The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL), the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the School Library Association (SLA) want everyone to start SHOUTING ABOUT School Libraries and Schools Library Services.
While recent media focus has been on the closure of public libraries, ASCEL, CILIP and the SLA are asking people to lend their voices to a major new campaign to lead the fight to ensure children and young people across the country have access to proper library resources whether on-site, as part of a cluster of schools or through local authorities’ Schools Library Services.
School librarians and Schools Library Services expertise are essential in helping children navigate the digital world and improve information literacy skills. What use is a classroom of PCs connected to the internet if children don’t know how to use them effectively?
CILIP Chief Executive Annie Mauger, who represents librarians working in both the public and private sector explains, "A library is more than a room full of books. It should be run by trained professionals who encourage reading, advise on using information and help children develop essential literacy and research skills. All children and young people should have access to the benefits they bring. Currently this is not the case. We are launching this campaign to SHOUT ABOUT the great job librarians in school libraries and school library services do and the threats they are facing."
A recent study for the Times Education Supplement (TES) found that some 600, 000 children no longer had access to a Schools Library Service.
Gillian Harris, Chair of ASCEL said, “Teachers need a wide range of stimulating, up-to-date and relevant learning resources to deliver an exciting and vibrant curriculum. I want to SHOUT ABOUT Schools Library Services because they are an amazing cost-effective way for schools to make sure children of all abilities have the best quality materials in the classroom to inspire their learning. Add to this the professional support, advice and books Schools Library Services can provide to those wanting to build a reading culture and an excellent library, then they should be at the top of every school’s list to buy in.“
SLA Director Tricia Adams adds, “School librarians are often the lone practitioner in their school; the importance of a campaign like this is in its ability to bring together all the messages that need to reach a wide constituency of government and local decision makers, including head teachers, governors and parents. We all need to join together to SHOUT ABOUT school libraries and Schools Library Services.”
The campaign will run until late 2012 and aims to raise awareness of the value of school libraries and Schools Library Services to their communities (at both primary and secondary school level) amongst key stakeholders including government, head teachers, governors and parents.
To get involved in the campaign visit the SHOUT ABOUT webpage. From now until the end of the year campaigning resources will be developed and added to the website for anyone want to help SHOUT ABOUT their own school library or Schools Library Service.
CILIP in Wales is currently undertaking similar campaigning work around school libraries.
While, in Scotland, school library provision is determined by the COSLA School Library Standards and school libraries are considered as part of school inspection by Education Scotland. We would like everyone across the UK to recognise the value of school librarians and librarians working in Schools Library Services.
Website: www.cilip.org.uk/shoutabout
Twitter hash tag #SHOUTABOUT
For more information email: media@cilip.org.uk
Tel: 0207 255 0650
Notes for editors
1. What makes a good school library?
A good school library will have qualified and experienced library staff who work with teaching staff to provide learning resources that will support the curriculum. Questions to ask about your school library.
Is your school library:
• run by a qualified librarian?
• a fun and exciting place to be with lots of things happening?
• equipped with a wide range of printed materials such as books, magazines and newspapers?
• providing access to the internet and electronic resources?
• available for children’s private study and reading?
Does your school library:
• allow children access before, during and after school hours?
• allow children to regularly borrow books?
• cultivate children’s research and enquiry skills?
• encourage reading for pleasure?
2. What is a Schools Library Service?
Schools Library Services are run by experienced qualified librarians who have knowledge of the curriculum and of children’s literature. The service is run by local authorities although the way it operates varies considerably. Schools subscribe to their local service on behalf of all their teachers. Some authorities pay for the service from central funds, so it is free at the point of delivery to schools. A Schools Library Service will:
a) Advise schools and provide training on managing and developing their own school libraries and teaching resources in schools, on teaching information and digital fluency to enable children to become independent learners and on helping schools create a reading culture.
b) Lend or make available for purchase carefully chosen resources to support teaching and learning in the classroom and to support wider reading for pleasure and enjoyment.
3. About the Association of Senior Children's and Educational Librarians (ASCEL)
ASCEL is a national membership network of Senior Children's and Educational Librarians, who work together to stimulate developments and respond to initiatives relating to children and young people in public libraries and educational services. www.ascel.org.uk
4. About the School Libraries Group (SLG) of CILIP
The School Libraries Group (SLG) is a special interest group of CILIP and affirms that school libraries and Schools Library Services are fundamental to the development of a literate population able to participate fully in a thriving democracy, culture, civilization and economy. SLG is committed to enabling its members to achieve and maintain the highest professional standards and advocating on their behalf. www.cilip.org.uk/slg
5. About the School Library Association (SLA)
The School Library Association is an independent charity that believes that every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision. The SLA is committed to supporting everyone involved with school libraries, promoting high quality reading and learning opportunities for all. www.sla.org.uk
6. Times Educational Supplement (TES) article:
Books denied to 600, 000. Full TES article available here: http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode="6082582