Case studies

Key Stage 3 and the library

A series of articles by Carole Brittan, Principal Librarian of Nottingham Education Library Services which include a large number of ideas for the use of fiction and the development of personal reading development.

Definition
Research skills are the skills needed to make efficient and effective use of information. They include strategies for identifying, selecting, evaluating, synthesising, creating and communicating information in all formats.

Role of the school library
Research skills can be taught in both the classroom and the school library. The library has, for many years, been used for locating information, but it can play a significantly wider role in supporting students by focusing on the ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘when’ as well as the ‘where’.

In order to be effective, this role should be reflected in the whole-school literacy strategy, endorsed by both the KS3 strategy manager and the Headteacher.

The first practical step could be to produce a whole-school audit of skills, involving all departments. Research skills should be part of every subject area. This will ensure consistency, continuity and progression. It should also encourage the transfer of skills.