The SPL is offering schools and colleges a chance to get a copy of ‘Ghosts of War – A History of World War 1 in Poetry and Prose’ for their library.
Author Andrew Ferguson has kindly donated 100 copies of the book and postal costs with the wish that they be distributed to school and college libraries throughout Scotland.
‘Ghosts of War – A History of World War 1 in Poetry and Prose’ is published by the History Press, it includes a special emphasis on the contribution of Scottish war poets. It has a forward written by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, which states: ‘I commend ‘Ghosts of War’ as essential reading for all those who have an interest in the First World War and its poetry, and in particular for those who respect and honour the Scottish contribution’.
If you would like a copy please send the school's contact name and address to Rose Harrison, Learning Co-Ordinator - rose.harrison(at)spl.org.uk
NB: There are 100 copies of the book available to distribute to school libraries across Scotland and the books will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those that drop Rose a line.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
High School of Dundee - Library Assistant post, part-time
Iona McFarlane the School Librarian at the High School of Dundee has asked us to share this advert.
The job is a one day Library Assistant post mostly based on the city centre campus. We have a very busy timetable and the post holder would help a range of classes in our Junior and Senior school as well as leading a storytime in our nursery (on our Mayfield Campus).
For more details please go to https://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/about/working_for_the_school/library_assistant_part-time
Iona is thinking that someone who is looking to keep their hand in in Libraries might be interested so please share far and wide!
The job is a one day Library Assistant post mostly based on the city centre campus. We have a very busy timetable and the post holder would help a range of classes in our Junior and Senior school as well as leading a storytime in our nursery (on our Mayfield Campus).
For more details please go to https://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/about/working_for_the_school/library_assistant_part-time
Iona is thinking that someone who is looking to keep their hand in in Libraries might be interested so please share far and wide!
Tuesday, 17 October 2017
Impact Evaluation and the School Library
Dr. Carolynn Rankin joined us for a day focusing on impact evaluation. While this may not be the sexiest of topics it is certainly one of the most relevant for our sector following the launch of the How Good is Our School Library? framework the week before.
The day was stimulating and inspiring not least because of the way Carolynn presented. While powerpoints were present, she encouraged us not to take notes instead sending us detailed notes after the event. There was a lot of time given to group discussion, personal reflection and ample opportunity for movement. I really liked the way she made us talk with different people and work in different groups (usually through some mechanism like coloured dot matching) it meant that we had the chance to speak to everyone there and hear a wide variety of ideas and experiences.
As is to be expected from a School Librarian meet up many of the issues and challenges we had were echoed among the group. Things like how to get Senior Management/ teachers and wider stakeholders to see the value - both of the library and of us, the trained professional running it. While many of us are hopeful the new HGIOS Library framework will help those involved see the value, a lot of it requires evidence. Something that isn't always the easiest thing to collect given nature of our jobs.
For me the days big takeaways were:
Doing all this is easier said than done, but tools and resources already exist to help us do just that and making use of this is key. Some of those suggested were:
Even the venue provided plenty of inspiration as a number of us oohed and ahead over the very pretty book jacket bunting that Helen and Sarah had on display. Many thanks to them and Perth High School for hosting us for the day.
The day was stimulating and inspiring not least because of the way Carolynn presented. While powerpoints were present, she encouraged us not to take notes instead sending us detailed notes after the event. There was a lot of time given to group discussion, personal reflection and ample opportunity for movement. I really liked the way she made us talk with different people and work in different groups (usually through some mechanism like coloured dot matching) it meant that we had the chance to speak to everyone there and hear a wide variety of ideas and experiences.
As is to be expected from a School Librarian meet up many of the issues and challenges we had were echoed among the group. Things like how to get Senior Management/ teachers and wider stakeholders to see the value - both of the library and of us, the trained professional running it. While many of us are hopeful the new HGIOS Library framework will help those involved see the value, a lot of it requires evidence. Something that isn't always the easiest thing to collect given nature of our jobs.
For me the days big takeaways were:
- Plan the evaluation/ evidence gathering at the start - what proof do you need? how are you gonna get it?
- Focus - who are your stakeholders? if different who are you targeting with the evidence - what do they want to see?
- You don't need to do it all in one go, break it down and focus on a particular group or activity or even a question.
Doing all this is easier said than done, but tools and resources already exist to help us do just that and making use of this is key. Some of those suggested were:
- CILIP Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) if you are a member of CILIP this is well worth a look as it can help you identify and evaluate your skills.
