Policy Writing for Teacher Librarians

Policy Writing for Teacher Librarians

What is Policy?

Policy means different things to different people. Below are various quotes that may assist us in trying to formulate a workable definition of policy, particularly as it applies to the School Resource Centre.

"Policy can be defined in many different ways but it is more than simply a statement of belief (O'Brien, 1980). Its major purpose is to guide action (Caldwell, 1980). In general, policy is philosophically based, implies intention and suggests a pattern for taking action… It creates a framework for action with some basis for discretion within which [school personnel] can discharge their duties with clear direction (Caldwell, 1980)…

Policy is not a goal or aim even though the latter may be implicit in the statements of policy, while specific objectives, as statements of outcomes, may often be set as part of policy implementation. Policy produces guidelines for the preparation of rules and procedures which are the first steps in policy implementation. They direct action and specify the individuals responsible for such action" (Caldwell, 1980).

in Turney, C., Hatton, K., Laws, K., Sinclair, R. and Smith, D. (1992). The School Manager: Educational Management Roles and tasks. North Sydney: Allen and Unwin, p. 122.

"Policy can be viewed basically as a course of action or inaction towards the accomplishment of some intended or desired end. It embraces both what is actually intended and what occurs as the result of the intention" (Harman, 1978).

in Tierney, G. and Whitney, M. (1993) 'Writing a school library resource centre policy', Access, 7(2), 12-14.

"A school policy outlines the theoretical basis for the library resource centre and the role of the teacher-librarian, and provides a mechanism for the demonstration of accountability. An effective policy should form the basis for planning and decision-making in the school library. Ideally it should be used as a reference whenever changes involving planning and decision -making are made throughout the year."

Tierney, G. and Whitney, M. (1993) 'Writing a school library resource centre policy', Access, 7(2), 12-14.

"The school library resource centre policy is a definite course of action … [that] provides the basis for planning and action and should be reviewed annually to ensure that it reflects current pedagogical practices and changing needs. A number of factors including systemic plans, school development plans, national school library standards, outcomes based education, and the increased use of technology, need to be taken into account when reviewing the school library policy. It is vital that the policy be updated regularly so that it remains a meaningful and valuable guide for decision making. Its value lies in its explicit connections to broader changes occurring in education, as well as those within the particular school setting. Ensuring the library policy document is accessible and relevant to changing contexts is the task that faces all school library professionals."

Tierney, G. and Whitney, M. (1998) ‘Policy writing framework review’, Access, 12(3), 16-17.

"Determining and implementing policy is an important part of the role of the educational manager.... Policy determination and implementation is ultimately a political process, a process of allocating authority to one set of values rather than another competing set of values, and supporting that allocation of authority with the allocation of resources."

Nailon, D. (1997) Policies and practices in Educational management. EAP512 Study Guide (1999), Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology, Department of Teaching and Learning Services.

A Policy is an agreed statement that sets out what the school aims to do and the guidelines it will use to carry out its activities. It establishes a unique vision for the school and sets out principles to be followed by those responsible for turning policy into action.

Wodonga Primary School No. 37 Policy Writing Procedure Policy http://www.wodonga-ps.vic.edu.au/Information/policies/policy_writing.htm (accessed March 2001) (NB. This link is now inactive).