School libraries are central to a successful learning and reading programme in a school, particularly in South Africa where outcomes-based education (OBE) is the norm. OBE is a resource-based methodology which means that both educators and learners are reliant on access to a range of resources for the teaching method to be successful,” says Joy Rosario of KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Education and Culture.
To create a literate society, we need to encourage reading even if it’s for pleasure.
There are different types of literacies:
– Functional literacy, which is the ability to make meaning of the signs and symbols in your world;
– Information literacy, which means having the skills required to manage the information age;
– Digital literacy, which is the ability to use computers to communicate across the internet and to harvest relevant and authentic information from the world wide web.
What you need to start a school library
1. Venue
Firstly you will need to have a venue for your library. A spacious classroom can be converted into a library if there is no specific room dedicated for that. If there is no available room, you could have a ‘library corner” made up of a collection of books on a shelf at the back of a classroom. Although a proper library is ideal, a
collection can still be successful provided that whoever is managing it can convey a delight in reading and the importance of an enquiring mind.
2. Furniture
You will need to have shelves to pack books, and tables and chairs for library users. Broken wooden furniture like desks and doors can also be used to make shelves.
3. Resources
A school library should be a useful resource for both educators and learners.
The collection of resources can range from a
few fiction (story) books, to charts, newspapers, magazines and reference books like encyclopaedias, dictionaries and atlases; non-fiction books; CD rom disks (if you have a computer); cuttings and clippings; games and toys; and learner and educator support material.
4. Librarian
A full-time teacher librarian is the obvious ideal. The teacher-librarian needs to be recognised as part of the academic staff and it is therefore important that she/he aspires to qualify in the area of education as well as librarianship. Senior learners and parents could also perform the role of librarian on a roster basis.
5. Training
One staff member can be sent for training and then pass on the learned skills to a number of senior learners who can help run the library.
6. Photocopier
This is useful to have, especially if library users are not allowed to borrow books.
Sustaining a useful library
1. Accessibility
There are many well-resourced libraries that are not used because the librarian puts the importance on policies and rules at the cost of the user. A library and its resources must be accessible to users. There is no point in having a well-resourced library that cannot be used.
2. Seek sources of training for educators and learners
People living in previously disadvantaged areas, long deprived of libraries, do not automatically know how to use a library. Training is the key!
3. Avoid donated books from overseas . Schools can often end up using a lot of time, money and effort on books that are usually not useful or appropriate. Filling shelves with used books your learners cannot relate to will kill a library quickly.
4. Maintaining Books
It is important to maintain books in a standard good manner as it is expensive to purchase new books every year. This can be done through plastic covering, which may initially seem expensive but will keep books in good shape for longer.
5. Recovering books
You need to work out a strategy to recover borrowed books. You might even have a policy that restricts borrowing of certain books or that does not allow for borrowing books at all.
6. Time
An ideal situation is where a library is open at all times. However, it is just as advantageous to open the library doors outside school hours and during break, especially if your policy does not allow for borrowing books, if you do not have a librarian staff member, or if the school does not have a library period in its timetable.
7. Have fun!
Libraries are places of discovery and learning. Make yours bright, attractive, and welcoming even if you only have one small shelf or box of books. This will inspire people to get involved and help you grow the project.
HInts and Tips
1. Start small. Tiny seeds grow into sturdy trees.
A simple exercise book with a list of all the available titles and columns for signing books in and out is all that is needed to get started.
2. Form a committee
You need a team of people who will focus time and energy on setting up and sustaining a library. This team will be responsible for setting goals, policies and involving others. A committee can include educators, learners and parents.
3. Publicize the project
One of the main functions of the library is to encourage reading. You need to encourage the learners to use the library, both as a study area and as a resource center. Let everyone know your mission or purpose by putting up posters or information on the library around the school. This will encourage learners to use it.
4. Free materials
Books are expensive. It is best to seek donations from government publishers, NGOs, the closest public or school library, the Department of Education and your provincial education library service. Ask people in your community to donate a book that was important to them or a specific book that you need.
Homemade objects, art, models and displays are also great library materials.
5. Community Involvement
Involving the community gives them a sense of ownership and that can aid your efforts in several ways. For example, it may help with security issues, to raise funds and with donations of books and furniture.
6. Fundraise
Many businesses are getting more involved in developing education in the country. It might be worthwhile to consider asking for corporate investment for things such as buildings, computers, books and furniture for your library.
Where to go for more help:
Maggie Hite
Assistant Director: World Library Partnership
UNISA Sunnyside Campus
Cnr Walker & Joubert Streets
Building 12 A
2nd Floor, Room 1-30
Tel: (012) 481-2878
Fax (012) 481-2879
Email: [email protected]
Online address:
http://worldlibraries.org
Joy Rosario
ELITS Directorate
Department of Education
and Culture
KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: (031) 274-4911
[email protected]