Library and Digital Learning

After two years of COVID disruption, the return to regular routine has been welcomed. Year 7 students had largely completed the final two years of primary school from the isolation of home with contact via Google Meet. They commenced the 2022 school year sharing the hopes of all of us and looking forward to a routine school year. Thankfully, although not totally free of disruptions, we have had a wonderful year.

The library plays an important role in the induction of new students of all year levels as they settle into their online learning resources, laptops and the lunchtime social activities such as chess and various other clubs. The induction of new staff also supports teachers as they navigate the complexity of learning resources and access. Knowing your learning space is an essential ingredient of success.

Resourcing in schools has developed to be analogous to the familiar description of an iceberg. The resources you see within the physical library space are only a fraction of those available. Our integrated digital presence, which was our salvation over the pandemic, has continued to grow in use this year.

Statistics indicate that Mazenod students are borrowing more and more books from our Sora library, whilst hardcopy loans are still popular. Encouraging students to contribute suggestions for purchasing is a contributing factor in this regard. Students come to the Library to meet, share and learn with their friends and use the recording and other facilities. Online databases, study guides and instruction organised through the Library homepage lead to the discovery of that ‘iceberg’ of information.

Although reading classes continued online last year, the regular routine of classes in the comfort of the library is popular. This year we have been pleased to resume ‘in-person’ author visits and regular events such as the Federal Election Breakfast, Literature Festival and CBCA Book Week celebrations. The support of Senior students is also assisted through the systematic integration of library resources within MazCom, making them accessible and visible. Introduction of the MyConnect platform has also simplified access to digital textbooks in 2022.

This year, I retire from the role of Head of Library and Digital Learning at Mazenod College after 13 years. During this time, I have been blessed with the support of successive Principals and a professional library team. They have all contributed to a collective vision of growing a school library appropriate to the complexity of today’s society. Thank you all.

Our Vision To be a launching place for learning. A place where cultural, social and intellectual exchanges occur, often mediated by, but not limited to, the resources of the library collection; a space defined by the social mood, cultural and civic expression and the intellection values of the school community. Camilla Elliott