Libraries as Wellbeing Supportive Spaces in Contemporary Schools

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore connections between the presence of a library at two schools in rural Uganda and certain student academic engagement indicators, such as scholastic performance, reading habits, study habits, and library use patterns. The study is not intended to demonstrate strong correlations between these items, rather, it is a limited exploration of certain questions meant to inform further enquiry in the area. Five specific questions guided the research: Do students with a school library read more? Do students make good use of the library? Do students recognize the importance of having the library? Do students use the library materials for other than class‐related work? Are there any noticeable differences between the grades of students with the library at their school, and those without?Design/methodology/approachResearchers gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from two different schools in the Masaka District, one school with a library, the Kitengesa Comprehensive Secondary School, and one without, Masaka High School. Researchers also gathered important library‐use information from a third school, Sseke Secondary School, to supplement the quantitative data gathered from the other two schools. Grade and class rank information was collected for 85 students, 6 focus groups were conducted, 85 questionnaires were distributed and collected from students, 5 school administrators and 3 library staff were interviewed, and approximately 10 hours of observation was done.FindingsFindings indicate that there are several areas where the presence of a school library has an impact, including students' reading habits, use of materials for non‐school‐related activities, and academic performance. The school libraries visited are both successful examples of how important the rural school library can be to the development of a reading culture. Implications of the findings are discussed in detail.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research efforts might include a multi‐school, longitudinal study on the impact of rural libraries specifically on student achievement. Many studies have been conducted on this topic in the West, but no significant studies so far in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where hard evidence is needed in order to demonstrate the importance of the rural school library to student learning.Originality/valueThe study itself is unique in that the data hail from a two‐year study conducted at local schools/libraries in rural Uganda, using a broad methodology which included reviewing qualitative and quantitative data. It will provide information that can be used by others to support the need for the establishment of rural school libraries in underdeveloped regions, and provision of reading materials, which are otherwise scarce, for students and teachers.

In the past twenty years, most studies of elementary school libraries were about how the library was used. However, little research regarding why students would like to visit the library and what are their favourites in the library has been carried out. The purpose of this study is thus to understand the motives and impact factors of graders library use at school library. This study adopted the qualitative research in a semi-structured in-depth interview and a participant observation research. The interviewed objects are sixteen 3~6 graders who borrowed books or media frequently from the school library. The studies showed being curious, feeling bored, desiring to be recognized, seeking topics of their own interests, getting respect, finding fulfilment, enjoying leisure-time, getting better scores, getting virtual rewards, pleasing parents, and peer competition are eleven main motives that drive students to use the school library. There are some impact factors can affect the library use including library factor and non-library factors such as: the abundance and attractiveness of collections; the independence and distance of premises, the comforts of interior space; the equipments including network, light, air-conditioner, and audio-video facilities; the competence and friendly support of the librarian, the reading activities, and longer opening hour. Moreover, the schoolwork, the significant others, spiritual space, etc. are also important.The analyses found that the function of the school library lies not only on reading, circulating and searching, but also being a place for leisure and social activities. That is a successful school library is not only a library, but also a living room at home. Ideally, the school should enhance the positive linkage between the students and the library as well as the librarian should be a facilitator to connect them. On the other hand, the librarian should encourage students read enthusiastically by making library as a warm, convenient, and comfortable environment. As a result, the student would like to be a long-term patron of the library.

The skill-gap precipitated by the inadequacy of Library and Information Science (LIS) curricula to meet the skill requirements of employers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) remains under-researched. Consequently, this study was carried out to ascertain the skill-gap between employers’ skill requirements and skill coverage in library schools’ curricula. To achieve this, the authors carried out content analysis of two major job websites (ALA JobLIST and Indeed) and four (4) library schools’ curricula from 4 different countries, two (2) each from the Global North and Global South. The skill coverage was measured using 3-point likert scale with a criterion mean of 2.0, against which the average rating score (calculated mean) was considered. The study found that employers demanded more of soft skills, followed by leadership/ managerial skills, and then technical/ technological skills. The library schools’ curricula analyzed revealed that soft skills and leadership/managerial skills were not adequately covered. However, technical/technological skills were adequately covered in the curricula. The study revealed a skill-gap with respect to soft skills and leadership/managerial skills. It concluded that library schools should train students in the light of current realities, periodically reviewing their curricula to cater for the changing skills requirement of employers in order to produce graduates that are employable, with high market value. The study contributes in providing a justification for revamping library schools’ curricula in light of the changes in the skill expectations that characterizes the 4IR. The value of this study is reinforced by the current fluidity in the employment landscape of LIS profession.

Concern about student wellbeing and related mental health is a global issue, and schools are increasingly expected to support student wellbeing. While the focus on libraries and wellbeing in research is more commonly on public libraries, school libraries can also play an important supportive role in this regard. Robust research evidence is needed from school library contexts to support targeted advocacy in order to enhance student wellbeing. This paper explores how school libraries may support student wellbeing by operating as safe spaces for young people, promoting and resourcing mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and supporting and promoting bibliotherapeutic practices and reading for pleasure. It then highlights implications for future research to support the development of a sound, research-supported evidence base for advocacy moving forward.

