School Library Staff Research Articles

Genrefication in Secondary School Libraries

Most school libraries organize fiction books alphabetically by an author’s last name. In order for a student to find and compare potential fiction reading material, the traditional school library model would have the student either search the library system for the topic and then go from stack to stack looking for books about the topic from any number of locations or seek advice from school library staff who would direct the student to potential titles as part of a reader’s advisory. In an effort to make fiction book selection easier for students, some school librarians have turned to genrefied fiction collections. However, there are many school librarians who feel that organizing fiction books by genre first rather than author’s last name creates more problems than it solves. This paper will explore the history behind genrefication, discuss the Paradox of Choice and patron browsing habits, and present the modern debate regarding genrefication of fiction books in school libraries.

Library Service Management to Enhance Students' Reading Interest at State Senior High School 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency

Library service management is the process of optimizing the contribution of human resources, materials, and budget to achieve the goals of the library or library management process based on management principles and theories. Meanwhile, reading interest is the ability to read and encourages the growth of reading culture and habits. Through reading, students can broaden their insights, sharpen their ideas, and enhance creativity. This research aims to explore the planning, implementation, and assessment of library service activities at State Senior High School 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method. Data collection is conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. The primary data sources for the research are interviews with the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students. Secondary data consists of documents related to library service management in enhancing students' reading interest at State Senior High School 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and checking data validity by comparing interview data with the research object. The results of the research show that library service management in enhancing reading interest at State Senior High School 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency, is well-established. The planning activities begin with meetings attended by the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students. The implementation of library services is carried out by two library staff members with their respective schedules and is supervised by the library head. Assessment is conducted for the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students.

The Role of Libraries and Special School Library Staff in the Implementation of the School Literacy Movement (GLS) for Blind Students

The Role of Libraries and Special School Library Staff in the Implementation of the School Literacy Movement (GLS) for Blind Students

Revitalisasi Kecakapan Literasi Informasi Pustakawan Sekolah Melalui Pelatihan Operator GScholar Advanced Search

Purpose: School librarians, although proficient in various search engines, often face challenges in effectively accessing and utilizing resources, particularly the members of the Lampung Province Indonesian School Library Staff Association (Asosiasi Tenaga Perpustakaan Sekolah Indonesia/ATPUSI). The core aim of this project is to enhance the efficient and productive use of global technology. Methodology: Google Scholar (GScholar) Advanced Search Operators Technology Training was introduced as a community service activity to boost ATPUSI members’ information literacy skills. This involved active participation in Focus Group Discussions and offering instructional resources on how to use Google Scholar technology effectively. The service was executed in July 2023, incorporating teaching methods, such as lectures, question-response interactions, and specific evaluation methodologies. To gauge the comprehension level, an evaluation was conducted using pre-set questionnaires in both pre-test and post-test formats. Results: The outcome of this service shows an improvement in the perception and efficiency of school librarians regarding the use of advanced search operators for information retrieval. In addition, there seems to be increased awareness and understanding of the significance of precise information in promoting the growth of information literacy skills among beneficiaries. Limitations: The training was tailored for ATPUSI members; therefore, generalizing the results to other school librarians or regions requires caution. Additionally, unmentioned factors such as librarians' technological infrastructure, prior experience with similar tools, and ongoing professional development could have affected the outcomes. Contributions: Community services improved the information literacy skills of ATPUSI members. This outcome is important because it shows the progress in information literacy in education. The training program equips librarians with access to and leverage reliable information sources effectively.

Management in Enhancing Students' Reading Interest at SMA Negeri 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency


 
 
 Service management is the process of optimizing human contributions, materials, and budgets to achieve the goals of a library or library management process based on management principles and theories. On the other hand, reading interest refers to the ability to read and promote a reading culture and reading habits. Through reading, students can broaden their horizons, sharpen their ideas, and enhance their creativity. This study aims to explore the planning, implementation, and evaluation of library service activities at SMA Negeri 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency. This research is a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The primary data sources of the study were interviews with the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students. The secondary data consisted of documents related to library service management in enhancing students' reading interest at SMA Negeri 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency. Data analysis techniques included data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and data validity checking by comparing interview data with the research objects. The results of the study showed that library service management in enhancing reading interest at SMA Negeri 1 Secanggang, Langkat Regency, was functioning well. The planning activities started with a meeting attended by the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students. The library service implementation was carried out by two library staff members who had their respective schedules and were supervised by the library head. Evaluation was conducted on the school principal, library head, library staff, teachers, and students.
 
