School Libraries Advocacy

http://www.schoollibrariesadvocacy.org.uk/

This website, which seems to be closing later this year, contains a nice colourful document - lightweight rather than large and detailed, but contains some nice snippets of information.

'The School Librarian
• manages and operates a major learning environment used by
the whole school community
• makes a significant impact on teaching and learning
• makes reading relevant and enjoyable
• motivates both the convinced and unconvinced reader
• keeps up-to-date and is part of the big picture
• is a leader not a follower
• encourages readers to be creative and innovative'

I like the terms convinced and unconvinced, rather than the most frequently used words used to classify our readers. It adds the presumption that we have the power to convince them, and it doesn't try and presume their skill as a reader, it purely comments on their attitude.

'The school librarian
promotes reading and
literacy with:
• Reading clubs
• Summer school literacy schemes
• CILIP Carnegie & Greenaway
shadowing
• Reviews posted on the school’s
intranet
• Book promotions for staff and
pupils
• Author visits and writers in
residence programmes
• Displays celebrating reading and
books
• Reading buddies projects
• Reading reward schemes
• Family reading initiatives
• Events to celebrate World Book
Day, Children’s Book Week and
National Poetry Day'

These are the sort of things that attracted me to my new career. I can't wait to get the library up and running so I can start getting involved in all of these types of projects.

Nameless Letter - bookmark project

http://www.namelessletter.com/

This idea taps into my love of the Post Secret concept, and is an art project where you design a bookmark and purposefully leave it in a chosen book for others to find.

I find it strangely exciting when I find something unexpected in a library book, and like the idea of purposefully leaving things to make people smile.

It could also be a nice student project......

Beautiful Old Libraries

Whilst reading this blog here I came across this blog here.

WOW. It may now be my new life goal to go to these libraries around the world, and sit and read a good book in what must be some of the most beautiful rooms ever built.

I have added a couple of my favourites but the blog lists many many many photos of stunning libraries. Wow.

Promoting the library - Loyalty cards

An idea blogged about here got my attention.

Giving students loyalty cards for checking out and reading a book. The librarian says the student needs to be able to discuss the book briefly to qualify for a stamp on the card (similar to coffee shops). After ten stamps they get a reward.

I like the idea, although not sure if it would work in all schools - particularly larger schools, but its a nice fall back plan if borrower rates are low. It could also work during special one-off periods, or perhaps only themed books qualify.

However, does rewarding reading with external motivators remove the internal rewards we gain from reading? Can reading be its own reward for all readers?

Scholastic 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report

The report is here.

A finding that I found interesting is, 'Most kids say there are not enough really good books for boys/girls their age, and they say
finding books they like is one of the key reasons they do not read for fun more frequently.'

Along with, 'Kids like choosing their own books — 89% say their favorite books are the ones they
picked out themselves.'

This highlights the key part of my new job description, and of all librarians. Children need the opportunity to find a book they like, but they need support and guidance to do it. Displays, promotions and recommendations is the way to do this.

My dissertation for my teaching degree was about getting children to enjoy reading. One of my main findings is that children like reading in groups (either all around one book, or by discussing afterwards) and that they like to talk about what they read. This led to a controversial approach in my guided reading sessions - I didn't require them to be silent. I hope to continue this approach in my library.

Last one about organising by colour (well for a while!)

This one is from Flickr here

This from Flickr here


And this from here in Flickr

The yellow one is here


I think they are so eye-catching. Definitely one of my first display ideas!

Flickr inspiration take 2

All of the following are from PlayfulLibrarian on Flickr

I like this small table display focusing on one author.


Promoting audio books as an equal to regular books is a nice idea.



I really like this bookmark slip for book groups, so that they can remember where to read up to, and scribble down any ideas or questions (and not bend back pages!).

Great display for graphic novels.