Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on Contributors
- Foreword
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 The Role of the Library and Librarian within the School
- 2 The Library Environment
- 3 Behaviour: Creating a Calm Working Environment
- 4 Creating a Reading Rich Environment
- 5 Information Literacy and Digital Literacy
- 6 Using Technology to Enhance the Library Experience
- 7 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the School Library
- 8 Advocacy, Marketing and Evaluating your Library
- 9 The Primary School Library
- 10 Moving On: CPD and Qualifications
- References
- Appendices
- Index
6 - Using Technology to Enhance the Library Experience
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 November 2022
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on Contributors
- Foreword
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 The Role of the Library and Librarian within the School
- 2 The Library Environment
- 3 Behaviour: Creating a Calm Working Environment
- 4 Creating a Reading Rich Environment
- 5 Information Literacy and Digital Literacy
- 6 Using Technology to Enhance the Library Experience
- 7 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the School Library
- 8 Advocacy, Marketing and Evaluating your Library
- 9 The Primary School Library
- 10 Moving On: CPD and Qualifications
- References
- Appendices
- Index
Summary
Introduction
This chapter deals with the basic technology tools you can use to showcase your library to others. It will also inform you about the role that e-books and online resources can play in your library and what you should look for when choosing the best fit for your school. Remember, it is not only the students who need to know about your library; the parents, teachers and governors can also have a positive influence on your service. Furthermore, using technology can be a great way to connect with authors and publishers.
The library website
Your website is how you show off your library to the outside world, as well as internally to your school. Your library can appear in several different places – on the school website, on the school intranet pages and on your library management system (LMS), if you are hosted online.
One of the first things to establish is whether the school library is mentioned on the school website. If it isn’t, then make it your priority to ensure that it can be found there. The library is a major investment for any school and they should be championing the work that you do. Placement is also important – it should be in the curriculum area, not tucked away with sports facilities.
When writing about the school library for the website, make sure you emphasise all the good things you do – author visits, competitions and reading awards, etc. But make it generic – you don't want to have to change the script every year. Ensure that your name is on the entry as well, so parents or other enquirers know who to ask for. And if you have an online LMS then include the link there too. Other information you may find usefu are opening times, how many items can be borrowed and for how long, and whether the library is open before and after school.
If you have a school intranet then, again, it is important that the library has pages there too. Don't worry if you can't design them yourself, ask for help from the IT department or have a look at other departments’ pages and find the one you would most like to imitate.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Creating a School Library with ImpactA Beginner's Guide, pp. 87 - 96Publisher: FacetPrint publication year: 2022