 

Assessing the Capacity of Public and School Libraries toward the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4

The objective of this study is to investigate the capacity of public and school libraries towards the achievement of SDG4. Using data collected from school and public library staff, head teachers and education officers in Zanzibar, the study examined the level of awareness of SDG4 among library staff, library human and physical resources capacity and the effectiveness of library programs in promoting lifelong learning. The study used a cross-sectional design, whereas a mixed approach through a convergence method was used to collect, analyze and interpret data. A non-probability sampling under purposive sampling techniques was applied to select respondents for this study. Primary data was collected through a survey method using a structured standardized questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 100 library staff filled out questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with 42 respondents while 18 were involved in focus group discussions. The study revealed that public and school libraries provided common traditional services like book circulation and reference services, but their contribution did not correlate with the efforts needed to promote lifelong learning in the modern era. The libraries were faced with several challenges including inadequate budget and a lack of policy and strategies for the implementation of lifelong learning targets. The study recommends that the education authorities should address and prioritize the agenda of lifelong learning by improving the capacity of public and school libraries, while a national-wide library campaign toward the promotion of lifelong learning should be introduced with the involvement of public and school libraries.

Responding to the Lifelong Learning Targets: collaborative Efforts of Public and School Libraries

This study aims to examine the collaborative efforts of public and school libraries to implement lifelong learning targets. Using data collected from school and public library staff, head teachers and education officers in Zanzibar, this study seeks to obtain opinions regarding public library support provided to school libraries, types of collaborative programs that public and school libraries engaged in to attain lifelong learning targets, and the effectiveness of library joint programs in promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The study used a cross-sectional design, whereas a mixed approach through the convergence method was used to collect, analyze and interpret data. A non-probability sampling under purposive sampling techniques was applied to select respondents for this study. Primary data was collected through a survey method using a structured standardized questionnaire, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 36 public library staff and 94 school library staff filled out questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with 42 respondents while 18 respondents were involved in focus group discussions. Findings revealed the existence of collaborative efforts between public libraries and school libraries. However, there were neither collaborative plans nor assessment and evaluation strategies, thus, the program’s implementation did not guarantee the effective promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. The study recommends that the education authorities should address and prioritize the agenda of lifelong learning by introducing a national-wide library collaboration campaign toward the implementation of SDG 4 targets along with the improvement of public and school libraries’ capacity in terms of staff and resources.

Redefining School Libraries for the Digital Age: Developing Comprehensive Digital Collection Strategies

This study aims to analyze the strategy for developing digital collections in school libraries. The method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The research was conducted at the Widura Library of Vocational High School 3 Yogyakarta. The study involved three informants, consisting of the head librarian and school library staff. The results show that the school library already has a digital collection as part of its development. The process of developing digital collections in school libraries includes analyzing user needs, mapping digital collection sources, and evaluating development. The development of digital collections is still limited to obtaining electronic school book collections from the Ministry of Education. Some strategies that can be implemented by school libraries include collaborating with other libraries and downloading digital collections that are available for free from digital collection providers.

Building P-16 librarian collaborations through a free professional development workshop

Academic librarians often provide information literacy instruction to first-year students while having little contextual understanding of the preparation students received prior to college. To gain this understanding, an annual free professional development workshop was developed to network and improve collaboration between academic librarians and high school library faculty and staff. This article describes the process of planning, hosting, and evaluating outcomes of three annual workshops, as well as discussing the evolving collaborations between librarians at all educational levels for student success.

PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN LITERASI DIGITAL GURU NON-FORMAL DENGAN PEMANFAATAN MEDIA HAND PUPPET DALAM DONGENG

The development of information technology and the internet affect the abundance of digital information flows. This reflection also indicates that students in Indonesia, who are the digital native generation, have a strong dependence on the internet. In addition, the weak information literacy that plagues educators affects unattractive learning and the quality of students is not adaptable. Therefore, teachers as educators and school library staff as educational staff are required to be competent incapable of information literacy so that they can teach digital literacy continuously. The method in this study uses a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, which is located at Al-Jannah Jambon KB/TK, Pakis District, Malang Regency. The purpose of this literacy improvement training is to improve teachers' understanding and abilities related to digital literacy competencies, provide insight into alternative learning methods that can be used using technology, improve teacher skills in making interactive learning media to build classroom activity. The PAR results show that with the digital literacy workshop on hand puppets, these non-formal teachers feel helped in their efforts to improve digital literacy. On the other hand, teachers also find it easier to be creative.

Shelftalkers: Empowering Student Voice

This paper will describe a new initiative of the School Library Association of Victoria. Shelftalkers is a website that publishes 100-word student reviews of texts they are reading or have been sent by arrangement with publishers for review. The process is facilitated by the school library and is open to students of any age. The project aims to give students a voice, give school library staff and publishers an insight into student views, and allows participating school libraries to be central players in the literacy development and reading culture of their respective schools.

Meeting Diverse Information Needs: Students with Disabilities

This paper presents the results of a four-year study conducted in primary and secondary schools from all sectors in two Australian states, Victoria and New South Wales. The study investigated the impact of inclusive schooling on the provision of library and information services to students with disabilities. The methodology used in the study incorporated both survey and case study. Empirical data collected by survey concentrated particularly on the current level of service provision to students with disabilities, whilst case study investigations also looked at management factors. The focus was on the relationship between the school library staff and the special education staff, and the effect this had on school library provision and the acquisition of information skills by students with disabilities. The discussion includes the level of service provision to students with disabilities, as well as the managerial approach of teacher-librarians and their awareness of appropriate resources, teaching approaches and technology.