This study draws on data from a larger design-based research study on the impact of library redesign in three Singapore secondary schools, focusing on students’ responses about their revitalised library spaces. Focus group data ( N = 42) were analysed. Findings revealed that students appreciated a comfortable, peaceful and welcoming learning environment, and valued choice and opportunities for diverse activities within the library. Reading for pleasure, known to enhance wellbeing, was also supported by a well-resourced and designed school library. Crucially, students valued choice for quiet or noise-tolerant spaces within the library for different activities. The study underscores school libraries’ significance as multifaceted environments that foster student wellbeing, highlighting the need for continued investment in the enhancement and promotion of school library spaces. Recommendations for supporting student wellbeing through school libraries are offered, as well as suggestions that school libraries consider their role to support student flourishing.

To assist and support the school's instructional endeavours, the library is kept up. It might be useful for students' academic and extracurricular endeavours. There are primary, middle, and secondary levels in the school library. This paper has covered the goals, duties, contemporary services, and significance of secondary school libraries. In the present era, a computer system connected to a network is required for the school library. For kids and instructors to adjust to today's more advanced technology, a contemporary school library and its new services are crucial.

<p>Information literacy is implicit in the national education curriculum’s key competencies for students, yet primary schools lack an explicit path to develop students’ information skills. The literature shows that school library programs can foster information literacy and improve student achievement, with the principal’s support identified as a significant factor. This study investigates the actions of New Zealand primary school principals to integrate the school library in information literacy initiatives. An online survey collected quantitative and qualitative data from a random sample of primary school principals, stratified by decile rating to reflect the school population in microcosm. Sixty-nine responses were collected and the low response rate meant it was not possible to generalise the results of the survey. Key findings of the research were that a majority of principals supported information literacy initiatives through advocacy; professional development; use of external support; student assessment; separate library budgets; and reasonable library opening hours. A minority maintained a separate information literacy policy; adequately resourced the library with trained staff; or promoted collaborative planning between teaching and library staff through flexible scheduling of class library time. Actions were not affected by decile rating but differences by school size and locale were identified, particularly for small and rural schools. Principals’ perceptions of information literacy did not appear to affect their actions. Suggestions for further research are made to expand upon the findings.</p>

This community service program is carried out in the form of library management assistance based on SLiMS at Darut Taqwa High School, Purwosari Pasuruan. Libraries have an important role in building a learning community, as well as school libraries. The school library is a strategic educational facility, because apart from supporting learning activities. The school library is also one of the barometers of school quality standards. Darut Taqwa High School was chosen as a mentoring partner on the basis that this institution is one of the institutions in Pasuruan Regency that has received an A (excellent) accreditation. However, the quality standard of library administration is still far from the national library standard. This assistance uses the participatory approach. The steps for implementing this assistance are focused on 1) selecting the assisted person, 2) installing the SLiMS application, 3) the SLiMS operation tutorial, and 4) managing the SLiMS-based library. The results of this assistance are 1) the availability of library staff at Darut Taqwa High School who understands SLiMS-based library management, 2) the availability of a SLiMS-based library automation system, 3) the creation of a system for managing library materials, members, and library administration, and 4) the creation of a good library layout that is quite close to the minimum standard of the national library.

Writing paper aims to find and describe: (1) benefits students after reading the materials collection at the Library of Elementary School No. 29 Dadok Black Stubble, and (2) comparison of time it takes students to the time available to visit the SD State Library Number 29 Dadok black stumps. The method used in this study is observation and interviews. Observations and interviews were conducted with stakeholders. Based on the research found that: (1) students utilize library materials in the Library of Elementary School No. 29 Black Dadok stumps to find a school assignment given by the teacher in the classroom and study bidag students to the school library just to find textbooks that are tasked by the teacher, (2) learners in elementary school No. 29 Dadok Black stumps using the breaks to visit the school library, these students expressed the schedule time available to rest like shopping, playing, resulting in a lack of interest and willingness of participants students to visit the school library. In order to use library materials can be used optimally, should Libraries Elementary School No. 29 Dadok stumps Black design a good planning before the addition of library materials. The plan includes: (1) pay attention to the needs of information desired by the student participants who will surely be used later, (2) pay attention to the age and grade level of students in accordance with the latest curriculum, (3) school institutions should provide library materials order form for learners. So that the time spent by students to visit the school library effectively, should the Elementary School Library No. 29 Dadok Black stumps have library staff who are experts in the field of libraries, so that the service schedule can be given to students to be effective . Keywords: services schedule; utilize of library collection

For adults with intellectual disabilities living in a residential care facility, support staff, who are an integral part of their daily lives, can play an important role in supporting their sexuality. Even though multiple programmes exist, barriers remain when it comes to their application. This study aimed to identify factors affecting residential staff's perception of their role in supporting the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities living in a residential care facility as well as facilitators and barriers to that support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 support staff. A thematic analysis revealed four factors, namely support staff's role, facilitators and barriers, sexuality of residents with intellectual disabilities and policies and regulations. Results illustrate the importance of expanding support staff's knowledge, clarifying procedures for implementing the support staff's role and establishing a clear practise framework.

