A well-stocked library is a powerful resource for children’s learning. So, why would we not offer the same facility for teachers? After all, there’s been an explosion of educational books in recent years, covering everything from key teaching concepts to school leadership. Creating a dedicated teaching library could be a great way to invest in staff, boost their career development and improve the school. Here are the key points to consider, based on my experience of doing this at a previous school.
1. Involve staff in the book-selection process
Ask colleagues about which books they think should be stocked. It could be ones they have read that they think others would benefit from, or books that they would like to read but have not yet had the chance to do so. The request list could be hosted in a document that is regularly updated with requests and recommendations.
2. Order multiple copies of the same book
It’s a good idea to purchase a number of copies of the same book for two reasons: first, to ensure that it can be read by more than one teacher at a time (we all know how annoying it is when the book you want is not available); and second, to encourage reflection and discussion among staff about what they have been reading.
3. Promote a wide range of books
When building a library, you may naturally focus first on key teaching and learning books. But it’s worth including books on other key topics that are relevant to a teacher’s job: pastoral care, classroom management and behaviour, special educational needs and disability, leadership and many more. You should also include subject-specific and phase-specific books so that all areas of your staff’s needs and interests are catered for.
4. Communicate with staff about the library
Of course, if you develop a library, you need to ensure it’s well used. No one wants to see books gathering dust. Be proactive in making staff aware of the books they can access - whether via email or as a regular reminder in staff meetings - and encourage them to take advantage of the resource that is provided for them.
5. Link the CPD library to the school development plan
Each school has its own priorities and areas of focus. Whatever they might be, the continuing professional development library can reflect them and support staff in these areas. If there is a whole-school focus on feedback and reflection, there is a range of books that share research and advice about effective feedback. If wellbeing is a big issue, stock up on texts that address this and then, as noted above, make staff aware of the resource.
All this can help colleagues to boost their knowledge, hopefully prompting them to suggest using the ideas and innovations they have read about. It could have huge impact on school life - for them and their pupils.
Kate Jones is head of history at The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi, and author of Love To Teach, Retrieval Practice and Retrieval Practice 2. She tweets @KateJones_teach
This article originally appeared in the 15 October 2021 issue under the headline “Libraries give staff power”
