NSW_Scan2006

**from** Scan**NSW Department of Education and Training, reproduced with permission**

//Ian Chambers is Principal at Hassall Grove Public School. He outlines the vital contributions of the innovative library team and emphasises the planning and teaching role of the teacher-librarian to support student learning. //
 * CHAMBERS, Ian (2006) ‘The library: nerve centre of the school’** **in //Scan// 25(4) November, pp. 6–7.**

At Hassall Grove our library is the nerve centre of the school. We are a large primary school in western Sydney. We have a 51% English as a second language component. Many staff members are beginning teachers or recently appointed executive teachers. Over many years we have focused on developing the library as an information processing centre which complements classroom programs. Several strategies are combined to maximise the time our teacher-librarians have to teach.


 * We train student and parent volunteers.
 * We do not use the library for release from face to face. This is absorbed in our part-time allocation. Consequently we do not offer other programs such as Languages other than English.
 * We have introduced a system of grade release for planning for one day at the end of each term. The library team members provide input into the units of work being planned, and negotiate their role in supporting the teachers.
 * We have developed a system of flexible timetabling instead of a fixed timetable. Classes might work for four or five weeks on a number of occasions during the week and complete their tasks in a concentrated period of time. This includes the opportunity for more intensive use of ICT as an integral part of the information process.
 * The library program aso plays an integral part in our whole school literacy strategy through traditional activities, and using literature circles to develop deep engagements with various texts.