Sun West School Library/Learning Commons Handbook

“School libraries are an investment in the future of Saskatchewan students.  They are integral to teaching and learning.  They provide environments rich in information, literature, and technology that, together with effective instruction, enable students to achieve curriculum learning outcomes and acquire the attitudes and skills for lifelong learning.”

- Connections, Policy and Guidelines for School Libraries in Saskatchewan 2008

The purpose of this document is to guide schools in the development of effective library programs. It articulates procedures and guidelines related to Sun West School Division libraries and advocates for effective school library programs as conveyed by the Ministry of Education.

An effective school library:

Ÿ  provides quality programs that facilitate curriculum outcomes, promote literacy, incorporate technology into instruction, and enable students to grow in their ability to locate, use, create and share information and knowledge. 

Ÿ  contributes to the school and school division’s educational philosophy (PeBL) and is integrated with the learning program at every grade level and in every subject area, the home, community, school staff and students collaborate to ensure the quality of programs.       

Ÿ  provides all prekindergarten to Grade 12 students with equity of access to programs, resources, and services.

Ÿ  is guided by a division-wide plan for libraries.

Ÿ  builds a collection of high quality resources in many formats that includes information and literature for the teaching and learning needs of students and staff.

Ÿ  provides online access to resources through the Sun West Resource Bank Library Group.

Ÿ  organizes and provides access to the collection through a web-based integrated library system (LibraryWorld).

Adapted From: Connections: Policy and Guidelines for School Libraries in Saskatchewan.