Sarah Pavey – författare

Playing Games in the School Library is a comprehensive resource for those looking to explore the use of game-based learning and gamification in the library setting. It illustrates how game play can be developed through applying learning theory to practice, exemplified by case studies taken from a variety of international contexts.

The book begins by applying prominent learning theories, in particular the use of games to nurture natural curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It then looks at the effect of playful learning upon individual students and groups. Motivation, engagement and the development of self-esteem are explored alongside social skills such as team working, oracy, communication, motor skills and emotional intelligence. Separate chapters outline the practical use of different types of games including digital, mixed media, physical and active learning and live games, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each within a teaching and learning context. Finally, consideration is given to how game-based learning and gamification can be used to promote library resources and services for impact and how collaboration on this approach with subject teachers, senior leadership teams and the wider community, including parents can be beneficial.

Written in a comprehensive but accessible manner, Playing Games in the School Library will give readers a means of engaging with distance learning, as well as providing a more challenging environment within their physical space. It will equip them with both a practical and theoretical rationale for including the game-based approach in their work while supporting their school’s aims and objectives.

School libraries are facing numerous challenges in the 21st century. The number of professionally qualified staff working in schools has fallen in recent years and, increasingly, new appointments to library positions are sorely lacking the skills and knowledge needed. While there are a number of resources available detailing how to improve your school library once it is up and running there is a dearth of books that deal with the absolute basics in a practical manner, looking at the role from the first day.

Creating a School Library with Impact: A Beginners Guide is an introductory manual for anyone entering or looking to enter the exciting world of school librarianship in primary or secondary school settings. It provides readers with everything they need to know and understand from day one from author visits, social media, reading schemes, information literacy, evaluating your library, the physical layout of your room and much more, providing an invaluable guide to those first few years in the role.

School libraries are facing numerous challenges in the 21st century. The number of professionally qualified staff working in schools has fallen in recent years and, increasingly, new appointments to library positions are sorely lacking the skills and knowledge needed. While there are a number of resources available detailing how to improve your school library once it is up and running there is a dearth of books that deal with the absolute basics in a practical manner, looking at the role from the first day.

Creating a School Library with Impact: A Beginners Guide is an introductory manual for anyone entering or looking to enter the exciting world of school librarianship in primary or secondary school settings. It provides readers with everything they need to know and understand from day one from author visits, social media, reading schemes, information literacy, evaluating your library, the physical layout of your room and much more, providing an invaluable guide to those first few years in the role.

The role of the school librarian is varied, extending far beyond resource management and collection curation, to include collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for both curriculum support and leisure time. Whether working individually, as part of a library team, or as part of a broader team within the school, local or global community, building and maintaining relationships has become an essential skill.

The Networked Librarian is an invaluable guide to working effectively with the whole school and beyond. Bringing together the author’s extensive experience in school libraries and education, it provides a means for school librarians to engage with their communities to create real impact.

Although packed with practical examples and vignettes, the book goes beyond a ‘how-to’ guide and considers the pedagogical evidence that leads to the success of team membership and leadership. Opening chapters consider what constitutes a team, introducing key elements of the theory of group dynamics, change management and effective communication. Separate chapters then outline how school librarians might engage with different people, both within school and in the wider community, from students and teachers; through support staff from IT departments to caterers; and from governors and parents to public and university librarians. The book also delves into how team working can enhance motivation, the development of self-esteem and how to deal with more challenging situations for amicable resolution. Finally, consideration is given to how networking can be used to promote library resources and services for impact, whether that is within school or in the local or global community. Overall, this book demonstrates the importance of creating networks to underpin practical applications of forming connections, collaborating with colleagues and co-creating and developing ideas to enhance the school library services.

The role of the school librarian is varied, extending far beyond resource management and collection curation, to include collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for both curriculum support and leisure time. Whether working individually, as part of a library team, or as part of a broader team within the school, local or global community, building and maintaining relationships has become an essential skill.

The Networked Librarian is an invaluable guide to working effectively with the whole school and beyond. Bringing together the author’s extensive experience in school libraries and education, it provides a means for school librarians to engage with their communities to create real impact.

Although packed with practical examples and vignettes, the book goes beyond a ‘how-to’ guide and considers the pedagogical evidence that leads to the success of team membership and leadership. Opening chapters consider what constitutes a team, introducing key elements of the theory of group dynamics, change management and effective communication. Separate chapters then outline how school librarians might engage with different people, both within school and in the wider community, from students and teachers; through support staff from IT departments to caterers; and from governors and parents to public and university librarians. The book also delves into how team working can enhance motivation, the development of self-esteem and how to deal with more challenging situations for amicable resolution. Finally, consideration is given to how networking can be used to promote library resources and services for impact, whether that is within school or in the local or global community. Overall, this book demonstrates the importance of creating networks to underpin practical applications of forming connections, collaborating with colleagues and co-creating and developing ideas to enhance the school library services.