BEING TOGETHER ~ Quote

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is succcess." ~ Henry Ford

International School Library Month – 2

School libraries are important instructional partners in supporting and expanding curriculums, working in tandem with teachers to change what is possible in the classroom, and supporting exciting learning opportunities with books, computers and other materials.

In spite of the enormous power of libraries to propel human progress, libraries are increasingly asked to justify the resources spent on them and to justify their very existence. Research studies, however, continue to show that an active school library run by trained libraries or resources teachers makes a significant difference to student learning outcomes.

Around the world, research has shown that students in schools with good school libraries learn more, get better grades and score higher on standardized test scores than their peers in schools without. There is evidence of the connection between student achievement and the presence of school libraries.

These are challenging times for libraries and there is need to communicate their value strongly and in many ways. No longer are school libraries just for books; they have now become school library media centers with computer resources that enable students to engage meaningfully with a wide variety of information.

International School Library Month - 1

International School Library Month is observed in October each year. The theme for 2008, “World Literacy and Learning through School Libraries,” highlights the responsibility of libraries as a compelling frameworks for 21st century worldwide learning and literacy.

Libraries are supposedly being swept away by the digital revolution. Yet, library power is still very much alive, and has become even more potent in this new age. This priceless influence adds to the human intellect which equates to human progress, and from this spring literacy and knowledge which increase productivity.

As a vehicle for human progress, the library is irreplaceable. School libraries should be central to the 21st century educational experience and the base for a positive attitude by young people towards information skills development, lifelong learning and enhancing one’s chances in the lives. Today’s graduates need to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communications who are proficient in both core subjects and 21st century content and skills.

In today’s information age, an individual’s success and even existence, depends largely on the ability to access, evaluate, and utilize information. This challenges nations to make education a priority in preparing students to compete in the worldwide market-place and make informed decisions about problems facing society. In this environment, to guarantee every young person an equal and effective educational opportunity, school libraries are an important component to meet curriculum needs.