Presentation as part of the Leadership for Libraries Taskforce workshop on the learning outcomes of public libraries

1. Learning & Libraries
Leadership for Libraries Taskforce Workshop
Nick Poole
CEO, CILIP
08/12/2016

2. Libraries change lives for the
better.
They not only provide access to
books and other literature but
also help people to help
themselves and improve their
opportunities, bring people
together, and provide practical
support and guidance.
* Source: Libraries Deliver, Taskforce (2016)

3. The Information Age is calling
for new kinds of literacy
Reading and basic literacy
remain essential core life skills
Alongside these, we need to
ensure children are
information-literate, digitally-
literate, media literate and
empowered to question & learn

4. The overall picture for literacy
and educational attainment is
variable across the UK
We are among the lowest of the
OECD/PISA nations for teenage
literacy
Over 50% of UK businesses say
they are concerned about
accessing a skilled & literate
workforce

5. “We want people to...”
• Choose to use libraries, because they see clear benefits and positive
outcomes from doing so
• Understand what library services offer, and how they can make the most of
what’s available to them
• Be introduced to new ideas and opportunities, then given confidence and
quick and easy access to tools, skills and information they need to improve
their quality of life
• Receive trusted guidance through the evolving information landscape and
build the skills needed to thrive in a changing world

6. Our 7 Outcomes
• Cultural and creative enrichment
• Increased reading and literacy
• Improved digital access and literacy
• Helping everyone achieve their full potential
• Healthier and happier lives
• Greater prosperity
• Stronger, more resilient communities

7. Libraries deliver...

8. “Helping everyone achieve their full potential”
Libraries raise people’s aspirations
and promote lifelong learning,
supplementing formal education
provided through schools, colleges
and adult education.
This is increasingly important given the
accelerated pace of change in the
workplace and the world more
generally, meaning that skills and
knowledge need more frequent
updating.

9. Defining ‘learning’
• The term ‘learning’ is not defined in the ​Ambition document. For the
purposes of the Taskforce’s work on this Outcome, we propose the definition
provided by the Arts Council England as part of the ​Inspiring Learning for All
framework :
– Learning is a process of active engagement with experience
– It is what people do when they want to make sense of the world
– It may involve development or deepening of skills, knowledge,
understanding, values, ideas and feelings
– Effective learning leads to change, development and the desire to learn
more

10. Today’s distinguished guests!
• Corienne Pearson, Principal, City College Norwich
• Sam Floyd, Head of Library Services, City College Norwich
• Joanne Moulton, Head of Libraries, Museums & Archives, Kingston
• Dr. Alison Baverstock, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism and
Publishing and Director of The KU Big Read, Kingston University
• Wendy Morris, Senior Information Adviser, Learning Resource Centre, KU
• Kirsten Francis, Manager, Library Services for Education and public library
services for children, young people and families, and service Safeguarding
lead, Norfolk County Council Library and Information Service

11. Open discussion
• What should the Taskforce’s priorities for development toward this Outcome
be?
• How can we make positive progress in measuring learning outcomes &
impact?
• What actions should be taken over the next 12 month period, and by whom?

12. Thank you to everyone for sharing your time and expertise
for today’s discussions!