Engaging and Empowering School Libraries

FOSIL, Education and School Libraries (11)

In the second part of our history of school libraries, we talk more about the evolution of school libraries from 1986 to the present day. We continue to focus on Norman Beswick's history of school libraries as an influential piece of research from the same period, which looked at the dramatic trajectory of librarianship, budget struggles, and changing roles with the advent of computers in education.

We explore two crucial hopeful signals during that time - the rise of information skills and the increasing collaboration between teachers and librarians. The discussion also touches upon the concept of information literacy and how it differs from the inquiry model. Additionally, we critically examine Anne Irving's nine-question steps model from 1985 that set a new tone for the synergy between teachers and librarians.

Our conversation highlights the role of school librarians in teaching information literacy skills, the difficult struggle for curriculum time, and the undeniable link between information literacy and education. We touch upon the internet’s impact, the devaluation of school libraries and the challenge of teaching information literacy amidst these changes. We discuss how a focus on information availability may have hindered a smooth transition during the introduction of computers to schools.

The episode creates an understanding of the evolution of school libraries, touches on the impacts of AI, and the need for diverse, multicultural teaching methods. It emphasises librarians' role in diversifying teaching methods and portrays libraries, beyond academic learning centres, as hubs for personal development, independent learning, and more. We conclude by reemphasising the importance for school libraries and librarians to align their educational philosophy with the current concerns and aspirations in the educational sector.

Portraits of an Engaged and Empowered Inquirer https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/portraits-of-an-engaged-and-empowered-inquirer/

Delve into the rich history of school libraries and their crucial role in education in this fascinating episode of the "FOSIL, Education and School Libraries" podcast. Darryl and I discuss various significant developments in school libraries over the years. 

In a captivating conversation, we take a time-travelling journey, beginning from the inception of the School Library Association in 1937 to the progressive education era, illuminating the relentless evolution of school libraries. From the past, we make connections to the present and future, underlining the transformative journey of school librarianship in relation to education and philosophy. The underlying tone of our discussion revolves around employing academic honesty and fostering intellectual curiosity among students.

The latter section delves into the historical schism in the School Library Association and the changes in the focus of school libraries over time. We discuss the traditional and progressive approaches to education and their influence on library usage habits. The evolution from school libraries being mere conduits for recreational reading to valuable resources for independent learning is explored.

Experience the journey of educational reform, from traditional to progressive, and witness the increasing prominence given to school libraries. Learn about the UK's unique path in teacher librarianship and the potential promise of introducing microcomputers into school libraries during the 1980s. Embrace the past, understand the present, and envisage the future as we delve into the world of school libraries and their profound implications for education.

Welcome to another episode of our podcast, "Engaging and Empowering School Libraries". In this episode, we explore the emerging trend of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into school libraries and the overall curriculum. Our guests, Linda Hoiseth, an international librarian, and Anthony Copeland, a technology integration specialist, offer their invaluable insights into how AI is shaping contemporary teaching methodologies.

This episode focuses on the potential benefits and ethical implications of using AI tools such as ChatGPT in education. Linda and Anthony share their unique perspectives, carefully weighing the advantages of embracing new technology while emphasising the need for preserving ethical practices. They underscore the need for IT Specialists, School librarians and Teachers to work together to acquire the necessary skills to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

This podcast elaborates on AI's critical role in enhancing student engagement and retention. Conversations extend to the implications of AI in various disciplines, from physics to humanities, highlighting its versatile applications in education. It also underscores the need for the teaching fraternity to focus on the broader process of integrating AI and its impact on cultivating students' research skills.

Our guests shed light on the ethical considerations involved when adopting AI as a pedagogical tool, emphasising that AI should be used to enhance student creativity rather than compensate for students learning. Keeping track of rapid advancements in the AI domain and balancing the use of specific AI tools with the development of a comprehensive skill set for different AI advancements.

This episode encourages educators and school librarians to explore and embrace the transformative potential of AI in education. It paints a comprehensive picture of the dynamic realm of AI in school libraries and curricula, replete with challenges and opportunities. A must-listen for educators and school librarians keen on staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of education technology.

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership 

Framework for Using AI with Students

In this episode of 'FOSIL, Education and School Libraries,' we discuss the evolving role of school libraries within the broader educational system. Addressing pressing issues such as the undervaluation of librarians and the alignment of library programs with institutional educational goals, this conversation underscores the library's essential contribution to student development.

