Library and Information Research

The latest issue of Library and Information Research is now available online at http://www.lirg.org.uk/lir/ojs/index.php/lir/issue/current.

 There are several items of interest from a project point of view including for school librarians:

Christina Sacco Ritchie asks “Would evidence-based school librarianship work in the UK?”

Other articles include:

• 'the important question “Do we need the information professions?"


• “An evaluation of the National Year of Reading in Yorkshire”


• A survey of e-book usage at UWE – LIRG prize-winning research from Jackie Chelin and colleagues


• Janet Clapton’s practical checklist for establishing the context of a new research project.

They (the journal editors) welcome submissions of research articles, reports and book reviews from both practitioners and academic researchers.

With this in mind you may be interested in a recent email from Janet Clapton:

As a LIS practitioner researcher (i.e. in my spare time!) I am exploring the views of those of us who would like to write for publication but experience barriers.

Pilot testing showed, not surprisingly, that time was a major constraint, although lack of support was also a problem. However we are all experts in what we do every day, and therefore have important knowledge to share.

 While the views of all LIS practitioners are of interest, those who work outside academic settings are particularly encouraged to take part.

Please carry out the short survey below (before the end of 9th October).

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=budG_2bTzSM3ayB8XwIf07BA_3d_3d

Writing an article can be daunting but I've found that co writing with someone more experienced can help you pick up tips and techniques plus gain confidence. Also writing a short piece about attending an event is a good way to start.  So why not give it a go.

 

1st october 2009 update

The above survey by Janet Clapton is now closed due to the sheer response size. Janet apologies to those who wanted to contribute but were unable to: but says please contact her Janet.Clapton@SCIE.ORG.UK if you have something burning to say about writing for publication.

She is looking forwards to sharing the published findings when available.

e-petition calls on the Westminster Government to acknowledge the value of school libraries by putting them on a statutory footing.'

For those of you not on  LIS-INFOLITERACY@JISCMAIL.AC.UK there was an email sent out asking for support in the campaign to make school libraries a statutory right for young people in this country by taking time to sign an e-petition on the 10 Downing Street website and help influence future education policy: 

We, the undersigned, call on Her Majesty’s Government to accept in principle that it will make school libraries, run by properly qualified staff, statutory and to prepare the necessary legislation in consultation with the appropriate professional associations and trade unions.

 

The email highlights that:

School libraries should be a statutory right because access to a library and a professional librarian

  a.. helps raise reading levels,

  b.. provides a range of cultural experiences

  c.. develops their independent learning skills

  d.. and ultimately helps them to have a better life.

 

and that

If you feel interested in making your MP do some work on your behalf, there is a message below from the author Alan Gibbons, (with the wording of the Early Day Motion that needs to be supported by them) and the following website will locate your MP's contact details for you:  

http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/

 

This is the Early Day Motion 1939 Manifesto for Education Libraries

That this House notes the contribution made by more than 20,000 UNISON members working in libraries and resource centres in schools, colleges, universities and local authority settings; acknowledges that libraries are at the heart of learning; welcomes the publication of UNISON's manifesto for education libraries designed to keep libraries at the heart of learning; supports its key objectives to promote and enhance the role of library staff in teaching and learning and to campaign for well resourced libraries with modern facilities; encourages the education sector to prioritise professionally-run libraries; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the value of school libraries by putting them on a statutory footing.'

 

School librairan and GLOW

Recently came across a blog posting about a school librarian's thoughts and experiences about GLOW (Scotland's national intranet for education) entitled Get Glowing which makes interesting reading about the issues she is facing also her experience on an introductory presentation on GLOW to the staff at her school. Jen's other thoughts and activities also make for interesting reading including the Visible Thinking project she is involved in. Some great work going on here both in an information literacy sense, individually and collaboratively.

A case of watch this space, get the thought process working and share ideas and thoughts.

Librarians should get out there ... and start knocking on doors

Brilliant article about school librarians in TESS includes our very own Ian McCracken, Govan High who is a project partner and on our project advisory group. Article also includes quotes / case studies from other activists in the field: Duncan Wright, convener of the School Library Association (Scotland) and librarian at Stewart Melville's College; Wendy Pieroni, learning resource co-ordinator at Blairgowrie High in Perth and Kinross; Mary Sherriffs, Pitlochry High's librarian; and Ayr Academy librarian Heather Stewart.

Douglas Blane reports:
School libraries and the people who run them can play a central role in A Curriculum for Excellence, inspiring new initiatives and pulling various departments together.

I would certainly endorse that and have been saying so for quite some time. Advocacy at its best.

Read the full artilce 'Librarians should get out there ... and start knocking on doors'