How to engage learners in selection of resources for their school library
Input from students greatly aids successful resource selection. Currently, within my role as a teacher librarian I engage students in the selection of resources by:
- discuss with students the books they are currently enjoying, topics of interest and books they would like in the library. I help students find their books and this gives me a good idea of the hot subjects, series and genres
- Padlet on the Oliver news page – students add their request for a book
- Students frequently ask me for books that are popular or isn’t in the library
- Feedback during lessons – ask students if they liked the book(s) I read to them or discussed
- Displays – provides students to engage with library resources and can see which books students enjoy
- Teaching students how to use Oliver and explore the current resources. This helps students work out if we have the resource or not. This gives students the skills to find what they require or discover we don’t have it
- Celebrate student interests and include them in library activities – learning about the students at your school will help provide opportunities for new resources based on student interests
- Sending a google form to students asking if there are books/subjects they would like to have more of in the library
- Feedback from teachers is also valuable and collaborating with assessment tasks or information reports to support the curriculum