Library Association Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries

School resource centres are, or should be, an integral part of the educational process. The Library Association has argued both for better training of teachers in information skills and the appointment of professional librarians in schools. These guidelines revise and update those published in 1992 under the title "Learning Resources in Schools". They deal specifically with secondary school libraries, placing them in the context of current educational imperatives and thinking. The contribution of schools library services, both internal and external, towards educational effectiveness in secondary schools is especially emphasized. The first part of this document is an executive summary of policy for headteachers, governors, chief education officers and local education authority officials, government and other policy makers. The second part is a practical section for professional librarians, teacher librarians and others responsible for managing libraries and other forms of learning support in secondary schools. Amongst other key topics, the guidelines cover: level of provision; exploitation of resources; management; funding; ICT and information skills; evaluation; and inspection.