FNQ school librarians not just by the book
FAR Northern school libraries are proving they are at the forefront of a revolution in the education system after two of the region’s teachers were recognised for their work.
Cairns State High School librarian Lyndell Sellars was named Queensland TeacherLibrarian of the Year (highly commended) and St Andrew’s Catholic College principal Lee MacMaster voted Principal/ School Leader of the Year in the Queensland School Library Association’s recent awards.
Four years have passed since Hambledon State School librarian Elizabeth Jorgensen won a similar award in 2013.
Ms Sellars said, while books and reading were still the mainstay of school libraries, technology and the internet had changed how literacy was delivered.
“The explosion of online information has meant students need to be taught how to navigate online for relevant and credible information,” she said.
“Teacher-librarians are trained information specialists and an integral part of being a teacher-librarian is embracing the digital world to develop critical literacy and effective information skills.
“Online databases and access to information and reading materials 24/7 have changed the types of information sources which are accessed but not the essential information literacy skills which are required.”
St Andrew’s Catholic College librarian Verdi Reid said libraries also often hosted spaces for digital technologies curriculum to encourage innovation and collaboration.
“Libraries are the hub of a school where students can actively learn, collaborate,” Ms Reid said.
The FNQ Teacher-Librarian Network has formed and is an active group of primary and secondary schools professionals.
The network has established links with public libraries and universities, visiting authors and writing festivals.
It is an important support for annual competitions such as the Children’s Book Council of Australia Reader’s Cup competition, in which St Andrew’s College won the Years 5/6 category and Cairns State High School took out the Years 7/8 category.
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