AISTL Professional Development Day - The Liminal Library - March 23 2018

I had the opportunity to attend a Professional Development Day organised by the Association of Independent Schools at The Kings School at North Parramatta.

My motivation to attend was because my current school is intending to undertake a renovation of the library. I wanted to obtain an insight into the process that is involved in redesigning library spaces and also examine some case studies.

The keynote speaker was Anne Whisken who is the Head of Resource Centre at the Carey Baptist Grammar School in Kew, Victoria.

After her presentation, I felt that I will need to consider the following in any school library renovation:

• Providing a library space that is unstructured and trans formative.
• Use research to inform your decision making.
• Be flexible.
• Include stakeholders in the process.
• Consider future proofing the library and allow for adaptation.
• Library spaces should allow for creative spaces.
• Blending traditional services with new expectations.
• What learning experiences do I want to see occur in the spaces?

St Andrews Cathedral College undertook a change recently to its provision of library services to provide a branch for the junior school, middle school and senior school. More ideas that I may wish to consider include:

• How to provide a taster of what is to come e.g. introduce new furniture before major renovation works or purchase a small set of furniture that can be expanded on.
• Make decisions quickly.
• Furniture may to be custom made.
• Consider the needs of the school.
• Considering what I see as a dream library.

It has left me with food for thought but also I am looking at doing a follow up visit to St Andrews Cathedral School to see the branches for myself. 

Being passionate in our reading!!!

Teacher Librarian's have a challenge in motivating students to read.

But how they will they be encouraged to read if we as teachers don't role model the right behaviour.

I have been reading some accounts by students of why they enjoy reading. They are encouraged to read because the teacher demonstrates their passion for literature whether it might be through the exciting and engaging manner in sharing stories (changing voices etc, making students laugh) or sharing why they enjoy the book.

While I am good at enjoying reading for pleasure, I at times have neglected to share some of the passion I have for literature.

I may share with others what I am reading, but do I or the students themselves understand why.

I may tell students that I read the book, but not give reasoning as to what made it a great book.

It is even suggested that I share my experiences of how I came across the book or even the version that I have e.g. autographed editions and collectors editions to motivate them to read even more.

My challenge is to share with my students what makes the book a great read. It should not just be who the book appeals best to, but why.

Make your challenge too.

Fees for lost and/or damaged library books

On the OZTL_NET forums this week, I have posted a survey on how school libraries charge fees for lost and/or damaged library books.

I have decided to review the process at my current school and want to examine how other schools may manage it.

Fifty Responses have been received so far:

45 % bill students the replacement fee as listed in the library management system.
35 % are billed through school fees and/or the school accounts department.

The remaining 20 % may ask students to provide a replacement, use a mix of provided options or the library would write off the costs.

What interested me (I have not come across it personally in schools that I have worked for) was that around 75% of respondents charge a processing fee on top of the lost item. Written responses tend to indicate a cost of $5.00. One has indicated 10% of the cost of the item.

I can understand why as well. Consider:

• The time spent by library staff ordering and cataloging the item.
• Delivery costs associated with Book Orders especially if it is for one book.
• Cost of buying a replacement may be higher due to inflation and availability.
• Tight Library Budgets

But there are limitations:

• Public Schools may not be allowed to charge additional levies/surcharges as schools are to be "not for profit" organisations.
• Socio economic factors. Can the student pay the replacement cost.

Thankyou to those who have responded. If you have not yet participated, please feel free to do so:

https://goo.gl/forms/NqdR3hM6JkgZYGF32