In this blog we’ll be looking at what today’s school libraries contribute to the schools they are a part of, the impact they have on pupils and where they’re going in the future.
Our first school is Rugby School, Rugby. SLA CEO, Alison Tarrant, spoke to Gareth Parker-Jones, the Head teacher, and then Haylee Kimberley-Taylor, their librarian.
What does school library provision at Rugby School currently look like?
There is a 19th century building, holding over 22,000 books, called the Temple Reading Room. It is run by a brilliant team of librarians, led by Haylee Kimberley-Taylor. In terms of the space, there is a range of areas for different use – including both collaborative and silent work. Jenny Hunt is our Archivist, and provides a wealth of information.
Led by Haylee, the library team have done a great job of modernizing the offer, which now includes a wealth of e-resources, and have really created a library at the heart of the school. They also take the library out to departments or houses to make sure everyone is supported – including staff.
What impact does your school library have?
Haylee has been at the forefront of creating a place where pupils want to be. She’s provided a sense of belonging, which appeals to children.
In academic terms, the library makes a huge contribution to literacy that is vital for ensuring success beyond a pupil’s time at Rugby School. We want to enable pupils to work beyond the level of AI – and reading and engaging with texts is central to that. It provides a counterbalance to the snippets, headlines and news flashes we all encounter across our culture. There is a good amount of preparation required ahead of lessons – a lot of which is reading – and the library leads on suggesting these resources.
There is specific work done by the library in terms of delivering information literacy, primarily at two key stages (Year 9 and Year 12), as well as bespoke times throughout the years. This is led by the IB/EPQ curriculum.
Can you tell us a bit about the future of the library?
We are planning a significant investment in the library and a re-working of the space. The aim is to create more space and bring the garden into the library. The plans achieve this, as well as keeping the different spaces for different types of work – downstairs will be collaborative, the upstairs will have flexible rooms which can be used for seminars or groups, and the mezzanine floor will provide space for silent study. This flexibility is key, as the building will embody our diverse approach to teaching and learning.
Why are you investing in the library over other areas of the school?
Why not?! We are lucky to have the resources; it’s a tragedy that not all schools can invest in their school library.
Fundamentally, there are a few specific reasons which add to why the library was prioritised, over and above its impact and contribution to teaching and learning. Firstly, it’s very visible – literally at the centre of the school campus. Secondly, all students benefit – it’s a physical manifestation of our approach to learning. And finally, the development will allow it to modernize further and develop the use of technology within the library.
What are the indicators of a good school library?
Firstly, do the pupils want to be there? They have a choice of places to work – are they choosing the library?
Secondly, the quality of staff is central. We’re lucky to have a team of skilled and trained staff – and Haylee particularly has made the most of the opportunities. There has to be a person at the heart of it.
What do you think the role of school libraries will be in the future?
I am a believer in an IB programme, and school libraries are an important part of that. There’s a lot of discussion about the future of education; for me there's no point in re-creating something new for the sake of it when there’s good solutions already available.
School libraries should be able to support research and inquiry as well as the discovery and joy of reading. We need trained staff and good libraries, and if school leaders can, I really encourage spending in this area.
The role of school libraries is important in ensuring access to books and resources. I have very fond memories of my local public library, and being taken there by my parents. Not all children have that option. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a school and public library for every child…
Talking to Haylee, I wanted to know what she was focusing on for the term ahead.
Space management is key – we’re already filling up in the evening and don’t have space for all the pupils that wish to use our space and service, so managing that is the first priority. Longer term I’d like to focus on our e-resources and ensure they’re being used as much as possible. It’s always positive to remind teachers of what we have as they can be so helpful to pupils.
It’s exciting to activate displays in the library, build that engagement and create real moments for the pupils.
And the weeding - It’s an ongoing job! This term we’ll also be doing a stock take to make sure our records are accurate. It’s tricky doing it while pupils are still borrowing, but it’s worth it.
While not every school can provide some of the elements which make up the library at Rugby School, the passion and professionalism shown by Haylee and her team, alongside the vision and support from Gareth, make it a powerful learning force in the school.
I look forward to checking in with them next year!
The School Library Association (SLA) is a charity which supports schools develop their school library, establish a reading culture and deliver independent learning skills. We believe that all schools should have their own (or shared) staffed library to help all children and young people fulfil their potential. To support our work please donate here.