School Libraries> ICT > Glow in the LRC

Despite the fact that there is no explicit provision for librarians or library services within the Glow master plan, the library features widely in the impression of an average Glow day presented on the website. The library is marked out as the place where pupils go to access Glow learning materials (on PCs) out with class time and the librarian uses Glow functionalities to publicise additions to the library, invite book requests and participate in virtual discussions with colleagues across Scotland.

Although it is encouraging to libraries have been considered, this outlook is limited and fails to recognise that librarians can interact with Glow on the same level as teachers; like teachers, librarians can develop electronic learning materials to support library courses or perhaps even create online tutorials to make the intricacies of the Dewey Decimal System more appealing to young people.

Alternatively, the extensive web 2.0 functionalities Glow offers could be exploited to establish book discussion groups that could take place locally or nationally. Librarians could easily establish an interactive "ask the librarian" forum, similar to the Enquire service in English public libraries, again with the option to operate either locally or nationally.

Furthermore, many learning materials on the Glow system will be tagged - or electronically catalogued - at a local level. Clearly there is scope for librarians to be involved in this area since it relates to one of our core skills.

The major challenge for librarians then is to assert themselves within the Glow vision and demonstrate that library services are not only compatible with virtual learning environments (VLE's) but have the potential to offer crucial support to learning and teaching in this new educational environment.

Librarians are eligible to become Glow mentors, receiving extensive training to support Glow activities and passing this on to colleagues within their schools or the wider authority. Indeed, librarians are ideally placed to do so since they are familiar with providing services to the whole school community rather than being linked to one department.

The implementation of Glow will be handled differently in each authority. Speak to your Head Teacher or Senior Management Team link to find out more about how you can get involved. Alternatively, contact Rhona Arthur e: r.arthur@slainte.org.uk if you would like more information.