Dr Chhavi Jain, School Librarian of the Year Honour List

DR JAIN manages a large, multilingual library and makerspace in Manav Rachna International School (Gurugram) outside New Delhi in India, where she supports 1100 children aged 6-17 years. Here, she tells us about developments and her plans for her school library:

Q: What was your route into becoming a school librarian? A: I have more than 18 years experience in the library profession including substantial experience using latest IT Infrastructure in the Library. I specialise in digital library developments and library automation and have had many papers published in national and international journals and at national and international conferences. I have also received the Jean Lowrie Leadership Development Award from International Association of School Librarianship. Q: Where are you now? A: I am presently working as librarian in Manav Rachna International School, Gurugram, India. Q: How would you describe your library and your relationship with the students? A: For me, the library is a place which gives motivation, challenge and energy to do work. Q: And how would you describe your approach to your work? A: Giving the right information to the right user at the right time. Q: What are your school's priorities for the library? A: To listen, understand and support our needs and students requirement and help us to run an effective and active library. Q: How do you support other teachers and teaching across the curriculum? A: Library lessons are connected with the curriculum, while information literacy projects are based on the syllabus. We have a regular teachers and librarian meeting before every academic cycle. Q: What have been your biggest successes and innovations to date? A: Getting parents involved; introducing 'Selfie Fanatics' for special education need students and their parents; the compilation of a book, 'Limitless' and organisation of a great Book Launch; running effective reading and writing clubs; winning the International Writing Challenge Monthly Star Reading Program; running reading programs teachers only - Readers Meet Readers - where all educators are invited to the library once a month, to share their thoughts about the latest book they have read and to recommend books to other teachers. Q: What are the biggest challenges for you? A: To convert non-readers in to readers (students and teachers alike). Q: What are your budgeting priorities and how creative do you need to be with your funds? A: Budgeting is in management's hand. Q: How are you using technology in the library? A: Through a number of routes including: Research on computers for information Literacy Project - projects on how to evaluate websites; e-book reading using Kindles; iPads have been introduced to the library; we have skype events with authors and also partner schools (national and international); we have digital bookmarks available, use videos and book apps. Q: What next for your library? A: Creating a physical International Exchange of the library and readers' community. Q: Can you share three simple things you have tried out that you'd recommend to other librarians? A: We have a Star Reading Program, writing club and reading clubs Q: What is the thing you do that has the most impact on the library, and how do you measure its impact? A: This is probably our Reading Program, and our writing and reading clubs. The Star Reading Program increased the interest of reading in students, footfall and a feeling of competition increased. Our reading club started with seven students, this year 80 students got involved. One of the achievements for our writing club was guiding seven students to write their own stories and the book 'Limitless' was published and launched at a large scale event. This session, 20 students are in the writing club and learning how to write stories. Q: How has being a member of the SLA helped you in your career? A: The School Library Association provides a direct approach to the community to which you belongs, it gives strength and confidence and support to every individual librarian in any part of the world.