With a focus on the IFLA School Library Guidelines, we also navigated the challenges of aligning libraries with the quantifiable outcomes often prioritised by schools. By examining strategies for librarians to articulate and advocate for their role in supporting holistic education, this episode presents a compelling call to action for educational leaders and librarians alike. Listen in as we explore the critical intersection of education, purpose, and the pivotal role of school libraries in shaping informed, curious, and well-rounded individuals.

Tonight we revisited our discussion around non-fiction collections in school libraries which we started back in July 2022. It seemed the right time to come back to this important topic as the conversation around reading for pleasure seems to focus more and more on our fiction collections. Many of my recent conversations have been about the balance between fiction and non-fiction when you are building your library collections. Do we know our non-fiction collections as well as we know our fiction collections and are we considering the role our non-fiction collection has on recreational reading and supporting independent learning when we decide on how to spend our budgets? We dive into some of this during our discussion this evening. 

We dive into book awards, ways to find new non-fiction titles and ideas for encouraging non-fiction reading in your schools. 

We were joined by factual book author Andy Seed and school librarian Jenny Toerien alongside my usual co-hosts Ruth Maloney and Sabrina Cox.

Reading for Pleasure in Schools Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1544272119166812 

Places to find new non-fiction

https://www.dk.com/uk/information/catalogues-and-bestsellers/

Membership - Engaging and Empowering School Libraries 

In our last podcast, we talked about Douglas Knight’s two major and unique functions of a library and ended up having a great discussion about the purpose and function of our non-fiction collections.

In this episode Darryl and I cover

• The similarities with the SLA guidelines, including their bookstock guidance. Stott (1947, 1955), School Libraries: A Short Manual (CUP for SLA) and SLA (1972) | Libraries in Secondary Schools
• Understand the role of the school librarian via the IFLA School Library Guidelines
• Staffing in school libraries
• collection development and in particular non-fiction. 

Making School Libraries Integral to the Educational Process https://www.sla.org.uk/Services/ItemDetail?iProductCode=8340&Category=GUIDELINES

Membership information -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership 

Last month's podcast https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/adf7b60a/fosil-education-and-school-libraries-7

In this episode we decided to start the year by introducing you to the hosts of this podcast, telling you a little bit about ourselves and our journey within the school library world and why we think this podcast is important. It is probably something we should have done at the beginning but we were just so keen to get started that this seems to have been missed. 

We managed to cover quite a bit during our chat, including:

• The wonderful job a school librarian could have with the right support.
• The problems that school librarians face.
• Controversial (what we think needs to happen).
• What might be coming up next on our podcast. 

Here are the links: 

FOSIL, Education and School Libraries (7) where Darryl talks about 75% non-fiction. https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/adf7b60a/fosil-education-and-school-libraries-7

Non-fiction collections in school libraries: Do we really need them?https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/9d8adc04/non-fiction-collections-in-school-libraries-do-we-still-need-them 

IFLA School Library Guidelines https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf

Balancing Act: 5 Time Management Tips for School Librarians Working Alone. https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/post/balancing-act-5-time-management-tips-for-school-librarians-working-alone 

Every school should have a school library https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/21/every-school-should-have-a-library-philip-pullman-calls-for-new-uk-laws?CMP=share_btn_tw

Membership and Training - Engaging and Empowering School  Libraries https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership

In this episode, Darryl and I continue our conversation about Douglas Knight’s ideas about there being two major and unique functions of a library, regardless of type. These two functions are:- 

• First, it makes possible meetings of mind and idea which are not limited by our normal boundaries of time, space, and social or economic level.
• To say this is to suggest the second great function of a library. It is the institution in our society which allows and encourages the development, the extension of ideas -- not their passive absorption, but their active generation. … The technical means of his encounter may be a record, a tape, a film, a print-out or -- most radical of all -- a book. Libraries are not bounded by means; they will and should employ any means to achieve their ends.

Clarification on non-fiction to fiction ratio: NF to F ratio should rise from 50% NF to 50% F through 66% NF to 33% F to 75% NF to 25% F as children move from Primary through Secondary (Darryl)

Link to Douglas Knight document can be found here https://bit.ly/3ShxMSK 

Podcast - Non-fiction collections in school libraries: Do we still need them?https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/9d8adc04/non-fiction-collections-in-school-libraries-do-we-still-need-them  

FOSIL forum link -https://fosil.org.uk/forums/ 

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership