Release of new OpenLearn course for school librarians

The School Libraries Group (SLG) are delighted that The Open University (OU) has launched a new free online course, An Introduction to School Librarianship, on OpenLearn, their free learning platform. OpenLearn, which provides free high-quality online courses on a breadth of subjects, is integral to the OU’s mission of being ‘open to people, places, methods and ideas’ by providing life-changing learning that meets peoples’ needs and enriches society. This new online course is aimed at school librarians who are new to the field as well as those with some experience who are looking to improve their skills.  

The course is structured across eight sessions and participants who complete the course can earn an Open University digital badge to demonstrate their commitment to school librarianship and provide evidence of continued professional development.  The course content is delivered through video and supporting activities in which experienced practitioners, Sarah Pavey and Nick Cavender, guide participants through topics such as the librarian’s role in the school, creating a reading rich culture, and independent study and information literacy skills.  

SLG recognises that increasing numbers of people find themselves in charge of a school library with little or no formal qualifications or experience, and they are committed to developing the professionalism of school librarians with the aim of encouraging them to join CILIP and become Certified or Chartered members of the profession.  With this in mind, the online course, along with the accompanying book Creating a School Library with Impact, (Facet Publishing, 2022) was the brainchild of Caroline Roche and is the culmination of her six-year tenure as chair of SLG.  Caroline says … “I am incredibly proud of the team who worked both on the book and the OpenLearn course.  SLG are dedicated to ensuring that all school librarians have the opportunity to become professionally qualified, and these resources are the first stepping stone to achieving this.” 

The course was developed over two years by school librarian Rosalind Buckland, with contributions from Sarah Pavey and Barbara Band, in association with The Open University.  Rosalind says … “A huge thank you to the OU and SLG for giving me and my fellow SLG contributors the opportunity to create this free, Badged Open Course designed specially to help those who are new to the school library profession. It's available to all in the school library community and will add to SLG's already comprehensive suite of CPD resources.”  

Selena Killick from The Open University Library says … “Librarians are always supporting each other, and it’s been a real honour for us to be able to support the SLG with our world-leading digital learning expertise here at the OU. An Introduction to School Librarianship has been an excellent addition to our suite of free learning courses available to everyone.” 

The course is free to all, and you do not need to be a CILIP member to enrol. However, if you join CILIP you can take advantage of further CPD offered by SLG and CILIP as well as discounts on Facet publications.