- IFLA School Library Guidelines 2nd Edition when trying to ID what a school library should be.
- Reading Agency - they have a measuring impact toolkit looking at reading for pleasure.
- SLA - Quality and Impact: Evaluating the Performance of Your School Library by Elspeth Scott, Sally Duncan and Geoff Dubber
- plus Loud and Clear: Advocacy for Secondary School Library Staff by Barbara Brand both of which provide a range of tips and tools to help.
Even the venue provided plenty of inspiration as a number of us oohed and ahead over the very pretty book jacket bunting that Helen and Sarah had on display. Many thanks to them and Perth High School for hosting us for the day.
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Training Day and AGM
Impact Evaluation for School Librarians.
with Dr. Carolynn Rankin from Leeds Beckett University
Friday 6th October
10am to 3:30pm
Perth High School, Perth, PH1 1HB
SLA Members £40 or Non-SLA Members £50
Get a sign up form here or email kateri.wilson(at)westlothian.org.uk
Minutes from last year's AGM can be found here
The agenda for this year's AGM is:
The agenda for this year's AGM is:
1) Minutes of
last meeting and matters arising
2) Convenor’s
Report.
3) Secretary’s Report
4) Treasurer’s Report
5) Reports from SLA
Executive Committee
6) Reports from local groups, CILIPS and
YLG
7) Office Bearers and
Committee
8) AOCB
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
What are you reading?
Make your own what I'm reading poster on the What I'm Reading website
The website generates a poster with a QR code to more information on the book. You can print it off, pin it up and replace it whenever you need to with the next book.
The website generates a poster with a QR code to more information on the book. You can print it off, pin it up and replace it whenever you need to with the next book.
Monday, 3 July 2017
SLA in Scotland Training
Mark up your diaries - 6th October, Perth High School.
We will be hosting Dr.Carolynn Rankin who will be talking about ‘impact measurement and evaluation for school librarians.’
Plus it'll be the AGM.
More details to follow after the summer holiday but if you want to be the first to hear, drop an email to SLA in Scotland secretary Kateri - kateri.wilson(at)westlothian.org.uk (she is on holiday until 22nd of August but will add you to the mailing shot on her return).
We will be hosting Dr.Carolynn Rankin who will be talking about ‘impact measurement and evaluation for school librarians.’
Plus it'll be the AGM.
More details to follow after the summer holiday but if you want to be the first to hear, drop an email to SLA in Scotland secretary Kateri - kateri.wilson(at)westlothian.org.uk (she is on holiday until 22nd of August but will add you to the mailing shot on her return).
Monday, 12 June 2017
LGBTQ* information access in Scottish high school libraries.
What LGBTQ* related information websites can your pupils access?
Using a pupil login have a quick check at see what trans and genderqueer focused information and support your pupils can access. All of these sites offer support and information on LGBTQ*. Once you've checked can you please complete this survey here.
Equality Network
A national charity working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland.
Scottish Trans Alliance
An Equality Network project to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland.
GIRES
Gender Identity Research and Education Society.
UK Trans Info
A national charity focused on improving the lives of trans and non-binary people in the UK.
CliniQ
Provides sexual health and wellbeing services for trans* people, their partners and friends.
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland is part of the UK’s largest and leading HIV and sexual health charity.
Beyond the Binary
An online magazine for UK Non-Binary People.
Sexual Orientation for the Genderqueer Person
One of many helpful articles from blogger, activist, educator and artist Sam Killermann on 'it's pronounced Metrosexual'.
Gender Queer and Non-Binary Identities
Information, and resources for genderqueer, non-binary, questioning, and gender non-conforming people and their allies.
The Body Is Not An Apology
Radical self love for everybody and every body.
Stonewall
UK LGBTQ* charity. They also produce education resources.
Gender Wiki: Neutrois
Article on Gender Wiki about Neutrosis (a non-binary gender identity).
Neutrois
A curated list of resources and other websites relevant to those who identify as Neutrosis or want to learn more.
Androgyne Online
A curated online resource for those who identify as androgynous or want to know more.
Transitioning While Non-BinaryExcellent article by West Anderson on The Body Is Not an Apology.
This list was provided by Luca Fois, a student at University of Strathclyde MSc Library and Information Studies, who is looking into LGBTQ* materials availability in Scottish high school libraries, especially focusing on filtering procedures, librarian readiness and outline best practices to overcome problems regarding the use of the internet. The results from the survey will form the basis for their research project.
