planning with teachers?
  • How do you ensure that the library collection aligns with the school’s Programme of Inquiry (PoI)? (0203-01-0100)
  • What role does the library play in fostering Approaches to Learning (AtL) skills such as research, self-management, and communication? (0402-01-0100)

5. How Does the Library Promote Academic Integrity and Research Skills?

  • How do you introduce basic research skills to young learners? (0402-04-0300)
  • How do you teach students about responsible information use in an age-appropriate way?
  • What strategies do you use to help students navigate digital information sources safely?

6. How Does the Library Engage Parents and the Community?

  • How do you involve parents and guardians in fostering literacy at home? (0202-05-0200, 0301-01-0200)
  • What family reading programs, workshops, or community reading events does the library host?
  • How does the library connect with local authors, illustrators, or cultural institutions?
  • What platforms (e.g., school library website or digital tools) are available for parents and students to access books and learning materials? (0202-01-0600)

7. How Is the Librarian Supported by the IB Coordinator and Leadership?

  • How does the IB coordinator and school leadership support your role as a librarian? (0203-02-0100, 0201-05-0100)
  • What professional development opportunities have you received in IB education?
  • How do you stay updated on best practices in PYP library services and early childhood literacy?
  • How does leadership ensure that library resources and staffing align with IB expectations?

8. How Do You Document and Measure the Impact of the Library?

  • How do you track student engagement with books and resources?
  • What kind of documentation or reflections do you keep on library lessons?
  • Can you share evidence of how the library contributes to PYP units, literacy growth, or inquiry-based learning? (0301-06-0700)

Summary of Key Differences Between PYP and MYP/DP Library Inquiries

Area PYP Librarian Focus MYP/DP Librarian Focus
Inquiry-Based Learning Early curiosity, storytelling, and exploration Research skills, critical thinking, academic integrity
Language Development Multilingual books, early literacy Citation, referencing, formal research databases
Teacher Collaboration Aligning with transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry Supporting Extended Essay (EE), TOK, and subject-specific research
Parent & Community Involvement Family literacy workshops, read-aloud sessions Research support, academic writing guidance
Academic Integrity Age-appropriate understanding of plagiarism, digital literacy Advanced citation methods (MLA, APA), avoiding plagiarism
Documentation & Impact Reading engagement, student reflections, lesson planning Research logs, citation workshops, IB curriculum integration

~Assisted by ChatGpt4.0

~IB Program: Standards & Practices

IB Assessor Questions for a MYP & DP Librarian

By IB Accreditation No Comments

The Librarian’s Role & the IB Accreditation Team 

Librarians are often nervous about the accreditation team questioning how the school library supports the IB curriculum. The library is considered the centre of the teaching and learning of the IB curriculum.

A gentle reminder to the Librarian: it is a collaborative process with the school admin, coordinator and librarian, who work hard to meet the IB accreditation criteria. So, as librarians, you can reach out for support from your team; it is not your sole responsibility.

Here are some questions to consider and think about when preparing for the accreditation team. 

As an IB Assessor, the following questions may be asked to librarians during an IB evaluation visit to assess alignment with IB Standards and Practices in an MYP or DP program:

1. Library Role and Support for Inquiry-Based Learning

  • How does the library support inquiry-based learning across the MYP and DP programs? (0202-01-0600)
  • Can you provide examples of how the library encourages independent research for students?
  • How do you collaborate with teachers to integrate Approaches to Learning (AtL) research skills in student projects? (0402-01-0100)

2. Collection Development and Access to Resources

  • How do you ensure that the library collection supports the IB curriculum, including core components like the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK)? (0202-01-0600)
  • How does the library provide multilingual resources to support students’ language development and the school’s language policy? (0301-04-0300)
  • What steps do you take to ensure digital access to research databases and e-books for students and teachers?

3. Academic Integrity and Research Skills

  • How do you teach students about academic integrity, citation, and avoiding plagiarism? (0402-04-0300, 0301-03-0400)
  • How does the library support students in developing research skills for the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments (IA)?
  • How is the school’s academic integrity policy communicated to students, and what role does the library play in it?

4. Collaboration with Teachers and Leadership

  • How do you collaborate with subject teachers to support research projects, inquiry-based learning, and the IB curriculum? (0203-01-0100)
  • How do you contribute to curriculum planning discussions and ensure library resources align with MYP and DP learning goals?
  • What support do you receive from school leadership regarding professional development and resource allocation? (0203-02-0100, 0201-05-0100)

5. Community and Parent Engagement

  • How does the library engage parents and the wider school community in fostering a culture of reading and research? (0202-05-0200, 0301-01-0200)
  • Can you provide examples of workshops, literacy events, or collaborations with parents and local organizations?
  • How does the library support students who speak multiple languages or require additional learning support?

6. Professional Development and Continuous Learning

  • What IB training and professional development have you participated in? (0203-02-0100)
  • How do you stay updated with best practices in school librarianship and IB-specific research methods?
  • How does leadership facilitate your ongoing professional learning and growth?

7. Digital Resources and School Library Website

    • Does the school have a library website or digital platform where students and teachers can access research databases, citation guides, and book catalogs? (0202-01-0600)
  • How is the library’s cataloging system structured to ensure easy accessibility to books and digital resources for students and teachers? 
  • Can you provide examples of how the library organisation supports inquiry-based learning and independent research? (Aligned with Practice 1.6, 0202-01-0600)
  • How does the library use technology to enhance student access to academic resources?
  • What initiatives have you introduced to promote digital literacy and responsible research practices?

8. Documentation and Evidence of Impact

  • Can you provide examples of library policies, research lesson plans, or collaboration records that demonstrate your role in student learning? (0301-06-0700)
  • How do you track and document student engagement with library resources and research skills development?
  • Can you show evidence of how the library supports interdisciplinary learning and IB’s global contexts?

~ IB Program: Standards & Practices