‘‘ O


Real change comes from the top. The reality is that our government needs to recognise school libraries are essential.


INSIGHT


School libraries


Is it time to take stock and look to the future?


ver the last few months, I have taken the opportunity to share what is happening within the Great School


Libraries campaign. There was a real feeling of optimism at the start of the campaign back in 2018. School librarianship was tough but there was a real sense of change was in the air.


Here at the end of 2020, Covid aside, we face the stark realisation that there are many schools across the country, for whatever reason, running school libraries with the bare minimum and because of this, not surprisingly, many have forgotten what the true role of the school librarian actually is. Every day I go on social media and listen to schools ask for the kind of help that a school librarian could easily give, and it makes me so frustrated. Book recommendations, website evaluation etc. It makes me want to shout: “This is what your school librarian could/ should be doing for you!”


Looking forward


So, instead of shouting at my computer, I thought I would focus on those school librarians who are still there and still fighting to be heard. Not for themselves but for their students. When schools were forced to head online during lockdown, these school librarians were ready. They provided online resources, supported teaching and learning, ran book clubs, organised ebooks and basically stepped up to the mark. These school librarians include the ones that have been ignored, rejected and in some cases undermined but still, they focused on what was important. They recognised that it is essential for their students to


December 2020


know they were there to support them. For these school librarians, all it takes is one teacher to work with them, one student to thank them for the work they put in, one parent to recognise the support they give to keep them going and moving forward and their passion shines through.


It is really easy when things are hard to look at what is going on via social media and see librarians posting the amazing work they are doing and feel despondent. Believing that it will never be like that for you. These librarians still have bad days, still have to fight for the right to be heard but they take the opportunity to share and be proud of even the smallest of successes. We live in a world where it is easy to project negativity online, where people prefer to share bad news rather than good and if something is listened to and shared enough it eventually becomes true. Which is why sharing even the smallest of successes is so important.


Changing the story


Real change comes from the top. The reality is that our government needs to recognise school libraries are essential. Our SLT need to make brave decisions with their budgets and our line managers need to recognise the school librarians worth within the curriculum. However, until this happens, it is important that school librarians remain forward-thinking. It is important that they are proactive and not reactive so when change happens, which I am sure it will, they are prepared and ready.


Taking control


School librarians, is it time to think about what you need? What interests you? What would you like to be


Reference


International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. 2015. IFLA School Library Guidelines.


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 21


Elizabeth Hutchinson (@Elizabethutch ehutchinson44@gmail.com) Is an Independent Adviser and Trainer for school libraries. www.elizabethahutchinson.com


involved with once your school is back to normal? Here are a couple of suggestions:


l Understand the role of the school librarian. Many of you have been doing this role for years, but is there something different you could be doing? Check out the IFLA School Library Guidelines and highlight the areas you would like to learn more about.


l Learn what you can… become the expert! Check out the online training available – many sessions are even free!


l As we tell our students, research is not quick and learning isn’t either. It takes time and effort. Are you ready to put in the time to change the conversation and be ready when it comes? IP


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28