Looking back on primary and high school years, classes when you got to spend time in the library were often the highlight of the day. The hours spent hunting through books for information on your next assignment or sneakily finding your next book series to read felt so much freer than those spent in the classroom.
The team at popular independent bookstore, The Book Cow in Kingston, know that well-resourced libraries run by qualified staff are essential for any great school. They aim to help local schools to provide the best for their students, helping them purchase great books and hosting regular events for teachers and librarians.
The Book Cow says the school library is often the heart of a school community – helping students with homework or research, guiding them to reliable sources, and providing them with support and encouragement for reading and literacy. On top of this, they say the library also provides a safe and welcoming space for students to retreat and for the school community to work together.
On Wednesday 7 September, the bookstore partnering with the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in a Book Cow Book Chat. Two Canberra children’s authors, Nicole Godwin and Krys Saclier, will be informing teachers and educators about the best ways to engage and teach children about civics and citizenship. The pair will be sharing their picture books – Vote For Me; Camp Canberra; and We Are Australians – written to ensure young people know their rights, responsibilities, and how to hold those in authority to account.
A report conducted by the ACT Department of Education states data has confirmed school libraries with a qualified teacher librarian improve student learning outcomes. Students from all socioeconomic backgrounds benefited from the employment of qualified library staff.
School Libraries: The heart of 21st Century Learningfound librarians and their wealth of knowledge are the first stop for students, teachers, and even parents when they have a problem they cannot solve. The study says this is because they have the ability to make resources accessible through the library catalogue and digital curation tools.
The report found that when teachers and teacher librarians worked together collaboratively, not in parallel, it enhanced the skills delivered in a classroom setting. Dubbed information specialists, they supported teachers in designing and delivering lessons that teach relevant skills.
Teacher librarians were often thought to be leading the way in the organisation and utilisation of information. Using selection criteria, they curate the library’s collection to reflect the curriculum and values of the school. Saving time for both students and staff, they source only the most reliable and relevant physical and digital resources for their school community.
By using the latest technology, teacher librarians are able to keep the school connected to quality resources. They provide the school community with connections to local, national, and global education networks.
They also found the effectiveness of a school’s library depends on the administration support it receives. The study says there is evidence of strong relationships between student outcomes and how much the principal supports the library media program.
Providing every Australian child access to a well-run and stocked school library is the objective of the Students Need School Libraries organisation. They believe that for children to thrive in the 21st century, they require access to appropriate library services delivered by qualified staff.
Find out more about The Book Cow at bookcow.com.au
The Book Cow | 47 Jardine Street, Kingston | 5100 2730
For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
