IFLA School Library Section News and Updates

Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱

IFLA School Library Section Member News:

  • Darryl Toerien, Head of Inquiry-Based Learning at Blanchelande College in Guernsey and Barbara Stripling have signed a contract with Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited to write Teaching Inquiry as Conversation: Bringing Wonder to Life. Toerien attended the UK parliamentary reception for Libraries Change Lives by Creating Opportunities in October, 2024. This was convened by Laurence Turner MP and jointly hosted by eleven library sector organisations: CILIP; Libraries Connected; Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL); Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL); School Library Association (SLA); The Reading Agency; CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG); CILIP Youth Libraries Group (YLG); CILIP Information Literacy Group (ILG); CILIP Academic and Research Libraries Group (ARLG); and CILIP London.
  • Dr. Mayasari Abdul Majid, Library Director/Library Solution Consultant for the LSL Education Group in Malaysia shared a wonderful celebration for International School Library Month. The LSL International School Library organized several exciting activities aligned with this year’s theme, “School Libraries: Community Connectors.” The Principal, Ms. Lim Siew Li is a passionate advocate for the library’s pivotal role in education. Ms. Lim selected the story, How Do You Feed A Hungry Giant? By Caitlin Friedman, which beautifully tied into the spirit of World Food Day. Through a tale centered on SDG 2: Zero Hunger, she guided students on a meaningful journey, helping them understand the importance of tackling global food insecurity. They also had Dr. Maria Fe Nicolau, Head Librarian from Binus School Simprug, Indonesia (https://simprug.binus.sch.id/facilities/ms-hs-library/), join them for the celebration. She flew to Malaysia to conduct a delightful storytelling session with Primary students, sharing the story of Mr. Tiger and Mrs. Mousedeer. Dr. Maria’s session included an engaging activity, sparking the students’ creativity and excitement. To further enrich the experience, Mr. Ashraf,, our Librarian and MakerSpace Specialist, led a Diorama workshop where students recreated characters and scenes from Dr. Maria’s story using TinkerCAD and our 3D printer. The students then brought their creations to life by painting them with acrylics, making the entire process hands-on and immersive.
  • Catherine Barnes , Teacher Librarian, shares Insights from the Seminar: Research and Effective Practices Seminar: Sustainable Reading at Every Age and Stage. Ahead of the IFLA Information Futures Summit in Brisbane, four IFLA Sections—Libraries for Children and Young Adults, School Libraries, Literacy and Reading, and Environment, Sustainability and Libraries—collaborated on a dynamic three-day seminar. Held at Brisbane Square Library, the event explored “Libraries Beside You All the Way: Sustainable Reading at Every Age and Stage,” focusing on the evolving reading habits and the importance of sustainability in terms of lifelong learning and access to diverse, inclusive reading materials.

Highlights included:

  • A presentation on immersive storytelling by Catherine Barnes from the IFLA School Libraries Section, showcasing her work with immersive technologies for student learning.
  • A fun geolocation activity acknowledging the concept of belonging through place of birth which fostered connections between attendees.
  • A panel discussion on sustainable reading practices, innovations in school libraries, and future trends for 2030.
  • Keynote insights from Marika Simon on public and school library collaborations, and the launch of ENSULIB’s book Libraries Driving Education for Sustainable Development.
  • The seminar emphasized the essential role of sustainable reading in education, culture, and personal growth, embodying IFLA’s theme of “stronger together.”