School Libraries> Measuring performance

How good is our school? Libraries Supporting Learners

Libraries Supporting Learners is 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 builds on the advice given in Taking a Closer Look at the School Library Resource Centre, which was published in 1999.

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

Libraries Supporting Learners is available in Word format or is downladable (PDF format). Select the Word version if you would like to use or adapt templates electronically e.g. to complete the audit grids and save to your own PC.

Supporting materials

We've developed some resources to assist in the implementation of Libraries Supporting Learners (LSL):

School Presentation

Developed to coincide with the launch of LSL in 2005, this Powerpoint presentation gives a good overview of the background, methodology and structure of the toolkit. Additional slide notes are also available to provide more comprehensive coverage. This is a good starting point for those approaching LSL for the first time or a quick refresher for those already familiar with the document.

Evidence gathering exemplar

This extended version of the evidence gathering template included in LSL (page 6) has been completed using a reading group scenario. This will give an indication of appropriate content if you are struggling to make a start on the evaluation process. Alternatively, get together with a group of colleagues and work through an evidence gathering activity.

Quality Indicators activity

This was designed as an initial training exercise when LSL was introduced in 2005. The activity would be useful for groups of librarians or individuals who have not received previous LSL training input or for refresher courses within local authorities.