Wednesday 20 June 2012

Ponteland High School Library visit

This week I visited Ponteland High School Library. The visit was arranged by Jackie Dunn, Assistant Librarian, Robinson Library and Anne-Marie Laws, Librarian/Learning Resources Centre Manager, Ponteland High School. The aim of the visit was to give us an awareness of the kind of facilities school libraries have. I thought this would be useful as I’ve just registered for Chartership and having worked in an academic library for over ten years I think I need to increase my awareness of the wider library profession.

When we arrived at the school we were met by sixth form students who gave us a tour of the school. They were very enthusiastic and obviously very proud of their school. As I was last in a school more years ago than I care to remember I could see that things have changed a lot since then! There seem to be a wider range of subjects on offer to cater for all types of students and opportunities to go on a variety of educational trips. Despite this I still would not want to be back at school!

After the tour we were met by the Anne-Marie who had even gone to the trouble of baking a cake for our visit! (It was delicious). Then we had the opportunity to talk to her about her role. As with most school libraries, she is the sole librarian, supported only by student library assistants.  I was surprised to find that she works with a very limited budget which would only buy a handful of books in the Robinson Library. Because of this she can only buy books for a couple of subjects each year.  Also, it seems that a school librarian has to be to be a jack of all trades: some of Anne-Marie’s additional duties included selling school uniforms and invigilating exams. However like a lot of libraries I don’t think the library or librarian get the recognition they deserve.  

We also talked about Chartership. As I have just registered I was keen to talk to somebody who had gone through it and come out the other side.  Both Annie-Marie and Jackie were happy to answer my questions and I felt less daunted and more reassured about the task ahead.

Following our chat we had a chance to look around the library. As you might expect, the library was small but I think Anne-Marie is creative and has done a very good job with the limited space and resources she has. Most of the books are available for loan and she provides a wide range of information resources ranging from books (popular fiction and classics, non-fiction and reference) to magazines and videos. I could see similarities and differences between the school library and academic library; for instance both use the Dewey Decimal classification system and the library is seen by students as a place to use the computer facilities.  

I found the visit very interesting and informative. Having no knowledge or experience of working in a school library I think it gave me an insight into an area I knew little about. However, while I can see the positive side of being your own boss as she is, I think I prefer working in a team and being able to confer with colleagues if I need to.  The visit has made me appreciate the facilities and staff we have at the Robinson Library much more.  Anne-Marie has kindly offered to show us ‘A day in the life of a School Librarian’ which I may consider at some point.  Thanks again to Jackie and Anne-Marie for organising the visit.


Friday 1 June 2012

Chartership: the beginning

Although  my job doesn’t require me to be chartered, it’s something I’d always assumed I’d do at some point after completing my MA. Now though my current job is only a secondment, I think it’s focussed my mind a bit more on what I’d like to do in the future. So after some procrastination, I’ve finally decide to go for it!  I’ve filled in and posted my registration form and emailed a potential mentor: there’s no changing my mind now! I’m going to try and use this blog as way to chart my progress (or otherwise) through the chartership process