Library Brochures

I am in the process of creating a library services brochure for my current school. At this point in time, I do not wish to disclose it, but it is an interesting time to work there as their library moves forward. I will only be with them until Christmas, but will be a good opportunity to "make a mark".

Why make a brochure? I think of public libraries and how they use brochures as a tool to market their library services. School Libraries need to do the same as well. Some schools have embraced the initiative.

A new staff member for instance may find it daunting to ask the Teacher Librarian or colleague but a brochure can provide what they need to know about the library and what it can provide for them.

New students also need to know what collections and services are there. They may be unsure about how many items they can borrow and for how long.

It can be fantastic too to promote the services that they may not know e.g. scanning items to email.

This is a work in process.

Students Need School Libraries (Campaign)

This week, state and national school library associations along with the Australian Library & Information Association teamed up to launch the Students Need School Libraries campaign.

The aims are simple:

• Every school should provide access to high-quality library resources and services.
• That school libraries are staffed by qualified professionals, led by a teacher librarian.

It also advocates that each school should appoint a teacher librarian as equip students with skills essential for lifelong learning including:

• Research Skills 
• Cybersafety
• Information Literacy Skills
• Instilling a love of reading

The campaign has resulted from Australia's ranking falling in educational standards against OECD nations. Some schools have neglected the role of libraries as part of the learning process, questioning their relevance. Concerns have also been raised over staffing of school libraries i.e. unqualified staff or not appointing teacher librarians, which has meant that students are missing out on opportunities to develop skills required for lifelong learning.

The website for the Students Need School Libraries campaign can be accessed here.