A BLOG TO FACILITATE LEARNING
- FROM SERVICES TO YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NEW ZEALAND
WELCOME
Welcome to the 2009/2010 Introduction to School Libraries and Learning Blog. We are inviting this year's course participants to join the 2009 blog as there is so much good material there to be shared. This is your space for sharing and learning. If you have any difficulties using the blog please contact Pauline McCowan 09 524 3866.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
School Libraries Work
This article looks at evidence from various states in the USA about how libraries make a difference to student learning. What is the relevance to your school?
When you read these articles and compare what they say to what we do in the library at Mahurangi college, we come out pretty good. We have 2 experienced librarians (and me) who communicate well with the teachers to provide resources that meet the students needs. We have a good range of books for all ages and reading abilities. We involve the students and teachers in the book buying process. We change our displays regularly to cover all the interests of our students and to promote reading.We encourage students to seek and access information independently using books and computers. Our computers are accessible during class and break times, and we provide information to aid their research etc.I think we have a positive impact on student academic achievement. Caroline Mahurangi College
I think we compare fairly well at Westlake. Our Library is coming up for a refurbish so it will be a more attractive place to come to soon! We have an excellent range of books for all abilities, our computers are very well used, we hope to have more soon. We have 1 Qualified Librarian soon to be joined by another plus me. Our displays are very popular & in line with topics being studied and important events eg Anzac.We encourage girls to search for information & books themselves before asking for help.We are looking forward to making our Library more attractive. Diane Westlake Girls
We are a bit behind at the moment. Funding has gone into the building and shelving and the argument is that computers are not a priority since most classes have a small pod of their own. However, I see that changing over the next few months as the dust of refurbishment settles. To have a library that supports students becoming information literate must become a priority.
We are unlikely to have a dedicated qualified librarian any time soon. I act as the staff liaison and have the support of a volunteer who works practically full time. We have pulled out many relevant topic books as we have shelved. The volunteer has said that knowing about upcoming topics a term in advance will help him serve the school better. Timely communication between library staff and teaching staff is vital.
We have only had the library open one week, but we have an introductory activity and a topical, interactive art display that showcases current artwork from all syndicates of the school. Our art specialist will maintain and change that display on a regular basis. The feedback from students about having their artwork displayed has been very positive.
Having read School Libraries Work I think we are doing really well in our library. I am the T/A and have 14 hours a week to do all that is required. It is not nearly enough time but I am supported by a passionate TLR from the middle syndicate and a teacher each from the junior and senior syndicates. Each teacher is able to keep her syndicate informed of the happenings in the library. All staff are invited to be involved in the buying process and we are fortunate to have a terrific principal and BOT when it comes to budgeting each year. We have an interesting and varied collection to meet all reading abilities and regularly have someone reading to the children at lunchtime. We have a large team of keen student librarians and a waiting list of children hoping to become one. We feed new books into the library weekly and have two browsing computers. Our computer suite has direct access from the library and other staff run lunchtime sessions for the students. Our local library has been very involved with our school library which we have really appreciated. We have a wireless listening post with twelve headsets and it is extremely popular at lunchtime, as are the board games too. The library is accessible at lunctime and during class time and children are encouraged to be independent and to try and access the information they require. Overall I do think our library has a positive impact on our children's learning.
When you read these articles and compare what they say to what we do in the library at Mahurangi college, we come out pretty good. We have 2 experienced librarians (and me) who communicate well with the teachers to provide resources that meet the students needs. We have a good range of books for all ages and reading abilities. We involve the students and teachers in the book buying process. We change our displays regularly to cover all the interests of our students and to promote reading.We encourage students to seek and access information independently using books and computers. Our computers are accessible during class and break times, and we provide information to aid their research etc.I think we have a positive impact on student academic achievement.
ReplyDeleteCaroline
Mahurangi College
I think we compare fairly well at Westlake. Our Library is coming up for a refurbish so it will be a more attractive place to come to soon!
ReplyDeleteWe have an excellent range of books for all abilities, our computers are very well used, we hope to have more soon. We have 1 Qualified Librarian soon to be joined by another plus me.
Our displays are very popular & in line with topics being studied and important events eg Anzac.We encourage girls to search for information & books themselves before asking for help.We are looking forward to making our Library more attractive.
Diane
Westlake Girls
We are a bit behind at the moment. Funding has gone into the building and shelving and the argument is that computers are not a priority since most classes have a small pod of their own. However, I see that changing over the next few months as the dust of refurbishment settles. To have a library that supports students becoming information literate must become a priority.
ReplyDeleteWe are unlikely to have a dedicated qualified librarian any time soon. I act as the staff liaison and have the support of a volunteer who works practically full time. We have pulled out many relevant topic books as we have shelved. The volunteer has said that knowing about upcoming topics a term in advance will help him serve the school better. Timely communication between library staff and teaching staff is vital.
We have only had the library open one week, but we have an introductory activity and a topical, interactive art display that showcases current artwork from all syndicates of the school. Our art specialist will maintain and change that display on a regular basis. The feedback from students about having their artwork displayed has been very positive.
Having read School Libraries Work I think we are doing really well in our library. I am the T/A and have 14 hours a week to do all that is required. It is not nearly enough time but I am supported by a passionate TLR from the middle syndicate and a teacher each from the junior and senior syndicates. Each teacher is able to keep her syndicate informed of the happenings in the library. All staff are invited to be involved in the buying process and we are fortunate to have a terrific principal and BOT when it comes to budgeting each year. We have an interesting and varied collection to meet all reading abilities and regularly have someone reading to the children at lunchtime. We have a large team of keen student librarians and a waiting list of children hoping to become one. We feed new books into the library weekly and have two browsing computers. Our computer suite has direct access from the library and other staff run lunchtime sessions for the students. Our local library has been very involved with our school library which we have really appreciated. We have a wireless listening post with twelve headsets and it is extremely popular at lunchtime, as are the board games too. The library is accessible at lunctime and during class time and children are encouraged to be independent and to try and access the information they require. Overall I do think our library has a positive impact on our children's learning.
ReplyDelete