Oliver Library Software
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School libraries share a wish list for the future
The annual Softlink School Library Surveys provide information about school library budgets and staffing. They also give great insight into the day-to-day of school libraries.
Open-ended questions such as “What is the one thing you would change about your school library or your role?” provide an avenue for respondents to share thoughts and ideas.
Softlink is proud to curate and share these responses in features such as our latest paper, School libraries share: Our wish list for the future, which is drawn from comments in the 2017 Surveys.
A summary of the top 5 wish list items is included below. Download the full whitepaper.
What’s on the top 5 wish list for school library staff?
1. Changes to the library space
Top of the wish list is flexible or mobile shelving, furniture, and changes in layout. Comfort and vibrancy also feature heavily in comments.
I would change the physical set-up of the space. The furniture is currently rigid and fixed, which means there is limited flexibility and, as a consequence, the whole space is open plan. This is not conducive to silent study and effective working. I would prefer a number of different spaces, and furniture that could be easily moved (e.g. on wheels) so that the space could change depending on the event.
2. More information literacy and research teaching opportunities
Second highest on the wish list is more opportunities to teach information literacy and research skills, a vital skill set for the 21st century student.
I would like to see more opportunities within the library to teach research and information literacy skills at the different year levels.
3. More access to available technology
School library staff describe the technologies - either hardware, software or digital resources – on their implementation wish list.
I would like to have new technology for students to use which would enhance their experience in the library and provide them with the latest products available. This would lead to greater usage of the library.
4. Time and increased opportunities to collaborate
School library staff describe how they would like more time as well as more access to relevant educators within the school to improve collaboration.
I would have more hours so that I would be able to collaborate with colleagues to plan, teach, and assess the curriculum.
5. Time and resourcing to improve service
School library staff describe how they would like more time and resourcing to develop new initiatives, work one-on-one with students, and improve their library services.
I would like more time or help with administering and curating the print and digital resources to make the library more responsive to student and staff needs.