LYNN BARRETT
- Formerly of Dixons CTC, Bradford, West Yorkshire
All of you in the work that you do as school librarians are only too well aware that you are dependent on others for the strides forward that you take and any progress you are able to make. For literally thousands of school librarians in the UK and internationally Lynn has been the inspiration and the impetus for their own strides forward and progress, their catalyst for action.
Growing up in California Lynn joined the local circus and can have had little idea of how important highflying and juggling skills were to prove in her future career as a lively school librarian and influential trainer – having to be all things to all people, both instructor and entertainer.
Lynn’s career in school libraries has taken her from Oregon to Athens to Saudi Arabia but she still vividly remembers the excitement of first being appointed to Dixons City Academy in Bradford because she knew she would learn so much there. She developed the library from scratch, transforming it not only into a real force for learning, driving forward the curriculum, but also making it a welcoming place which her students, queuing outside the door eager to be let in each day, describe as “better than home”. Anyone who visited Dixons library could not help but be amazed, as Ofsted Inspectors were, by the “wealth and depth of activity going on”, the seamless integration of resources, the striking displays, the enthusiasm of the pupils for learning, their independence, the constant buzz of booktalk – and the tidy desk!
Lynn is a human dynamo, fizzing with energy, enthusiasm, practical ideas,
a passion for learning and huge determination. Developing an in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning and of the current educational agenda she gradually opened up a dialogue with teachers at Dixons City Academy, working in partnership with them to develop an impressive and progressive programme for the teaching and learning of information literacy skills for all which won a National Training Award for an exemplary initiative that made a real difference to teachers and students. This innovative programme was picked up too by the DfES for use in the national KS3 School Libraries training. Video clips of Lynn working directly with KS3 students and teachers capture her enthusiasm and understanding of information literacy skills perfectly and have inspired countless librarians and teachers.
As a trainer Lynn is exemplary. Understanding only too well the challenges of school librarianship she generously shares her ideas and resources, is approachable, unassuming, witty and a huge motivator. Lynn’s own quiet confidence encourages delegates to aim higher and rekindles their enthusiasm. No-one ever came away from one of Lynn’s courses without believing “I can do that” and armed with a comprehensive pack of materials to get started. And everyone knew that Lynn was only an e-mail away when extra encouragement or information was needed. No wonder then that Lynn was instrumental in developing and delivering the New Opportunities Fund ICT training and continues to be in such constant demand from SLG, SLA, SfE and local authorities up and down the country even after her retirement.
Lynn’s vision, articulacy and passionate belief in the power and potential of school librarians to make a difference to student achievement led to her serving as Chair of the CILIP School Libraries Group and editing the current, very user-friendly, edition of the CILIP Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries (which deserves to be on every school librarians bookshelf). Well respected by school librarians and leading educationalists alike Lynn was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by CILIP in 2003 for her work for school libraries in the UK.
Lynn’s ambition when she started at Dixons City Academy was to leave it better off than she found it. This she undoubtedly achieved as well as improving thousands of other school libraries through the work of those with whom she has come into contact and inspired – often without knowing it. Through her example, in-depth knowledge and experience she has also left school librarianship much better off. Nationally the profile of school libraries is being raised and recognised by the educational establishment as an important factor in student achievement. Ofsted also now recognise the importance of senior management support, collaboration with teaching staff and student involvement as essential key factors in effective school libraries. Lynn’s tireless hard work and superb professionalism have undoubtedly been fundamental in bringing about this change.
“Lynn always makes you think!” commented a teacher at Dixons City Academy. A consummate professional, for whom school librarianship always seemed a vocation and never a job, Lynn also makes you realise every time you talk to her why school librarians do what they do and why they matter.
