Essential new guidelines for secondary school libraries

CILIP, through their publishing arm Facet Publishing, have announced the release of the third edition of The CILIP Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries.

School libraries are an integral part of the educational process. CILIP champions the difference that school libraries and librarians make; improving children's literacy, encouraging a love of reading and developing essential digital literacy skills. CILIP advocates for teachers to have better training in information skills, for the value of professional school library staff, for the school library to be recognised as an important aspect of curriculum development and for the school library to take its place at the heart of the school.

This fully updated version of the CILIP-endorsed guidelines for secondary school libraries addresses the changing schools' landscape and impact of continuing technological advances.

Focusing on the librarian at the heart of the school, each chapter includes best practice, technological development and context-specific options to provide clear guidance and support for all involved in the provision of school library services.

The key topics covered by the guidelines include:

• Providing quality resources
• Information literacy
• Reader development
• Pro-active marketing
• Evaluation
• Partnerships and the wider community

Developed with an international audience in mind, these guidelines provide a comprehensive and flexible model for a modern school library service. They will empower school librarians to improve upon and advocate for their services, whatever their level of qualification.

The guidelines will also be of interest to teachers, school staff in management positions, school governors, companies that provide services to school libraries, and LIS students.

The CILIP Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries is edited by Sue Shaper, Chair of the Schools Library Group National Committee.