Maximizing school library accountability, effectiveness and communication.
The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens. It has been demonstrated that, when librarians and teachers work together, students achieve higher levels of literacy, reading, learning, problem-solving and information and communication technology skills.
The School Library in Teaching and Learning for All
Latest Revision: March 28, 2006
Copyright © International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
www.ifla.org
School libraries are maximised as valuable assets:
- by providing equitable, organised access to physical and electronic resources
- by ensuring students develop skilful ability to reference and apply information
- by contributing measurable, reportable excellence to the school community
The services offered by LeadingLibraries support Library staff to provide accountable programs that make a positive difference to student learning outcomes and are appealing to parents and prospective parents.
- Evidence based practice
- School library reviews
- Mentoring
- Selection & appraisal of library staff
- Floor plans and layout
Within the framework of evidence based practice, library programs are designed so that students' learning outcomes can be demonstrated.
There are many instruments that can be used to develop an evidence base, these include:
Collecting and analysing evidence guarantees a responsive program, visible accountability and a cycle of continuous review and improvement.
Expertise in developing programs that have an evidence base is available.
There are many instruments that can be used to develop an evidence base, these include:
- surveys,
- focus groups,
- interviews,
- anecdotal comments,
- observation.
Collecting and analysing evidence guarantees a responsive program, visible accountability and a cycle of continuous review and improvement.
Expertise in developing programs that have an evidence base is available.
The School Improvement Framework (SIF) of the Catholic Education Office, Archdiocese of Melbourne, includes a sphere called Leadership and Management: Managing Resources.
Sandra Ryan has developed, on behalf ALIA Schools and the Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians (VCTL), a process that uses the SIF methodology to guide the review of the school library.
The structure emphasizes the gathering of evidence to demonstrate progress with the achievement of expressed goals. Subsequently, there is planning/revision for the next cycle: goal setting, planned action and signposts of success.
The review focuses on three areas:
Expert guidance through the process as well as analysis and interpretation of the data will assist the school community to reflect on current practice.
This, along with goal setting will lead to enhanced opportunities for students to learn and apply twenty first century information skills.
Sandra Ryan has developed, on behalf ALIA Schools and the Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians (VCTL), a process that uses the SIF methodology to guide the review of the school library.
The structure emphasizes the gathering of evidence to demonstrate progress with the achievement of expressed goals. Subsequently, there is planning/revision for the next cycle: goal setting, planned action and signposts of success.
The review focuses on three areas:
- Management,
- Teaching and Learning,
- Physical/Learning environment.
Expert guidance through the process as well as analysis and interpretation of the data will assist the school community to reflect on current practice.
This, along with goal setting will lead to enhanced opportunities for students to learn and apply twenty first century information skills.
Support and assistance is available to Library staff wishing to refine programs, refocus goals, increase visibility within the school community, review staff roles and assess the relevance of the current layout to twenty first century learners.
Expertise in staff selection and appraisal processes is available to support leadership teams.
The learning environment plays an important role in the acquisition of skills by students.
Assistance is available to make best use of the current facilities or plan for refurbishment or rebuilding.
Assistance is available to make best use of the current facilities or plan for refurbishment or rebuilding.
Profile of Sandra Ryan, Director of LeadingLibraries:
- Qualifications: M. Lib and Info Studies, BA, BEd, Dip Ed AFALIA, MACE
- Co author of Resourcing for curriculum innovation, part of the Learning in a changing world series published by ACER Press 2010
- Presenter at the House of Representatives Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools 2010
- Committee member of Australian Library and Information Association: Schools (ALIA Schools)
- Represented ALIA at national forums and roundtables
- Presenter at national and state conferences
- Member of the working party that developed Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians published by ALIA and ASLA 2004
- Library Adviser for the Catholic Education Office Melbourne 1986-1995
- Expert representative on selection and appraisal panels
- Head of Library in secondary school libraries
- Teacher Librarian in charge of primary school library
- Experienced in public, special and tertiary libraries
M Lib & Info St, BA, BEd, AFALIA, MACE
Director
m: 0423 598 433
e: sryan@leadinglibraries.com.au
w: leadinglibraries.com.au
