School Libraries Info and Advice
(Also known as: library)
The Southampton School Library Service supports all local authority schools in Southampton. We provide resources and advice on the organisation and running of School Libraries. This page gives you more information about what we do.
Contact Details:
Address: Chris Thomas, Senior Schools Librarian: School Library Service, Warren Crescent, Shirley Warren, Southampton
Postcode: SO16 6AY
Telephone: 023 8078 0507
Email: christobel.thomas@southampton.gov.uk
Fax: 023 8070 2783
Details of service:
We have a large collection of resources, books and cassettes. Your school can borrow these on a bulk loan basis. Our allocation is 2 books per pupil in secondary schools and 3 books per pupil in primary and special schools. The school can exchange items at the School Library Service Centre or through the School Library Mobile. The mobile visits primary schools regularly. To view the timetable click here.
Advisory Services
We offer a range of advisory services to support schools and give advice on all aspects of library management. We help with:
• Help with documentation: We help write library policy documents and development plans.
• Stock management: We help assess stock, evaluate old materials and make suggestions for new stock
• Designing library areas: We advise on new shelving and equipment including library management and security Systems.
• Promotion: We help staff with display techniques and the promotion of books.
• Help for senior management: We help them appoint staff for their library. We also loan videos and specialist texts about libraries.
• Promotional events: We help organise Book Weeks and other events like storytelling and book promotion sessions. We also give talks to PTA and Governor groups.
• Emotional Literacy: We offer advice and resources to support teachers. Please click on the "Emotional Literacy" link on the right hand side of this page to find out more.
Staff Training
We provide a number of courses aimed at the Teacher Librarian and the Library Assistants in Primary and Secondary Schools. We offer:
• Courses for all new staff: These give practical advice that will help them in their day to day work.
• Specialist Forums: Library staff can get together in our friendly and constructive groups. Colleagues in the Secondary and Special Schools have the chance to exchange ideas and solutions to common problems. They can also view and borrow new fiction stock. We use these groups to widen the book knowledge amongst librarians across the city.
If you are a primary school teacher you can join "Hot Off the Press". This is a fiction review service that lets you borrow published fiction, folktales and poetry. You can use these books with your children in school and write a review. They will then put your review on their website.
You will have to book an appointment if you would like to meet with us. Contact us at the address above. The centre is open during term time. We are also open during part of the holiday periods.
Last updated: 24 July 2008
