1.4 Planning for the school library

The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today's information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops their imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens.

IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto

Planning for the library should be a whole school approach. The library's strategic and management plans should relate directly to the whole school plan and they must be part of the school's policies for teaching and learning.

Library planning must:

• Be included in curriculum planning that promotes the development of information literacy
• Complement styles of teaching and learning in the school
• Reflect the school's profile of teachers and students
• Recognise the need for staffing, funding, support and accommodation
• Set targets which are realistic and achievable
• Establish an agreed policy and development plan for the library
• Keep up-to-date with information and communications technology (ICT)developments

School libraries are important to the learning outcomes of the whole school and are central to every school activity. They also have an impact on the student's family and the wider community as a base for family learning activities. The school library may be the only contact some parents have with the world of books and other learning resources.

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