Real World Research - Using Collaboration between Researcher and Practitioner to Maximize Research Outcomes

This paper focuses on the relationship between researcher and practitioner, and discusses the mutual benefits to each. Janet Murray's doctoral research used case study as a primary research technique. One of the case study schools was Essendon Keilor College in Victoria, where Barbara Bugg was then Head of Curriculum Resources. Both authors realised the benefits of working together and felt that it was important to communicate to others how the process worked. The paper will discuss the factors that contributed to the development of an excellent working relationship between the research team and the school library staff. Methods of effective communication, provision of feedback and dissemination of research results throughout the school are also described.

Communicating across cultures

The arrival of increasing numbers of refugees and immigrants has caused large increases in multicultural school populations. This interdisciplinary paper describes an ongoing study which began in 2012, discussing the role of the school library in multicultural, multilingual school communities and offering suggestions about how the school library could become a multicultural learning environment. It provides information to help school library staff to look closely at these issues and to provide help and useful suggestions to the entire school community. The prime objective is to help the school community to safely and constructively deal with the dynamics of a multi-cultural society, using the school library as a base. Safe facilitation requires “trained” leaders from the school community. An e-learning program for school librarians is being adapted for this purpose.

Revisiting Collaboration Within and Beyond the School Library: New Ways of Measuring Effectiveness

Collaboration in school libraries can be viewed as a supportive and respectful working relationship between participants involved in developing, planning and creating learning opportunities and experiences, as well as to ensure optimal use of the school library resource. While strong collaboration between school library staff and teachers and leadership beyond the school library is a key goal of school libraries, actual levels of collaboration may be lower than desired. There is a paucity of recent research that captures factors relevant to effective collaboration from current and diverse contexts, and limited consideration of how these factors can contribute to measures of effectiveness for school libraries. This article proposes possible measures of effectiveness and a pragmatic research plan that can build the evidence-base for the practice of collaboration both within and beyond the library.

Building a Vibrant Future for School Librarians through Online Conversations for Professional Development

Technology and social media platforms are driving an unprecedented reorganization of the learning environment in and beyond schools around the world. Technology provides us leadership challenges, and at the same time offers opportunities for communication and learning through technology channels to support professional development. School librarians and teacher librarians are often working as the sole information practitioner in their school, and need to stay in touch with others beyond their own school to develop their personal professional capacity to lead within their school. The Australian Teacher Librarian Network aims to make a difference, and supports school library staff in Australia and around the world to build professional networks and personal learning connections, offering an open and free exchange of ideas, strategies and resources to build collegiality. This ongoing professional conversation through online and social media channels is an important way to connect, communicate and collaborate in building a vibrant future for school librarians.

Professional development of school library staff in Trinidad and Tobago

Using a qualitative case study approach, this study explored the impact of participation in a virtual community of practice on the professional development of secondary school library staff in Trinidad and Tobago. Participants engaged in forum discussions, Web meetings, and online collaborative problem solving over a 12-week period. Preliminary findings suggest that participation in a virtual community of practice impacted participants in four areas: technical, social, cognitive, and tangible. School library practitioners and administrators could use this research to help them develop an informal ongoing professional development program.

School Library Team

In New Zealand school libraries, the nature of educational activities performed by school library staff is unclear. Three parallel case studies were conducted to explore the actual work of school library team members. Ways of working with teachers and each other were explored in interviews and focus groups and the characteristics of information service provision were compared with those reflected in the wider literature. While many practices were affirmed for their positive influence on teaching and learning, areas for further development were identified. These are discussed in terms of creating change and strengthening learning outcomes.

A Study of School Library Staff in Florida, United States of America

A Study of School Library Staff in Florida, United States of America

The Correlation between Academic Ability and Scientific Skills in The Selection of Outstanding School Library Staff

Selection of outstanding school librarians due to increased information literacy has an impact on student achievement but in the implementation of the scientific skills assessment some participants do not understand the testing standards and have difficulty interpreting the principles of the measured test. The research objective was to examine the relationship between academic ability and scientific skills. Respondents amounted to 35 school library staff using purposive sampling. Validity and reliability were analyzed from the highest assessment of each level of education based on the top three rankings using the Spearman rank correlation. The results showed a significant relationship between academic ability and scientific skills of outstanding school library staff with ρ value = 0.784 and ρ table at α = 5% was 0.683. That is, high academic ability results in an increase in the scientific skills of outstanding school librarians. This research has implications for maintaining the professional balance of library personnel who are integrated with technological developments that have a positive impact on schools in dealing with the transition to electronic-based systems.