Library Program
A good library program begins with a good understanding about the curriculum followed at the school. Library mission is to give direction to the library program of an ICSE, SSC, CBSE or International School. An enriching library curriculum becomes a tool to integrate the skills and knowledge to build on student learning.
Progressive schools and progressive librarians are evolving as teacher - librarians, media-specialist or information coaches. Teaching relevant skills to support student learning, perking their curiosity while maintaining an open-minded outlook for discussions and learning.
Library program aims at reinforcing literacy, life-long learning and support student achievements in all realms of education.
The library program must emphatically:
Support all users.
Provide relevant and updated resources.
Provide opportunities for students to give wings to their curiosity and explore more through the skills taught during the library sessions.
Students must be able to explore print as well as digital resources to quench their enthusiasm for learning.
Librarians teach all forms of literacy thereby helping students become meta-literate.
The four areas that Librarians usually support and reinforce student learning are: Reading & writing, Information Literacy, Media Literacy & Research based learning integrating technology tools.
Library Guidelines
Library Weeding Policy
Tran-disciplinary Skills or 21st Century Skills
Thinking Skills
(Acquiring knowledge, comprehending, application of information, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, dialectical thought and metacognition)
Social Skills
(Learning responsibility, respecting others, cooperating, resolving conflict, group-decision making.)
Communication Skills
(Listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, presenting using visual and digital products)
Self-Management Skills
(Gross motor skills, fine-motor skills, spatial awareness, organization, time management, safety, healthy lifestyle, codes of behaviour and informed choices.)
Research Skills
(Formulating questions, observing, planning, collecting, organising and interpreting data and presenting research findings)
Instructional Strategies, Rigor & Best Practices
Librarians support reading, writing, literature, information and media skills. It is essential to integrate them into the mainstream curriculum taught at the school.
When librarians conduct lessons, instructions must be varied, giving opportunities for students to collaborate (work in pairs/groups), work independently, communicate & create (writing, presentation, blogs, infographics, video, memes and others).
Our world is evolving, and relevant content is the need of the hour. Therefore, librarians must ensure that lessons should focus on skills rather than content for students to thrive and adapt to the changing world. Content is the vehicle, and skills are the fuel for the vehicle to move forward. Therefore, students need to be taught necessary skills and help them navigate through the world of information safely and ethically.
The best learning happens when the teaching instructions are relevant and meaningful. The best model of education occurs when
There is a life-long impact
There is a sense of accomplishment in self-growth
It is remarkable and comprehensive
Research process leads to problem-solving solutions/strategies
There is a social-emotional and ethical impact
Cultural understanding and respect towards the varied ethnicity
School librarians can significantly support student learning when they collaborate with teachers on the content or use the skills to help students master their path of learning.