The document discusses the JCSP Library Project, which aims to establish libraries in schools serving students at risk of early school leaving. It established demonstration libraries in 30 schools across Ireland staffed by librarians. The libraries aim to improve literacy, develop a reading culture, and enhance student learning experiences. The document provides guidance on setting up an effective school library, including locating it centrally, curating an appropriate collection, promoting reading, and developing furniture and spaces to support independent and collaborative work.
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A READING SPACE IN EVERY SCHOOL
1. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
A Reading Space in Every
School
Kathleen Moran
Barbara Davis
Joe Kelly
JCSP Demonstration Library Project
18th April 2015
2. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
What is the JCSP?
.
The JCSP is an intervention within the Junior
cycle aimed at those students who are
identified as being at risk of leaving
school early perhaps without completing
The Junior Certificate.
All JCSP Students sit the Junior Cert
examinations
A Social Inclusion Programme
3. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
JCSP - AIMS of the Programme
To retain students To bridge the gap
To build strong and
positive learning
foundations
To make school relevant
and accessible to
young people who find it
difficult to cope with the
school system.
4. www.jcspliteracy.ie
JCSP Library Project
Established under the Department of
Education and Skills in 2002.The brief
of the JCSP Demonstration Library
Project was to:
• Improve literacy levels
• Develop a whole school reading
culture
• Enhance the learning experience of
our students
To date the project has expanded
• into 30 schools across Ireland,
• all in designated areas of
disadvantage
• Each library is staffed by a
full-time professional
Librarian
9. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Location
But it can be:
• An open area in the school
• A section of a common area
• A corner of a classroom
• A shelf of books
• A mobile trolley
20. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Access
Things to Consider:
• Regular and open access is crucial – who
is responsible? - (class teacher, post
holder, SNA, student volunteers, parent
volunteers, etc.)
• Timetable library classes (where possible)
• Facilitate outside class time access (where
possible)
21. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Library Management Systems
System Types:
• Proprietary Systems
• Open Source
• Database e.g. Access
• Spreadsheet e.g. Excel
• Manual e.g. Ledger, Library card
system
22. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Stock
Not just novels.....
– Non-Fiction
– Magazines
– Newspapers
– Leaflets
– E-books
– Audio Books
– CDs
– DVDs
– Board games
– Graphic texts
– Software
– Picture Books
– Subject topic boxes
- Foreign language texts
- Reference texts
- Instructional manuals
- Annuals
- Biographies
- Short reads
- Poetry
- Dictionaries
- Atlases
- Class sets
- Games
- Online resources
- Teacher resources
23. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Stock
• Stock must be suitable, varied,
accessible, appropriate
• Survey students
• Less is more – Be ruthless in
getting rid of old, torn or boring
books
27. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Collection Development
Things to consider...
• What are your current priorities for collection
development?
– Curriculum support
– Reading for pleasure
– Digital literacy
– Independent reading
– Shared reading
– Reading for information
– Teacher resources
– Family literacy
28. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Collection Development
Things to consider...
• Who are you buying for?
– Senior Cycle
– Junior Cycle
– Boys
– Girls
– Mixed
– Confident readers
– Reluctant readers
– Staff
– Parents
29. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Collection Development
Things to consider...
• Budget:
– Identify sources of funding
– Shop around for best deals and discounts
– Allocate available funding across priority areas
30. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Collection Development
Things to consider...
• Alternative sources of stock:
– Public Libraries
• Institutional membership for schools
• Block loans
• Class sets available for loan
– Collaboration between local schools
– Seek donations
– Charity shops
32. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
Furniture
Things to Consider...
• Shelving – Wall mounted v Free
standing
• Comfortable seating – Chairs, Sofas
• Bean Bags
• Book carousels, magazine racks, book
boxes, etc.
• CD/DVD carousels
• Clear, legible signage
33. JCSP Library Project
Supporting Literacy and Learning in Irish Schools
• Always include as much face-out display as possible
• Use available space to display student work
• Noticeboards
• Colourful posters to encourage reading
• Change displays regularly
• Themed displays
• Encourage browsing – coffee tables, etc.
• Book display stands
• Magazine racks
• Electronic notice board
• Book reviews