L.F.M.S.S. Library - Values, Mission Statements & Goals

 

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The IFLA/UNESCO SCHOOL LIBRARY MANIFESTO (IFLA):
 (International Federation of Library Associations & United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

THE MISSION OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY (IFLA):

  • The school library offers learning services, books and resources that enable all members of the school community to become critical thinkers and effective users of information in all formats and media. School libraries link to the wider library and information network in accord with the principles in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto.
  • The library staff support the use of books and other information sources, ranging from the fictional to the documentary, from print to electronic, both on-site and remote. The materials complement and enrich textbooks, teaching materials and methodologies.
  • It has been demonstrated that, when librarians and teachers work together, students achieve higher levels of literacy, reading, learning, problem-solving and information and communication technology skills.
  • School library services must be provided equally to all members of the school community, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality, language, professional or social status. Specific services and materials must be provided for those who are unable to use mainstream library services and materials.
  • Access to services and collections should be based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms, and should not be subject to any form of ideological, political or religious censorship, or to commercial pressures.

THE GOALS OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY (IFLA):

The school library is integral to the educational process. The following are essential to the development of literacy, information literacy, teaching, learning and culture, and are core school library services:

  • supporting and enhancing educational goals as outlined in the school's mission and curriculum;
  • developing and sustaining in children the habit and enjoyment of reading and learning, and the use of libraries throughout their lives;
  • offering opportunities for experiences in creating and using information for knowledge, understanding, imagination and enjoyment;
  • supporting all students in learning and practising skills for evaluating and using information, regardless of form, format or medium, including sensitivity to the modes of communication within the community;
  • providing access to local, regional, national and global resources and opportunities that expose learners to diverse ideas, experiences and opinions;
  • organizing activities that encourage cultural and social awareness and sensitivity;
  • working with students, teachers, administrators and parents to achieve the mission of the school;
  • proclaiming the concept that intellectual freedom and access to information are essential to effective and responsible citizenship and participation in a democracy;
  • promoting reading and the resources and services of the school library to the whole school community and beyond.

The school library fulfils these functions by developing policies and services, selecting and acquiring resources, providing physical and intellectual access to appropriate sources of information, providing instructional facilities, and employing trained staff.

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WORKS CITED

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. March 2006.  School Libraries and Resource Centers Section. 

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