Margaret K. Merga - School Libraries Supporting Literacy and Wellbeing

Praise for School Libraries Supporting Literacy and Wellbeing

Merga has managed to document the ways in which the school library and librarians contribute not only to the traditional aspects of literacy and research in schools but also enrich the communitys wellbeing and social emotional health. In this trying COVID-19 period it is a timely reminder of how the library as both a physical and digital space, as well as an institution, improves the lives of all who have access. This is a work that will inspire those in the profession and encourage fellow educators and administrators to leverage the power of the library in their setting.

Nadine Bailey, International School Teacher Librarian

Margaret Mergas work plays an important and essential role in the advocacy and promotion of school libraries, their impact and benefits; this book is no exception. It details how school libraries with professional staff support the literacy and wellbeing of students through reading engagement, information literacy, and the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment. It is robustly researched with personal reflections, practical strategies and realistic suggestions embedded in pedagogical approaches that make them easy to implement. This book ought to be required CPD reading, not only for library staff but also those with any sort of responsibility for the library within a school, including the decision-makers: it should be in the staff library in every school!

Barbara Band, School Library Consultant and Trainer

Based on her own research and that of others, Margaret Merga explores the complexities of the role of the teacher librarian and school library professional in Australia and the UK. Practical suggestions around the theme of the importance of libraries for reading, information, and student wellbeing are woven through the accessible text. Mergas comprehensive research on literacy and literature and the importance of recreational reading in the academic development of our students will provide teacher librarians with strong evidence to advocate the importance of their role. The role the school library plays in contributing to the wellbeing of students and staff is well articulated and cannot be overlooked. This is a must read for school executives and an affirming read for teacher librarians and school library staff.

Liz Derouet, Liaison Librarian Education, University of Southern Queensland

A must read for teacher librarians, school library professionals, principals, teachers, policy makers and anyone who cares about improving student wellbeing and literacy. Drawing from her own and international research, Merga has produced a clear and engaging exploration of the essential role that school libraries play in student literacy and wellbeing. With a practical, evidence-based approach, this book is a helpful resource for teacher librarians looking to expand their programs and cater for students with diverse needs. It is also a timely reminder of the importance of investing in school libraries staffed by qualified school library professionals, to give each child the education experience they need.

Trish Hepworth, Director of Policy and Education, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)

Margaret Mergas School Libraries Supporting Literacy and Wellbeing is the new testament of school libraries and librarianship! A big shout about the causality of school libraries and the value of qualified school library professionals to enrich not only reading and literacy but also students social, emotional, health and intellectual wellbeing. Providing practical suggestions, every single page of the book is full of research-based information for those of us who want to enjoy the companionship of school librarianship... and even teachers, policymakers and researchers should find this text enlightening and thought-provoking. This book made both school libraries and librarians a winner! Read this book and learn from one of the best!

Zakir Hossain, Teacher-Librarian/Researcher

In this book, underpinned always by validated research, Margaret explores how the school library can help students when life gets hard, showing that literacy is a life skill, not just another academic competency and how this can be an aid to mental wellbeing in many ways. She highlights the role of the school librarian in providing practical help and support within this sphere. This is a book for all school librarians who wish to learn more about how to make our skills and environment more accessible and how to highlight these opportunities to our senior management teams. So much to explore in this valuable read.

Sarah Pavey, Education Consultant, SP4IL and member of CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG) and CILIP Information Literacy Group (ILG)

Dr Margaret Merga is passionate about the critical role of school libraries in literacy and wellbeing. Her drive and enthusiasm come from her own experiences as a student, educator, researcher and academic. Teacher librarians, school librarians and library staff know and understand this important role, intrinsically. We see evidence of it every single day. Drawing on a robust research base, Margaret clearly illustrates best practice in school libraries and the important multifaceted role of school library professionals. She encourages us to continually draw on current research to refine, extend and highlight exactly what we do. This book provides substantial evidence of the value of school libraries and the significant contribution they can make in the lives of our students. It is a must-read for all who value literacy and student wellbeing in our schools. School library professionals across Australia and throughout the world will treasure this book and refer to it often with keen interest, excitement, and enthusiasm!

Kerry Pope, Head of Library Services, Toongabbie Christian College, Sydney. Co-Leader, Australian School Library Association (ASLA) Research SIG and former Vice President, Committee Chair, International Association of School Librarianship (IASL)

This book focuses on the school library/ian roles with regard to two important issues of our time: literacy, however you define it, and the affective domain, our individual wellbeing. These dual features weave throughout the book as Margaret Merga convincingly identifies connections and a symbiotic relationship between reading/literacy and the wellbeing of students. You only need to read a few pages to be aware that you are reading the work of someone who brings considerable research, analysis and academic rigour to an enthusiasm and passion for school libraries and learning. What librarians actually do is identified holistically from the theory, good practice and the realpolitik.

In todays global village, it is necessary to look outwards, which this book does. Reflecting a traditional strength of British school librarianship literacy/reading in a fusion with an Australasian powerhouse of school librarianship and of innovative and good practice; in practice, the picture is rightly more mixed, and there are challenges. In essence, School Libraries Supporting Literacy and Wellbeing provides ways to help you break the glass ceiling that can separate school libraries/ians from the wider educational environment.

Anthony Tilke, PhD, international school librarian, author, IB accredited workshop leader and content developer

School Libraries
Supporting Literacy
and Wellbeing

Every purchase of a Facet book helps to fund CILIPs advocacy, awareness and accreditation programmes for information professionals.

School Libraries