Welcoming and Inclusive

The library needs to be welcoming, and an inclusive and safe space.

Reading for Pleasure

Libraries promote reading for pleasure, fostering a positive attitude towards reading.

Lessons and Work

School libraries are used by teachers for their lessons, and by students for individual and group work.

The Collection

The library collection must be a high quality and inclusive one.

OPAC

An Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) allows searching the collection both in the library and from home.

Digital Collection

Besides print, the school library should also provide access to a digital and audiobook collection.

Maker Spaces

Maker spaces and their varied resources help student engage in learning experiences.

Reading Books

All students showed a preference for having more reading books in the school library.

Work and Research

Students believe there are good books in the school library that can help them in their work or research.

Computers

Many students show a great interest in having computers with internet access available in the school library.

Ebooks and Audiobooks

Students who participated in the research showed a lower interest in ebooks and audiobooks.

Physical Books

Students still like to read physical books.

The librarian must ensure that each year group finds books that interest them, since they have different needs.

Student Interests

Younger students showed most interest in reading books, manga and graphic novels, and Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Older students showed most interest in information books and magazines.

Student Suggestions

Students who participated in the research suggested having more board games and puzzles, more of particular fiction genres, and more non-fiction books particularly related to sports and hobbies.

Standards

School librarians should consult standards with regards to space allocation and furniture plans.

Collection Policy

A collection development policy should be put in place in collaboration with management and teachers to cater for students’ needs.

Dyslexia-Friendly

School librarians should invest in dyslexia-friendly books as part of the library collection.

Clearly Marked

The librarian must ensure that the sections of the library are clearly marked, including use of detailed signage and library maps.

Resources for All

Librarians need to invest in good resources that caters for every year group, and ensure that students know they are available and where to find them.

Subscriptions

Rather than independent schools investing individually in subscriptions, it may be more profitable to liaise and collaborate with Malta Libraries and promote the Libby app for digital resources: ebooks, e-magazines and audiobooks.

Suggestion Box

Use of a suggestion box in the library could ensure that the librarian is always aware of the students’ current needs and interests.