Stromness Academy Library encourages pupils to participate in the running of the library by volunteering to become pupil librarians. Pupils can help before registration, at lunchtime or during library periods. The Pupil Librarian Training Programme allows for different levels of ability and pupils can progress through the levels at their own speed. It has been running (on and off depending on interest) for over fifteen years. It was revised a few years ago to take advantage of materials from the School Library Association Pupil Librarian Toolkit http://www.sla.org.uk/pupil-toolkit.php (available to SLA members). Between 2011 and 2013 further revisions were carried out to take into account Curriculum for Excellence and Dynamic Youth and Youth Achievement Awards.
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the librarian who will let you know if there are any vacancies.
Why should I volunteer?
As a pupil librarian you can make a valuable contibution to the running of the library by:
- helping to develop the services
- running special events such as book fairs, story telling sessions
- helping the school librarian
- helping other library users – pupils or staff
- it will look good on a CV when you head to college, university or work
What is in it for me?
You will learn to:
- work in a team
- be a role-model for other pupils
- take responsibility for your own work and actions
- be better communicators
- think on your feet
What perks do I get?
If you commit to helping in the library regularly, you will be given a few privileges.
- A chance to choose books for the library
- First choice on any new books
- Special access privileges before registration and some intervals as arranged by the librarian
