Don't worry, a school library with fewer books and more technology is good for today's students
A recent article about a new approach to a school library sparked vigorous discussion on social media. Many worried the school had completely abolished traditional library services. The article describes how a Melbourne school changed its library to a technology-focused centre staffed by “change adopters” who host discussions with students and encourage creative thinking.
What is information literacy? - CILIP: the library and information association
What is information literacy? CILIP's Information Literacy Group has released CILIP Definition of Information Literacy 2018 at the LILAC Conference and reinforces the relevance of information literacy in the current age: “Information literacy is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about any information we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to develop informed views and to engage fully with society.” A lot has changed since 2004 when the first CILIP definition of information literacy was devised. There is a greater recognition of the value of information professionals as teachers in either formal or informal settings and across the sectors.
What makes a Great School Library?
The relationship between reading attainment and reading for pleasure is dynamic and reciprocal, and school library staff can impact attainment by identifying barriers to reading, having specialist knowledge about which books suit which child, and supporting teachers in developing their reading environments. Critical literacy is an essential skill in today’s world – the ability to evaluate information and entertainment sources is something no young person should be without, and the skills that allow them to do this also allow them to play an active role in society. Library staff have been specialists in this area for decades, teaching children how to find, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically – now there is a new air of urgency, and library staff have the knowledge and resources to empower pupils and support teachers in this vital area. Alison Tarrant, CE of SLA and Chair of Great School Libraries working party
25 Elf on the Shelf Quick and Easy ideas that take UNDER 5 Mins! - Over the Big Moon
I know that Elf Season can be a bit exhausting, so I’ve rounded up 25 Elf on the Shelf QUICK & EASY Ideas that take UNDER 5 Minutes! I love our Elf on the Shelf, Jasper! I realized pretty quick into our 1st year of his arrival that lots of the ideas out there for the Elf on the Shelf were just very unrealistic for my families situation. First off, I didn’t have 15 minutes every night to figure out where I was going to hide him (or I’d be half asleep in bed and remember). Second, so many of the ideas had the Elf down low or in areas that my kids would have been tempted ALL day to touch him.
School Library Journal
Visionary school leaders and superintendents are reinventing school libraries, highlighting their key role in student learning and literacy. From left: Superintendents Warren Drake and Pam MoranFrom Left: Photo courtesy of East Baton Rouge Parish School System; photo by Cale Elem librarian Anna Balasz Thomas S.
Why We Still need Bookshops and Librairies in the Internet Age
Dare the question: do we really need bookstores (or even libraries) today? In theory, no. If you’re in search of a book a simple click on the Internet can satisfy it: within 24 hours it is delivered in your mailbox.
Navigating the information landscape through collaboration - SCIS
Elizabeth Hutchinson, Head of Schools' Library Service in Guernsey, writes that information literacy is at the centre of student learning, making the role of library staff as important as ever. School libraries and school library professionals have a huge role to play in supporting teaching and learning within a school. I often hear visiting authors comment on being able to identify a good school by how well the library is used. School librarian Caroline Roche penned the phrase ‘heart of the school’, which is used to describe schools whose library is at the centre of learning.
7 reasons your school doesn't need a library
I know there will be some raised eyebrows seeing my name associated with the “nay” side of any question about the necessity of school libraries. But let’s be honest here. There are schools that don’t need library facilities, library programs, or librarians.
The importance of school libraries in the Google Age
A qualified teacher librarian and a well-resourced library increases student achievement Overwhelmingly in local, national, and international studies, a positive correlation is found between the presence of a qualified teacher librarian and student achievement. Extensive research also finds that administration — most specifically principal — support for the teacher librarian role and the school library significantly enhances the positive impact the library has on student achievement (Haycock 1999; Oberg 1995; Oberg, Hay & Henri, 2000 cited in Hartzell 2002). Scholastic's publication 'School Libraries Work!'
10 Reasons Librarians Are More Important Than Ever
It's National Library Week, and we couldn't resist paying homage to one of the most important members of the school community: librarians. Also known as library media specialists, librarians play a unique role in our schools. Often asked to take on a wide range of duties, these passionate and savvy educators deserve more than only a week of praise. And in case you need a reminder of all that librarians do for our students and our schools, we've put together a list -- but it's only a start. 1.
The Important Emotional Labor of Librarians Most People Never Think About
For librarians, as with many other professions, “Other duties as assigned” is code for tasks that are distasteful, off-kilter, or just plain gross. I’ll be blunt: Almost every librarian I know has a story or three about retrieving something odd (think half-eaten food, cigarettes, live animals) from the book drop, cleaning up feces or other bodily concoctions, or finding members of the public doing foul deeds (clipping their nails, bathing naked in the bathroom, masturbating) in the library. But that’s not what this article is about.
