Transforming Schools Engagement Through Partnerships

While Tasmania is famous for many qualities—its clean air, natural beauty and unique flora and fauna— Tasmanian children and adults continue to have poor educational, social and health outcomes compared to the rest of Australia. The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is committed to affecting change in literacy attainment, Year 12 completion and educational aspiration through the work of the Peter Underwood Centre, UTAS Children’s University and Schools Engagement team. In addition, easing library anxiety, bridging the research skills gap, and aiding the transition to post-secondary education have long been considered some of the reasons for including outreach to schools in the Library’s agenda. The UTAS Library has recently changed its approach to schools’ engagement to better address these issues. Rather than solely targeting senior secondary students by providing them with access to library resources and generic workshops, UTAS Library has offered a broader, more immersive experience of the Library and Cultural Collections to students of all ages and backgrounds. In partnership with schools, the Children’s University, Schools Engagement and Northern Transformation teams, UTAS Library has run school holiday activities, participated in STEM ‘taster’ visits, and delivered customised classes for school students. On each occasion the interactions have been tailored to the themes and goals of participating partners, with emphasis on the library as an inclusive, interactive space. This presentation will explore how customising activities to meet students’ needs has had a greater impact on their engagement and learning than offering generic content. It will also argue that tangible experiences of Library and Cultural Collections can generate a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, promoting lifelong learning and an ongoing relationship with the Llibrary. Working in sustainable partnerships with teams outside the Llibrary can overcome traditional time, cost and staffing challenges, increase opportunities for engagement, and contextualise the Library within the University’s academic and social mission.

Author Bio

Brenda is an information specialist with experience in a variety of sectors, including university, school, TAFE, public and special libraries. As a Learning and Research Librarian for the University of Tasmania, Brenda focuses on meeting the information literacy and research needs of students, academics and community members. She coordinates the Library’s Schools Engagement program, and is actively involved in partnerships with external stakeholders. Brenda is passionate about the potential for libraries to promote equality, diversity and inclusion through community engagement and open education.

Author Bio

Ruairi is a Learning and Research Librarian at the University of Tasmania. He works with a team of librarians to help students and academics learn the skills and access the resources they need for their research. Ruairi enjoys writing and in 2021 published a book of short stories about his local library, the profits from which were donated to purchasing adult literacy resources.