This week is Libraries Change Lives week which brings librarians and the next parliamentarians together to deliver a strong message about the positive impact services are having on individuals and communities – from lifelong learning and education to health and wellbeing; from supporting sustainable economic growth to helping develop digital literacies.
CILIP School Libraries Group is proud of the work that school librarians do in building stronger communities both now and for the future. Here are some positive case studies that we would like to share with you.
Case Study 1: Impact of Reading for Pleasure
A Reading for Pleasure programme was introduced at a primary school in south west London with the aim of helping students in Years 4 – 5 grow as readers before they transitioned to secondary school. Generally, the students struggled to concentrate on reading and were easily distracted with many stating that “reading was boring”. Library lessons were introduced where the librarian read to the students, gave book talks and created a reading card scheme. In addition, teachers mirrored good reading behaviour during 15 minutes of daily reading time. The librarian was able to evidence to teaching staff about students’ reading habits and facilitate extra support to those who needed it. As a result, students read more challenging texts, were more confident in their reading choices, were able to discuss and recommending books to their peers, and their writing also improved. Senior management have recognised the impact of the librarian in this project and are committed to continuing it in future years.
Case Study 2: Impact of the Library on exam results
The librarian at a co-ed independent school (Years 9 – 13) wanted to measure the impact of library use in achieving good exam grades. By introducing a register system for the library, they were able to track library use and cross-reference this to exam results. Although this was a “quick and dirty” analysis, results consistently showed that library users achieved higher grades, particularly for A-levels. This correlated with other, more robust, studies with evidence collected and analysed under controlled conditions.
Case Study 3: Impact of Library use on attendance
The librarian at an inner city secondary school started a book club for vulnerable students, including looked after children and those with poor attendance. The club ran during lesson time, with students given snacks and drinks while the librarian introduced books and read the opening chapters. Many students who had not borrowed a book previously did so, and 85% of students’ attendance improved.
Case Study 4: Impact on future careers
A secondary school librarian managed a large team of voluntary pupil library assistants, including many who stayed on in sixth form. Students were encouraged to take responsibility for specific tasks in the library. One year 9 boy who had felt lost on arriving at the school became a key library volunteer and subsequently become involved in all aspcets of school life. His contribution was recognised in a new “Headteacher’s Award”. Another student decided that they wanted to become a librarian so went on to university to study an LIS degree.
For further information about CILIP School Libraries Group visit https://www.cilip.org.uk/slg. To find out more about the Libraries Change Lives campaign and how you can show politicians, government and policy-makers the real value of libraries visit https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/libraries-change-lives