School library

A school library is a library attached to and managed by a school to serve the students, staff, and often, parents of a public (state) or private (fee paying) school. School libraries are similar to public libraries in that they contain books, films, recorded sound, periodicals, and other media. These items are not only for the enjoyment and entertainment of the patrons, but to enhance and expand the school's curriculum. In addition, in school libraries, students may receive explicit instruction on library and research skills.

In larger schools, school libraries may be staffed by librarians or teacher-librarians who may hold a specific library science degree. In some jurisdictions, school librarians may be required to have specific certification and/or a teaching certificate. Fact|date=August 2008

The librarian is in charge of the school library. School librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to assist students with research and advance the students' information literacy and technology skills. They also perform duties similar to other librarians such as purchasing library materials and maintaining the library collection. They handle the circulating and cataloging of materials, facilitate interlibrary loans, etc. Librarians are often responsible for audio-visual equipment and are sometimes in charge of school computers and computer networks.

in schools which employ them, teacher-librarians may read to children, assist them in selecting books, develop information literacy, and assist with schoolwork. Some school librarians see classes on a "flexible schedule". A flexible schedule means that rather than having students come to the library for instruction at a fixed time every week, the classroom teacher schedules library time when library skills or materials are needed as part of the classroom learning experience. Teacher-librarians assist students with research, collaborating with teachers to create independent learners.

The school library also serves as a place for students to do independent work, use computers, equipment and research materials, to host special events such as author visits and book clubs, and for tutoring and standardized testing in addition to classroom visits with collaborating teachers.

ee also

* School Library Association

External links

* [http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.cfm/ American Association of School Librarians]
* [http://www.slj.com/ School Library Journal]
* [http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/ School Library Media Activities Monthly]
* [http://www.sldirectory.com/ Resources for School Libraries]
* [http://www.virtuallrc.com/ Virtual Learning Resources Center]
* [http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/ The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries]
* [http://www.asla.org.au/ Australian School Library Association]