Module Information
Module Identifier
DS30420
Module Title
School Libraries and Learning Resources
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay 2000 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Resource Guide 1500 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resource Guide 1500 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Consider major education ideologies and how these have impacted on the development of national educational policy and on school learning and teaching strategies
Discuss the role, value, and impact of school libraries in supporting a school’s strategic objectives; assessing and supporting diverse user needs; leading on access to information and knowledge; promoting a whole school reading culture; supporting mental health and wellbeing
Outline key aspects of school library management, including policy development and library guidelines; staff status, skills, recruitment, and training; logistics; collection management; advocacy and promotion of the school library and its resources and the necessity of CPD
Identify the aspects of a school library that make it an effective and integral part of the school, including the creation of an inclusive reading culture that engages and supports all readers both now and in the future.
Identify technology used in school libraries and discuss current issues in the access and use of these technologies (e.g. library management systems, digital and information literacy, digital/streaming resources, e-readers, AI and ChatGPT, print verses digital reading, legal considerations, and digital divide)
Source peer-reviewed literature about young people to support evidence-based practice
Brief description
Over the past 150 years, school libraries in the UK have been very much the Cinderella of library services, often relegated to a lower status and receiving fewer resources and recognition compared to other library sectors. Even in the present day, there exists a notable divergence in resource allocation and service quality across different school libraries, surpassing variations seen in any other library category. Unlike public and prison libraries, there is no statutory duty to provide a library within schools. This lack of statutory provision makes them vulnerable to budget cuts, despite research evidence that demonstrates a well-equipped and well-resourced library managed by an experienced professional has a substantial impact on the academic achievements and wellbeing of students.
The role of the school librarian is, arguably, also unique. Many work alone, a department of one, with no hierarchical structure for career progression. They require a wide range of skills including time management; financial and budgeting capabilities; advocacy, marketing and promotion abilities; resource knowledge and technical expertise. Nevertheless, it can be a rewarding profession with a high level of autonomy and satisfaction.
This course aims to identify the factors that influence school library development and change, and to outline the role and impact of a school libraries, including: teaching of reading, facilitating higher level reading skills and reading for pleasure (RfP), supporting the school curriculum, developing digital and information literacy skills, and contributing to the mental health and wellbeing of students. This course establishes the range of services and resources that facilitate these roles and discusses some key issues in the management of a school library and the continuous professional development (CPD) required to maintain its efficiency. Each unit of the course has additional resources such as practical ideas to complement the topic, tasks, readings, or points for further consideration. The skills and knowledge gained through studying this course should help you to manage a school library effectively, develop its role and services within a school, and identify opportunities for further career development within the profession.
While the course primarily focuses on secondary school libraries, given that a majority of qualified librarians find employment within this sector, it is important to note that many fundamental concepts, policies, and procedures explored hold equal relevance across diverse school types.
The role of the school librarian is, arguably, also unique. Many work alone, a department of one, with no hierarchical structure for career progression. They require a wide range of skills including time management; financial and budgeting capabilities; advocacy, marketing and promotion abilities; resource knowledge and technical expertise. Nevertheless, it can be a rewarding profession with a high level of autonomy and satisfaction.
This course aims to identify the factors that influence school library development and change, and to outline the role and impact of a school libraries, including: teaching of reading, facilitating higher level reading skills and reading for pleasure (RfP), supporting the school curriculum, developing digital and information literacy skills, and contributing to the mental health and wellbeing of students. This course establishes the range of services and resources that facilitate these roles and discusses some key issues in the management of a school library and the continuous professional development (CPD) required to maintain its efficiency. Each unit of the course has additional resources such as practical ideas to complement the topic, tasks, readings, or points for further consideration. The skills and knowledge gained through studying this course should help you to manage a school library effectively, develop its role and services within a school, and identify opportunities for further career development within the profession.
While the course primarily focuses on secondary school libraries, given that a majority of qualified librarians find employment within this sector, it is important to note that many fundamental concepts, policies, and procedures explored hold equal relevance across diverse school types.
Content
This module has nine units:
The school library and the educational environment
The role and impact of school libraries
Staffing and library management
The library environment
The management of learning resources
Developing a whole school reading culture
School libraries and technology
Mental health and wellbeing
Advocacy, marketing, and CPD
The school library and the educational environment
The role and impact of school libraries
Staffing and library management
The library environment
The management of learning resources
Developing a whole school reading culture
School libraries and technology
Mental health and wellbeing
Advocacy, marketing, and CPD
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | School librarians are often lone-librarians (department of one) with responsibility for strategic and operational roles within a dynamic school environment. Therefore, adaptability and resilience are crucial qualities, to foster a growth mindset, empower individuals to navigate changing and challenging circumstances, and thrive in a dynamic professional environment. |
| Creative Problem Solving | Students explore the wide range of challenges inherent in school library management, such as encompassing diverse needs, responding to book censorship, and supporting pupil wellbeing. Students are prompted through activities and exercises to reflect on such challenges, consider a range of solutions, and evaluate the impact of decisions made or actions taken. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Research data and practice case examples/scenarios are used throughout the course. Course activities and exercises ask students to consider, for example, the strengths and weaknesses of a policy or practice, or to judge the value of the data in upholding or challenging debate, policy, or practice in the field. Students are required to include their critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature when completing the course assessment. |
| Digital capability | School librarians need to be proficient at using a range of technologies and to stay informed about emerging trends, issues, training, and policy. This necessitates a diverse set of digital skills such as media and information literacy, digital safety and safeguarding, digital research and creativity, and the effective use of social media. Students explore the integration of technology in school library practice. |
| Professional communication | This module integrates written, oral, visual, numerical, and digital communication within a workplace setting, employing practical applications such as annual reports and library resource promotion. The focus lies on comprehending diverse perspectives, identifying suitable communication methods, and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data. |
| Real world sense | Students study this real-world professional career subject, exploring the employment challenges. By focusing on real-world examples from school libraries (issues, debates, policies, practices, guidance) students can apply practical solutions. The course emphasises practice-based learning, fostering the development of a range of transferable skills and commercial awareness |
| Subject Specific Skills | The physical management of the library space and organisation of resources; how to create a diverse collection to reflect the school demographics and needs; understanding the legal aspects that impact the school library including the Equality Act 2010; using a range of technology to enhance and promote library services; understanding reading development and the importance of reading for pleasure; awareness of information literacy models; the use of social media and technology. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6