Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal June 2005 Volume 3 (3)

CILIPS Conference

Not just a 'paper exercise'

Michael Wood HMI gave much appreciated advice on self evaluation and the school inspection process. The School Libraries Group session also saw the launch of a new title in the How good is Our School series from HMIE, Libraries Supporting Learners, produced in partnership with SLIC.

"In the most effective secondary school the librarian will play a central role and be seen as a 'key player'. In less effective set-ups there can be ongoing fighting for status in the school." Said Michael, setting out the difficult predicament. Someone should have clear line management of the library, but this is not always the case.

"We need to see evidence of self-evaluation embedded in schools and again in the school library," he said. The latest publication from HMIe was here to help. It is designed to help school librarians take stock; identify and be proud of their strengths; set targets for improvement; and take effective action.

It is important to report how well the library is performing to parents, pupils and other stakeholders. "Talk to your management team about today's event – particularly if you are isolated and have no line manager."

Practical tips for the inspection included the need to prepare evidence well. Use the profile which asks questions. And don't forget the visit is also a chance to talk. This is now a built-in and positive part of the inspection process and, although voluntary always has a good turn out. It is a good chance to emphasise what is working well in the school library.

Marilyn Milligan, who chaired the working party of the review, received thanks from the school librarians in the audience for all the group's hard work. She stressed that although the document was a way of providing school librarians of all types with a framework for examining their services, "Pupils experiences and meeting their needs is at the heart of this document. It is all about librarians assisting children to become successful learners and effective contributors."

Information Scotland Vol. 3 (3) June 2005

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