‘‘ T
As many librarians work alone, it’s really important to build a “tribe” of people that can not only offer support but also understand the problems that a school librarian can face.
School Libraries Group
Supporting our members and the wider profession
HE events and training we put together always have our members and the wider school library community in
mind, and we have been working hard over the years to provide members with up-to-date and inspiring training and CPD. Here are some of the resources and events that we have delivered and continue to provide. In 2022, we published our book
– Creating a School Library With Impact; A Beginners Guide. This was headed up by then Chair of the committee, Caroline Roche, collaborating with other committee members to produce a go-to handbook for those embarking on school librarianship careers. There is also plenty of information that is useful to the more experienced librarian with chapters on areas such as Using technology to enhance the library experience, Equality, diversity & inclusion in the school library and Moving on: CPD and qualifications (
https://tinyurl.com/yc5kj6jj).
We recognised that there wasn’t an easily accessible course for those that were new to the profession and wanted to gain some understanding of what is involved. The SLG committee produced an introductory online course with the Open University, An Introduction to School Librarianship, which also compliments the book. Those that finish the course are given a certificate of completion and a digital badge enabling them to evidence their knowledge and there have been fantastic five-star reviews for those that have completed the course (https://
tinyurl.com/5entfbau).
Campaigning
In 2018 we collaborated with the School Library Association to form
June 2024
the Great School Libraries campaign. The purpose of this evidence-based campaign is to “bring back libraries and access to librarians in every school in the UK”. This was originally a three- year campaign but as it continues with its success and momentum, it’s currently in its second phase which is due to end in the summer of 2025. The campaign has boasted many wins so far including meeting with government ministers at Westminster Hall and promotion on BBC Radio 4’s Analysis programme, with campaign supporter Julia Donaldson (
www.greatschoollibraries.org.uk/). Over the years we have hosted several conferences across the country for our members which have not only provided them with the opportunity to take part in CPD, meet authors and learn about exciting products that can enhance the school library but, more importantly, have provided vital networking and demonstrated to members that they are part of a wider community. As many librarians work alone, it’s really important to build a “tribe” of people that can not only offer support but also understand the problems that a school librarian can face. In 2024 we made the bold decision to offer our conference free to members, taking into account the financial constraints that so many schools were facing with necessities such as textbooks and energy bills taking away from other budgets, paid for CPD was out of reach for so many. This decision was really appreciated by our members and the digital conference was very well attended.
Stay connected
We aim to provide up-to-date information and CPD for those working in our sector through various channels. Our blog
https://slgconnect.org. uk/ is frequently updated and is open access. In 2022 we made the decision to make our annual periodical, School
Charlotte Cole is library coordinator at a secondary Academy in Cambridgeshire. She has been an active member of CILIP’s School Libraries Group and is currently in her second term as a committee member. She is also a member of the YLG Eastern committee, and is currently working towards her Chartership.
INSIGHT
Librarians in View, also available to the wider profession via our blog. SLiV is our academic periodical that highlights the latest research in all areas of school libraries providing librarians with comprehensive and cohesive referenced articles that can offer a deeper understanding of what can affect the school library.
This CPD support continues with our Key Issues documents on our website, offering advice and further reading on areas such as CPD, Fosil Based Inquiry and School Library Services. Members also receive a half-termly newsletter which is always full of news, CPD opportunities, resources, diary dates and giveaways.
As a committee, SLG are committed to providing enhanced sector-specific support and networking opportunities to librarians to enable them to offer the best service they can to their schools and its students. And don’t forget, as a CILIP member, you can sign up to be a member of SLG and receive the newsletter too! IP
l
www.cilip.org.uk/SLG INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 45
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 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
