School libraries
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School libraries play a vital role in supporting teaching and learning. We offer advice and support for leading and developing your school library collections, services, and environment.
Contents
Understanding school libraries
Find out what makes an effective school library, and why it matters. Discover the latest thinking and research about the role of the library in teaching and learning.
Leading and managing
Leadership of your school library involves strategic management and planning for its development. Get advice and guidance about aspects of managing your library, including financial management, reporting and staffing your library.
Collections and resources
Building an inclusive and balanced school library collection requires good planning. The cycle of tasks, including selecting, buying and removing resources, can involve your whole school community including library staff, teachers and students.
Library systems and operations
To ensure ongoing access to your library’s resources and services, you need to manage functions such as cataloguing and stocktaking efficiently. It’s easier to manage emergencies and other changes if you have plans in place.
Place and environment
Creating a library space that enables innovation, and is inclusive and inviting for all, needs to involve the whole school community. These pages offer guidance and resources to stimulate thinking and inspiration for designing your library.
Library services for teaching and learning
Find ideas and advice for developing library services and programmes to support teaching and learning. When you develop or change your library services, involve your community and gather evidence to guide your changes.