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Unit 7: Academic Libraries

7.2 School Libraries Notes

A school library (or 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 media centre 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 which 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 International Federation of Library Association’s (IFLA) Manifesto states:
“The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in
today’s information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with lifelong learning
skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens” (2008).
The school library is central to learning and plays a key role as a place for encouraging innovation,
curiosity, and problem solving. The library is a catalyst for literacy and reading and for teaching
and scaffolding inquiry learning. School libraries make a difference to students’ understanding
and achievement and provide support for teaching and learning throughout the school. The
school library is an important part of the school community and reflects and welcomes this
community.

Notes The school library plays a key role in the cultural and social life of the school. It can
be a central point for engagement with all kinds of reading, cultural activities, access to
information, knowledge building, deep thinking and lively discussion.

7.2.1 Purpose of School Libraries

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 literacy, 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, equipment and research
materials; to host special events such as author visits and book clubs; and for tutoring and
testing.
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.
Thus, the various purposes of the School Libraries are as follows:

The vision, principles and management of your school library can be recorded in your
school library management statement. This reflects your school’s vision for learning and
underpins your library’s services, and organisation.
The school library provides a model for inquiry learning and building knowledge and
confidence in seeking and processing information. The school library is pivotal to
developing 21st century learners.

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