2. INTRODUCTION
Researchers have demonstrated that school libraries have a positive impact on student
achievement.
A school library (a school library media centre) is a library within a school where students ,staff
,and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources. The goal of
the school library is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access ‘ to
books and reading , to information ,and to information technology’. A school library media centre
uses all types of media is automated ,and utilizes the internet as well as books for information
gathering . school libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as ‘learner oriented
laboratories which support ,extend ,and individualize the school’s curriculum . A school library
serves as the centre and coordinating agency for all material used in the school.
The purpose of the school library
The school library exists to provide a range of learning opportunities for both large and small groups
as well as individuals with a focus on intellectual content, information literary, and the learner. In
addition to classroom visits with collaborating teachers, the school library also serves as a place for
students to do independent work, use computers, equipments and research materials: to host
special events such as author visits book clubs, and for tutoring and testing.
School libraries function as a central location for all of the information available, and a school
librarian functions as the literary map to the resources and materials found within the library. A
school library functions as an opportunity for educators to work with librarians in support of a
resource centre for the students to be able to safely access the internet for both school work and
interacting with each other.
The school library media centre program is a collaborative venture in which school library media
specialists, teachers, and administrators work together to provide opportunities for the social,
cultural and educational growth of students. Activities that are part of the school library media
program can take place in the school library media centre, the laboratory classroom, through the
school, and via the school library’s online resources.
The school library collection.
School libraries are similar to public libraries in that they contain books, films, recorded sound,
periodicals and digital media. These items are not only for the education, enjoyment and
entertainment of the all members of the school community, but also to enhance and expand the
school’s curriculum.
3. Staffing of the school library.
In many schools, school libraries are staffed by librarians, teacher-librarians, or school library media
specialists or media coordinators who hold a specific library science degree. In some jurisdictions,
school librarians are required to have specific certification and/or a teaching certificate.
The school librarian performs four leadership main roles: teacher, instructional partner, information
specialist, and program administrator. In the teacher role, the school librarian develops and
implements curricula relating to information literary and inquiry. School librarians may read to
children, assist them in selecting books and assist with school work.
The need for collaboration.
Collaboration is important among school librarians teachers, and parents, Harvey, a school librarian,
emphasizes that it isn’t enough to just coexist in the same community, but to ensure that
communication is ongoing during the school year. Exposure to another perspective or outlook can
lead to string, thought-provoking discussions, ideas and activities, and Harvey points out that by
working together as educator, teacher librarians and classroom teachers can learn from each other.
There is a need to create a culture where collaboration is the foundation for how our schools work
and operate. School librarians can take the lead by modelling this behaviour as they work with
teachers to ensure communication is ongoing during the school year.
The future of school libraries.
There is value for schools offering the ability for a e-book lending system. Wheeler books, a leading
supplier books to school and libraries, has created a platform that provides schools and libraries the
ability to lend out e-books in a secure manner.
A classroom library.
1. Sizable and attractive book shelves should be provided for the books.
2. Open shelves invite learners to browse but a close shelves give more protection to books.
3. While planning the shelf space, thought should be given to future space requirements.
4. Inclined shelving is especially advantageous for the display of magazines and pamphlets.
5. Filling cabinets may be provided for the storage of pamphlets not in display.
6. A special bulletin board for the library area can be used to display pertinent clipping. Small
pamphlets, circulars, jackets of new acquired books.
7. A colourful bulletin board attracts pupils to the reading area.
8. The class library should have at least one table and seven or eight chairs.
9. If there is table space for six or more pupils, reading centre can be used for committee work.
10. Provide internet facility in the library.
11. A Photostat machine should be there for students to take copies of materials.
4. CONCLUSION
The school libraries provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning
successfully in today’s information and knowledge based society . The school library and
class library equips students with life long learning skills and develops the imagination,
enabling them to live as responsible citizens.
REFERENCE
Building student learning through school libraries (2002) - Smith. K
Student learning through Ohio school library – Todd .R
