As a school governor (primary and secondary) and LIS professional, I couldn't agree more with this sentiment.
Whilst we are all " keen that this recommendation does not just become another piece of wishful thinking", the continued provision of libraries in schools remains the responsibility of Principals and Head teachers to assign limited resources and space to this function. OFSTED can help ensure facilities are prioritised, but not sure if they would link this to the outcome of an inspection (only way to get traction)?
CILIP's Information Literacy working group has started to do more to advocate for this skill, but if we want to put this issue in focus should CILIP mobilise the profession to develop a curriculum to enable children to study digital/information literacy for a formal qualification - at GCSE level for instance?
Offering a GCSE in Information/Digital Literacy would:
- Equip our young people with a career skill they need to succeed in the so called Knowledge Economy (I hate that term BTW) - as noted below
- Provide an opportunity for LIS professionals to support the essential literacy skills of the school (in all their forms) as well as operate in a teaching capacity
- Attract new entrants into the industry at an early stage of their education, as well as establish the importance on these essential skills for the workforce of tomorrow?
Just some thoughts....
Stephen Phillips
-----Original Message-----
From: Library and Information Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adrian Smith
Sent: 21 July 2014 10:27
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: School Libraries - The Beating Heart of the School
May be of interest:
"The report of the libraries all-party parliamentary group, entitled The Beating Heart of the School, last week concluded that it is vital that all schools have a good library to ensure children develop essential literacy and digital literacy skills in order to fulfil their potential. Responding, the schools minister, David Laws, said: "Reading for pleasure and study has a well-documented positive impact on children's educational attainment across the curriculum."
<http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jul/15/scrutinise-schools-on-library-provision>
"We - authors and illustrators, teachers, librarians, parents and others - are keen that this recommendation does not just become another piece of wishful thinking, and call on the Department for Education to act immediately on the report's conclusions to gather data on library provision and instruct Ofsted to include libraries in its remit. This is urgent. Schools lost 280 librarians last year. At the very least the department should convene a working group including librarians', authors', headteachers' and teachers' representatives to draw up an action plan to realise the aim of a good library in every school.
Signed:
Alan Gibbons Campaign for the Book, Kevin Crossley-Holland President, School Library Association, Andrew Motion, Michael Holroyd, Kathy Lette, Malorie Blackman, Children's laureate, Barbara Band President, Cilip, Jacky Atkinson Organiser, Kid's Lit Quiz, John Dougherty Chair, Children's Writers and Illustrators Group, Society of Authors, Rachel Kelly Chief executive, Reading Matters, Christine Blower General secretary, National Union of Teachers, Kevin Courtney Deputy general secretary, National Union of Teachers, Alex Kenny Chair of education and equality, National Union of Teachers, Nicola Solomon Chief executive, Society of Authors [and others]
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Adrian Smith, Headingley
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