School Libraries

The school library is a major educational resource for the teachers and students of the school. It is primarily a learning and information centre.

Libraries provide services, personnel, materials, equipment and an information system. School libraries vary greatly in size from the large, staffed complex with extensive resources in high schools to the special cupboard or corner in some small schools.

Yet, large or small, all school libraries share important characteristics. For example:

• The library atmosphere should stimulate interest and enthusiasm for learning through reading, listening and viewing.
• Libraries should be attractive and welcoming to students, staff and parents/caregivers and be seen as a modern learning environment.
• Where possible, a library should maintain its relevance to users by including and assimilating advances in technology.

Every school has a library and students are encouraged to visit the library regularly either through separate library times, or as part of integrated lesson work. Infants and primary children are generally encouraged to borrow books for home use on a regular basis.

They are also taught key research skills in libraries which are vital tools for their future learning in senior school years.

Most schools also encourage parents and caregivers to visit the school library with their child. In some schools, parents are invited to participate in volunteer work in the school libraries, for example helping with shelf stacking or covering new books.

Working in the library

The teacher-librarian is a member of the schools' teaching staff and is actively involved in teaching/learning processes. Teaching is an integral part of a teacher-librarian's work. They are also involved in providing information related resources for the planning of the school curriculum.

The library ancillary staff form part of the total staff of the school and are responsible for designated tasks relevant to the efficient operation of the school library.

Why use the school library

School libraries enhance teaching and students' learning by:

• Cooperating with teachers in the planning, implementing and evaluation of learning programs;
• Providing opportunities for students to develop information skills and use them competently and confidently;
• Extending and enlivening students' learning experiences and enriching their lives through the effective use of resources;
• Providing experiences to stimulate reading and develop in students a desire to read;
• Promoting the social and recreational development of students;
• Ensuring that resources in the library are consistent with Government policies relating to equality of opportunity;
• Involvement in the selection, acquisition and organisation of materials to support the school curriculum;
• Extending the resources available to each school through cooperation with other school libraries and the community;
• Providing a variety of teaching/learning environments for classes, small groups or individuals.