Using a pupil login have a quick check at see what trans and genderqueer focused information and support your pupils can access. All of these sites offer support and information on LGBTQ*. Once you've checked can you please complete this survey here.
Equality Network
A national charity working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland.
Scottish Trans Alliance
An Equality Network project to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland.
GIRES
Gender Identity Research and Education Society.
UK Trans Info
A national charity focused on improving the lives of trans and non-binary people in the UK.
CliniQ
Provides sexual health and wellbeing services for trans* people, their partners and friends.
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland is part of the UK’s largest and leading HIV and sexual health charity.
Beyond the Binary
An online magazine for UK Non-Binary People.
Sexual Orientation for the Genderqueer Person
One of many helpful articles from blogger, activist, educator and artist Sam Killermann on 'it's pronounced Metrosexual'.
Gender Queer and Non-Binary Identities
Information, and resources for genderqueer, non-binary, questioning, and gender non-conforming people and their allies.
The Body Is Not An Apology
Radical self love for everybody and every body.
Stonewall
UK LGBTQ* charity. They also produce education resources.
Gender Wiki: Neutrois
Article on Gender Wiki about Neutrosis (a non-binary gender identity).
Neutrois
A curated list of resources and other websites relevant to those who identify as Neutrosis or want to learn more.
Androgyne Online
A curated online resource for those who identify as androgynous or want to know more.
Transitioning While Non-BinaryExcellent article by West Anderson on The Body Is Not an Apology.
This list was provided by Luca Fois, a student at University of Strathclyde MSc Library and Information Studies, who is looking into LGBTQ* materials availability in Scottish high school libraries, especially focusing on filtering procedures, librarian readiness and outline best practices to overcome problems regarding the use of the internet. The results from the survey will form the basis for their research project.
Tuesday, 16 May 2017
Book Week Scotland Funding
Funding is available to secondary schools for events during Book Week Scotland. Guidelines and application forms can be found on the Scottish Book Trust website.
Applications close Friday 2nd June 2017
Applications close Friday 2nd June 2017
Monday, 15 May 2017
SLA in Scotland (North) Meet-up
Thursday 18th May 2017
12.45 pm – 2.00 pm Lunch
at Johnstons of Elgin,
Newmill,
Elgin
IV30 4AF
All School Librarians from the north of Scotland are invited to come along and have lunch at Johnstons of Elgin Cafe . Membership of the SLA not required as this is an informal social event, an opportunity to further network and share experience.
All attending to pay for own lunch.
We will book a table to cater for all those interested, so please email Eilidh (eilidh.mclean6@moray-edunet.gov.uk) if you would like a place.
12.45 pm – 2.00 pm Lunch
at Johnstons of Elgin,
Newmill,
Elgin
IV30 4AF
All School Librarians from the north of Scotland are invited to come along and have lunch at Johnstons of Elgin Cafe . Membership of the SLA not required as this is an informal social event, an opportunity to further network and share experience.
All attending to pay for own lunch.
We will book a table to cater for all those interested, so please email Eilidh (eilidh.mclean6@moray-edunet.gov.uk) if you would like a place.
Friday, 17 February 2017
SLA in Scotland Meet-up
Wednesday 8th of March will be the first of our regional meet-ups.
Join us for a free school librarian networking opportunity and a chance to discuss current issues in school librarianship.
We’d love to see you at one of meet-ups.
Join us at:
SLA in Scotland (West)
Mitchell Library Café, North St, Glasgow G3 7DN 5pm-6pm
RSVP to: Rhona Clark rclark(at)hamiltoncollege.co.uk
Or
SLA in Scotland (East)
Waterstones Cafe, on Princess Street, Edinburgh 5pm - 6 pm
Refreshments provided - Tea/Coffee and Wine & Cheese. Will also include a short talk from Waterstones staff on what Waterstones can offer to account holders & options regarding class visits and their recommended titles for Children and Teens for 2017
RSVP to: Duncan Wright djw(at)stge.org.uk
Or
SLA in Scotland (North)
Northfield Academy, Granitehill Place, ABERDEEN AB16 7AU 4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Optional social afterwards for a bar supper at the Northern Hotel.
Covering a large geographical area, I appreciate that it may not be possible for you to attend this event however do let me know if you want to keep in contact with minutes etc. through the SLA (North) email distribution list. The idea will be that we rotate meetings across regions (e.g. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus).
RSVP to: Mandy Wilson MaWilson(at)aberdeencity.gov.uk
Can’t make it but fancy finding out what happened or when the next meet-up will be? Just drop the group contact an email.
