School Libraries> Measuring performance

Improving Libraries for Learners

Improving Libraries for Learners is the latest guide to self-evaluation for schools.

It has been produced by SLIC in consultation with colleagues from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), who welcome its positive messages about the important role of school library resource centres and staff in helping children and young people develop the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence.

The guide is intended for all who teach, support and improve the learning experiences of children and young people in schools.

It seeks to help teaching and library resource centre staff in schools and central support services to meet pupils’ needs and improve learning.

Background

Improving Libraries for Learners replaces Libraries Supporting Learners, which was the 19th in the How good is our school?(HIGIOS) series of guides to self-evaluation. It was produced in partnership between Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education(HMIE) and the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

It built on the advice given in Taking a Closer Look at the School Library Resource Centre, which was published in 1999.

The publication provided libraries with a framework for examining their services, as well as providing examples of good practice. This guidance was designed for use in the primary, special and secondary sectors.

Libraries Supporting Learners is available in Word format or is downloadable (PDF format).

Resources

This section contains a number of documents and links to information designed to assist in the use of Improving Libraries for Learners (ILL).

Glossary

A short guide to some of the key terminology used in ILL (PDF).

Quality Indicators Activities

Materials designed for use in training and refresher courses.

Examples of effective practice

Some examples provided by schools across Scotland

Things to think about

This document collates some of the main factors to consider in the self-evaluation process, listed under the appropriate Quality Indicator (PDF).

Library support for Curriculum for Excellence

A set of advocacy points highlighting the important role of professional library staff, both in central support services and in schools, in supporting Curriculum for Excellence (PDF).