Libraries and Information Services

ANDREW STARK

Head of Libraries and Information

Services

While the face of education appears to be in a constant state of flux, librarianship is quite possibly one of the most revolutionary professions in the modern world. No longer do libraries simply provide resources, help students with research processes and catalogue resources; the successful modern library is now a proactive and responsive centre for learning and teaching; a place that challenges, supports and extends the learning experience of those who enter its spaces. For the Harley Stumm Centre, 2015 began, as it so often does, with a flurry of activity, and once again it became apparent early in the year that there was very strong borrowing of fiction and non-fiction titles. While cynics may argue that paperbacks are on the way out, clearly our boys and staff think otherwise. Throughout the year this ‘reading resurgence’ maintained its momentum and, as a result, well over 300 books have been purchased as a direct result of boys’ personal recommendations.

TSS Senior Library was, once again, very well represented at a variety of local, national and international academic events throughout the year. Presentations were made on behalf of the Senior Library to delegates attending: the International Academic Forum, Osaka, Japan; the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, Cape Town South Africa; and the Australian International School, Singapore. There were also several informal presentations conducted around the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. It is very reassuring to know that librarians from around the world are interested in learning more about what we are doing here at TSS and the role the Senior Library plays in developing dynamic pedagogy for boys. Boys at TSS are directly involved with the Senior Library through a variety of activities. All boys up to Year 10 have regular wide-reading sessions where they are encouraged to select fiction and non-fiction texts from the collection to supplement and extend their personal reading. To assist boys with their selection, the Senior Library produces the guide ‘More Good Books for Boys’; a publication that is always well received. Boys are also encouraged to participate in the St Hilda’s and TSS Philosophy Club, which meets regularly throughout the year to discuss pertinent social issues and how they are represented through literature, music, film and art. This is wonderful opportunity for boys to explore ‘other’ intellectual and academic options. Plans are also well under way for the second International Library Symposium, which will be held in September 2016. Following on from the successes of the inaugural event held in 2014, we look forward to welcoming librarians, teachers, authors and academics from around Australia and further afield to hear nationally and internationally significant speakers who will focus on the theme: ‘Space and Place, Power and Purpose.’

Challenging boys to achieve their maximum potential is the essence of boys’ education and the best starting point is in the school library. Modern libraries are constantly changing their focus, resources and expertise and this can only be maintained with the support of exceptional staff. While we face myriad educational challenges and strive to provide the School Community with excellent library services, we feel that Mr Harley Stumm would be proud to have his name associated with the Senior Library.