IbM program aims to provide understanding to partners about the concept and implementation of library management in accordance with library management procedures. The targets to be achieved are as follows. 1) Improving the quality of library staff in managing the library through the manterhadap the nature of the library. A minimum of 75 training materials can be mastered by the trainees. 2) Produce school library management guidelines to facilitate library staff in managing the library. 3) Applying knowledge in school library management. Output target in the form of process is the occurrence of improvement of target audience ability in understanding understanding, concept and process of management and utilization of school library. Output target in the form of product is at least 75% of participants produce library materials that have been processed and at least 75% of participants generate library catalogs to facilitate the process of retrieval. The methods offered to solve the problem of library management are: through the creation of a library management module that contains the concepts of library management; socialization and training of school library management. Implementation of the activity begins with the preparation of training materials, copying, presenting the material, and training with individual guidance. To evaluate the achievement of objectives begins by measuring the candidate's initial capability, followed by an evaluation to measure participants' ability at each stage of the activity, and a final evaluation to measure achievement purpose of program activities. Training activities carried out smoothly in accordance with the expected objectives of this program activities. This activity received a positive response from various parties and trainees in the management of school libraries. So it is expected to provide better service and the existence of school library will be more real in the community.

This research explores the critical need for a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in school library services, moving beyond the traditional focus on collection development to address underexplored areas such as cataloguing practices, purchasing procedures, programming, policies, and community outreach. The school libraries often become a place of social stigma for LGBTQ+ students, and availability of fewer resources and institutional biases typically discourage them from accessing information and support from such libraries. For this purpose, this study will carry out research using a qualitative research design with the help of content analysis and case studies to identify the best practices and policies of selected school libraries in regard to addressing such matters. It sets much importance on cataloguing in such a way so that these LGBTQ+ resources, materials, etc. should be visible and accessible besides discussing budget limitations and community force behind acquiring the LGBTQ+ resources as a part of the library collection. This also emphasizes the requirement of an LGBTQ+ inclusive program with efficient community outreach that builds safe spaces for the student population LGBTQ+. The study further stresses the need for library policies and how librarians can become great advocates of LGBTQ+ rights and representation. A careful consideration of any aspect of library services described in this paper will help guide principles for making school libraries more inclusive and equitable. The implications are considered crucial for future research and practice, toward further development of library services to support the needs of LGBTQ+ students completely, which will enhance their well-being and academic success.

The changes through which society has been going through in recent years also reflect modifications in the educational field. The dissemination of digital technologies has further dilated the lists of challenges for the school with many teachers not knowing how to handle those resources. Thus, in this article we intend to present and analyze the perceptions two teachers from Basic Education have regarding the challenges and possibilities for contemporary education. To do so, a structured interview was made with two teachers who work at different basic schooling levels, as well as the production of a photograph from the school space they are inserted. The gathered data were analyzed under the perspective of Ramos do O & Costa (2007), Corazza (2005), Moran (2013), Belloni (2013), among others. From the results, it became evident that one of the characteristics of the contemporary school is to take over functions that originally were the family's, as is the case with ethical and moral values, and, because of that, the school has an increasingly significant role in individual formation. It was also ascertained that the Digital Information and Communication Technologies (DICT) are the main challenges for contemporary schooling in the opinion of the interviewed teachers.

The use of Information Technology to Optimize Student Engagement in the "Lensa Literasi" School Library at SDN Wonokusumo VI/45 is a study aimed at exploring how the integration of information technology (IT) can affect student engagement in school libraries. This research adopts a mixed-method approach by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study was conducted through a survey of 200 students using purposive sampling techniques to understand the frequency of IT usage, the types of technology used, and their perceptions of engagement in the library. The results showed that most students use computers and the internet to search for information, while the use of e-books and library mobile applications is also significant. The qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 20 participants, including students, librarians, and teachers, to explore their experiences using IT in the library, its impact on learning, and the challenges faced in its implementation. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that IT integration enhances information accessibility, students' learning motivation, and the effectiveness of library services. The findings of this study highlight the importance of strategic planning in integrating IT, developing adequate infrastructure, and providing continuous training for librarians and students. Practical recommendations include improving technical support, developing IT-based student engagement programs, and conducting regular evaluations to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of IT integration in school libraries. This study is expected to provide significant contributions to educational policies and library management practices that focus on the use of technology to enhance the quality of education and student literacy

Three school library staff members explore how they have used tabletop games in different school library settings. Teresa Copeland (Tesseract School, Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA) explores how tabletop and role-playing games have been integrated into the curriculum across a wide variety of grade levels. Brenda Henderson (Trinity High School Learning Resources Centre, Redditch, UK) discusses how a board game club has made a difference in a high school library in the United Kingdom. Brian Mayer (School Library System, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, LeRoy, New York, USA) supports multiple school libraries in finding matches between the curriculum and authentic games and runs game design workshops.