Successful Primary School Libraries in Challenging Circumstances

Abstract

This article describes a research project, funded by Booktrust, into factors which contribute to successful primary school libraries. The research involved six case studies of primary school libraries which had proved successful in challenging circumstances. Such challenges might include lack of space, poor resourcing or deprived school catchment areas. Evidence was collected through visits, during which semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff across the schools - principally those with a close involvement or interest in the library, together with a survey of the pupils of each school being visited. The schools included a variety of library models and types of school - both urban and rural schools of varying sizes. Each school in the study faces a range of challenges in terms of providing a good library service to children. The study found a range of factors important for a successful library. These included: ensuring the commitment of both senior staff and library staff; involving children in the development and day-to-day running of the library; integrating the library into the school and encouraging collaboration between library staff and teachers; maximising the opening hours of the library; making innovative use of space; ensuring the availability of resources to provide a wide range of good quality stock, and using evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of the library.