1. Introduction
For Ziauddin Schools and Colleges, all libraries are considered to be ‘open-access resource centres’. As such, these can take a variety of traditional and non-traditional forms. Whatever the format, ZES libraries are designed as welcoming environments which are central to each learning environment as part of the ‘resource-rich’ ethos. Being filled with opportunities and resources (both paper-based and digital) they support students development as lifelong learners, support their development of independent learning skills, and foster an enjoyment of reading for learning and pleasure.
This policy underpins our commitment to offering opportunities for all students to take responsibility for their own learning and recreation.
2. Aims of this Policy
- To direct schools and colleges as to how libraries will support and encourage the development of independent learning skills
- To provide guidance on how libraries create opportunities for students to be critical and creative users of information
- To guide schools and colleges on providing stimulation and structure for individualised learning and supplementary study which enables all students to reach their individual potential
- To set a framework for encouraging reading and use of library facilities
- To delineate how libraries can support more able students to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to reach their potential
- To explain how libraries provide a suitable and flexible environment for enriched learning experiences
- To provide and support online access to educational opportunities for primary usage and supplementary usage
3. Implementing the Policy
3.1 To support and encourage the development of independent learning skills, library resources will:
- provide assistance and resources to students and teachers to supplement curriculum content and classroom lessons
- work with teachers to plan and facilitate integrated lessons focused on developing independent learning skills
- provide library-based lessons (these lessons are to be determined through discussion and collaboration with subject teachers)
3.2 To create opportunities for students to be critical and creative users of information, library resources will:
- provide space for students to examine and evaluate ideas
- support students to actively seek all sides of an argument and points of reference
- support students to seek information that tests the soundness of evidence and information
3.3 To provide stimulation and structure for individualised learning and supplementary study, library resources will:
- support students’ own enquiry-based learning
- provide access to targeted and differentiated materials, in a variety of formats [i.e. hard copy, digital] which support learning
- provide services which are tailored to, and responsive to, the needs of all students
3.4 To encourage reading and use of library facilities, library resources will:
- provide resources aimed at encouraging students to develop their literacy skills and reading for pleasure:
- fiction is selected to support the recreational reading of all students at all grade levels
- non-fiction resources are selected to support and extend students’ leisure interests, and to widen their knowledge and understanding of curriculum topics
- organise activities and competitions to promote reading and raise awareness of books, authors and genres
- creating displays to highlight new stock, particular topics and genres, topical themes, and students’ written or literary work
- providing opportunities for students to share reading experiences
4. Using the Library
4.1 Teachers should plan research-based lessons and send small groups of students for research during lessons
4.2 Lessons can be taken in libraries where the class teacher and library resource collaborate to facilitate learning
4.3 Quiet (not silent) study using books and online resources should be encouraged and provided for
4.4 Principals should ensure students have maximum access to library resources
4.5 Teachers should create opportunities for students to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem as users of books
4.6 Selection and Maintenance of Resources:
- The library plays a central role in the life of Ziauddin Schools and Colleges, striving to respond to students needs and anticipate future needs
- The library should have resources to support the courses in school and college. Teachers are responsible for recommending and requesting items
- Resources should form part of a balanced collection of resources, representing differing perspectives and information
5. Monitoring and Evaluation of Resources
The library resources must be reviewed regularly and critically. It is the responsibility of the Principal to identify areas for improvement in order to be in a position to respond to needs, anticipate and address future needs and ensure the highest levels of usage by students.