Two ESRI researchers, Sarah McNicol (PI) and James Duggan (Co-I) have recently completed an evaluation of the Book Trust’s School Library Pack. The evaluation included 21 exploratory interviews with librarians (or other staff responsible for administering the School Library Pack) from a range of schools which have used the School Library Pack, and 6 case studies involving staff interviews, student focus groups, observation of activities and other data as appropriate. The report available to read or download below includes recommendations for the Book Trust and librarians.
School librarians (or other staff member with responsibility for the library) should consider:
- Sharing ideas for using the School Library Pack, and promoting reading for pleasure more generally, for example, at local networking meetings or online
- Using the School Library Pack to support transition, for example, through running joint activities with primary feeder schools
- Stimulating wider interest throughout the school through celebrating activities carried out with the School Library Pack (e.g. presentation assembly, award ceremony)
- Encouraging students to use the multiple copies to read in friendship groups (especially if it is not possible to organise a formal reading group in the school)
- Planning a celebration activity around the opening of the School Library Pack to generate interest
- Sharing the School Library Pack books with teachers
- Reflecting on the case studies for ideas and inspiration on alternative ways to make use of the School Library Pack.