As far as our lack of a library is concerned, we hope to present a compelling case that all pupils’ needs are more than adequately met. Firstly, as a school we do unquestionably recognise and embrace the importance of reading. The College is certainly not a ‘book-free zone’, with every academic department possessing its own store of relevant texts. The English department is fully stocked with a wide range of reading books, available for pupils at all times. Furthermore, the College has invested in an e-library; a large collection of titles available to download for access on any device. Pupils are encouraged to engage in reading inside and outside of the classroom. The decision of whether to use books or an e-reader is left to the pupils who all have their own personal preferences. Indeed, there are often dedicated reading lessons and our Year 7 and Year 8 boys are currently taking part in a Readathon – the UK’s sponsored reading initiative for schools.
After gaining approval from governors that a library should be included as part of our new John Turner Building, we were faced with the task of devising a ‘library’ for contemporary times. Last year, we asked departments for a list of tomes which the proposed library should stock. After gauging the opinions of pupils as well, it became clear that many of the books we had decided to stock were available electronically, and not just in a readable format but in a system which allows annotations to be added and shared. It soon became clear that a traditional library was not the solution which would best serve pupils who would be entering further education and searching for employment in 2020 and beyond.
Thus we researched, questioned and collaborated with academic institutions and concluded that we needed an environment in which pupils could find information which they could not ordinarily obtain. Of course, teenagers can usually navigate their way around using Google and Wikipedia, but we would argue that teaching them how to access and use more sophisticated online resources to aid learning is becoming progressively more important than using a library. Whilst universities do still hold books, even Russell Group institutions are embracing the digital age. There is a clear movement towards online resources, with many prestigious journals, such as the British Medical Journal, now publicising a number of articles exclusively online.
The new building provided an opportunity to create something better than a library. The new study centre will contain a variety of learning resources, including tablets, a small number of laptops and books. Whilst it will not be labelled as a library, there will be several bookcases full of hardbacks and paperbacks for pupils to enjoy. A digital librarian (job title to be defined) with the required expertise will be employed to allow pupils to make the most out of the facility. They will be directed towards the most suitable resources to assist their learning. Furthermore, the above discussion correctly identified the need for a ‘place for quiet’ and a ‘place to think’ in a school. The study centre will contain several different areas designed for quiet independent thought and study, as well as sections for group work and collaboration. Complete with numerous exciting modern features, including a glass cube thinking space, the new centre will be a place of refuge for pupils, but most importantly a popular place which is visited eagerly at every opportunity. Creating an environment where the children really want to be will generate a widespread enthusiasm for literature and learning that a traditional library may not achieve.
There can be no doubt that we are in the midst of a digital revolution. Our job as staff is to ensure we use digital media as a tool to enhance our teaching: it will never replace it. When investing £4.2m in a new building, it was our responsibility to ensure that as well as meeting pupils’ needs today; we must also be able to meet the needs of pupils for decades to come.
Whilst not addressing any posts individually, we hope that all discussed topics have been covered. We continue to strive to improve the overall experience which pupils receive here at Shiplake College. If you have further queries, or wish to discuss any of the points further, please do not hesitate to get in touch ([email protected]).
Kind regards,
Shiplake College
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at this. It is the fourth senior school we've visited and the first without a library. All the other schools had at least one library and some also had small libraries in the boarding houses. I'm not sure what to make of a school without a library. I appreciate that technology is important and I love my Kindle for fiction but I still prefer to read proper non-fiction books, actual real books rather than on line. Am I just old or do others think it is a bit odd?
So sad, and so very short-sighted to think IT is the answer to all our needs. What a missed opportunity to design a fantastic all-encompassing 21st century library, like the brand new Birmingham Central, which funnily enough has one million books in it... hmm...