Page 29 - Headingtonian Magazine 2017

THE HEADINGTONIAN 2017
AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL
AN INTERVIEW WITH
LYNN WINKWORTH
HEAD LIBRARIAN
Have you visited the new Library at Headington yet? In a word – ‘Wow!’ Two years in the planning and construction, the attention to detail in creating the Library learning experience is quite breathtaking. Head Librarian Lynn Winkworth, is delighted with the way the girls have taken to all the new Library offers.
What makes the new Library so special?
We wanted the new Library to combine the learning environment of a classroom, with the more relaxed atmosphere of your living room. It has to be a place where people feel comfortable and stimulated – where you can let your imagination fly. That’s why this isn’t a traditional ‘silence at all times’ library. Pupils can ask questions and learn through discussion. We have just one rule – nobody hinders the learning of others. We encourage collaborative working at the 84” internet- linked interactive table. Asking questions and searching for answers is what it’s all about.
How does the Library link with the School as a whole?
I see the Library as a hub. It’s not an annex but rather a place that’s central to the ethos of Headington. It provides opportunities and encouragement for girls to build
their individual confidence in acquiring knowledge, and the skills they need to do so. For example, the Quiet Room in the Library works both as a teaching space and
as a private study space. So the curriculum is explored both by teachers and their classes, and individually by students on their own.
Do you see access to wide range of media as important for learning?
Absolutely. Traditional printed sources, both journals and books are supplemented by a wide rang of ebook resources, and access through our online library. Fiction books
are also available in print and electronic format through our e-platform. Carrying out their course-work research, students learn about primary and secondary sources of information, and support of wider reading
is especially important particularly as Sixth Formers prepare for higher education.
What about digital media?
Printed media like books and journals go hand in hand with online sources. Here in the Library, girls have access to both. The Digital Resource Centre contains approximately 13,000 books as well as a wide range of
online databases. Having this wealth of information at their fingertips can be daunting but, through the online library, girls quickly learn how to find top quality material for their subject areas. Through this research, students learn the rudiments of information handling and bibliographic construction – skills that will hold them in good stead when they enter higher education. If they run into technical problems with their Apple iPads, our very own Genius Bar can come to the rescue! This is where Headington’s IT technicians can answer questions and help sort things out. Another state-of-the art aspect of the Library is our hi-tech issue and book return system.
It is the same as many university libraries use and means our students can issue and return books by themselves. They then receive an email to help them manage their loans.
Is the Library a place for fun and
relaxation too?
My goodness, yes! The Fiction Section is built out into the quad and is designed to feel welcoming and full of light. The green design of the carpet seems to flow out into the grass of the quad, increasing the sense
of space. As well as comfy chairs in which
to sit and read, we have two amazing and very futuristic surround-sound sonic chairs. These are incredibly popular with the girls because once you’re snuggled inside, you are enveloped with music or the spoken word which can only be heard inside the sonic
29