Join us for a free school librarian networking opportunity and a chance to discuss current issues in school librarianship.
We’d love to see you at one of meet-ups.
Join us at:
SLA in Scotland (West)
Mitchell Library Café, North St, Glasgow G3 7DN 5pm-6pm
RSVP to: Rhona Clark rclark(at)hamiltoncollege.co.uk
Or
SLA in Scotland (East)
Waterstones Cafe, on Princess Street, Edinburgh 5pm - 6 pm
Refreshments provided - Tea/Coffee and Wine & Cheese. Will also include a short talk from Waterstones staff on what Waterstones can offer to account holders & options regarding class visits and their recommended titles for Children and Teens for 2017
RSVP to: Duncan Wright djw(at)stge.org.uk
Or
SLA in Scotland (North)
Northfield Academy, Granitehill Place, ABERDEEN AB16 7AU 4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Optional social afterwards for a bar supper at the Northern Hotel.
Covering a large geographical area, I appreciate that it may not be possible for you to attend this event however do let me know if you want to keep in contact with minutes etc. through the SLA (North) email distribution list. The idea will be that we rotate meetings across regions (e.g. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus).
RSVP to: Mandy Wilson MaWilson(at)aberdeencity.gov.uk
Can’t make it but fancy finding out what happened or when the next meet-up will be? Just drop the group contact an email.
Thursday, 26 January 2017
President Obama on what books mean to him
Michiko Kakutani, the chief book critic for The New York Times, interviewed President Obama about literatureThe New York Times read the transcript on their website.
Monday, 23 January 2017
#SLARead80
To mark SLA's birthday in 2017 they are holding a photographic competition Read80 to celebrate reading for pleasure and the impact school libraries have.
Snap a photo that shows people of any age celebrating the joy of reading and to submit them to the competition. Images can be uploaded onto Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #SLARead80 – all images tagged will be entered into the competition.
When submitting via Instagram please additionally add the hashtag #bookstagram.
Please indicate in Tweet/Instagram post (J) for junior entrant (primary age) or (S) for senior entrant (secondary age up to and including adults).
Alternatively, images can be emailed to ict@sla.org.uk with the title 'SLA80'.
Entry is open to all -- members and non-members. The deadline for entries has been extended (due to popular demand) until Tuesday 31 January 2017. A selection of entries may be included as part of a celebratory publication during 2017.
Full details of the rules plus the prizes up for grabs can be found on the SLA website.
Snap a photo that shows people of any age celebrating the joy of reading and to submit them to the competition. Images can be uploaded onto Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #SLARead80 – all images tagged will be entered into the competition.
When submitting via Instagram please additionally add the hashtag #bookstagram.
Please indicate in Tweet/Instagram post (J) for junior entrant (primary age) or (S) for senior entrant (secondary age up to and including adults).
Alternatively, images can be emailed to ict@sla.org.uk with the title 'SLA80'.
Entry is open to all -- members and non-members. The deadline for entries has been extended (due to popular demand) until Tuesday 31 January 2017. A selection of entries may be included as part of a celebratory publication during 2017.
Full details of the rules plus the prizes up for grabs can be found on the SLA website.
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Join the SLA Board!
Fancy joining the SLA board - now is your chance. You can get more details on the SLA website.
"Being on the board is an opportunity to contribute to the development and profile of the profession and you gain so much yourself, developing in ways you never dreamed of - and also it's a lot of fun!" - Sally Dring, SLA Board 2016-2019
From a Scottish perspective we want at least another representative on the board so that the devolved Scottish Education system is well represented.
But hurry - applications close on the 1st of February.
"Being on the board is an opportunity to contribute to the development and profile of the profession and you gain so much yourself, developing in ways you never dreamed of - and also it's a lot of fun!" - Sally Dring, SLA Board 2016-2019
From a Scottish perspective we want at least another representative on the board so that the devolved Scottish Education system is well represented.
But hurry - applications close on the 1st of February.
Monday, 16 January 2017
UNISON report on School Support Staff
UNISON have released a report into the impact of the reductions on the number of support staff in schools.
It doesn't make for easy reading. Using the figures listed, a quick calculation reveals that the number of librarians working in Scottish Schools has dropped by a quarter since 2010 falling from 334 down to 249.
It doesn't make for easy reading. Using the figures listed, a quick calculation reveals that the number of librarians working in Scottish Schools has dropped by a quarter since 2010 falling from 334 down to 249.
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