From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, May 09, 2008

A DEVON school librarian has been honoured in a prestigious national award.

Robert Logan, who is the Upper School Librarian at Queen Elizabeth's Community College in Crediton, was one of only six finalists in the School Library Association's School Librarian of the Year Award.

Robert and a team from QECC were invited to the Houses of Parliament for the award ceremony where they met author Philip Reeve and enjoyed tea with MPs Ann Snelgrove and Michael Wills who sponsored the event.

They celebrated the schools' achievements in making reading a priority in all their students' learning experiences.

Robert Logan said: "I was completely surprised to be nominated and even more surprised to make it to the shortlist.

"We all had a brilliant day in London - teachers, librarians and students - and at the end of the day we all deserve this award. We are a team and that is why working at QE is so fantastic."

The School Library Association said all six librarians honoured demonstrated a range of the very best practice to be seen in school libraries.

Teaching staff in all six schools said they often ran to the library for help and advice - over a friendly cup of tea or coffee - so it was appropriate that each of the librarians were presented with a House of Commons mug.

At QE's Upper School, Robert has transformed the area into a welcoming and well organised library, using his considerable artistic talents on posters, notices and shelf guides.

He has taken the theme of a jungle and used it in every aspect of the library, from the pictures of jungle animals high on the walls that he has painted to library handouts that students receive at key stages.

Robert was praised for his work in promoting reader development at the college using a series of imaginative approaches, including visits by authors and poets.

There are active book groups for various year groups and the staff, who welcome the cross faculty networking, the 'peace' of the library and the opportunity to choose to read books that they wouldn't normally have.

Last term the whole school read Frankenstein, with Robert providing lots of quizzes, competitions and fun activities to back this up.

The SLA judging panel commented on his instinctive teaching skills and natural rapport with the students using humour, knowledge and mutual respect to draw out the best response.

Susan Williams, Learning Team Leader for English, who nominated Robert for the award said: "The process of short listing began last June and has been hugely demanding and testing. In Robert Logan, we are lucky enough to have so much more than you would expect from a 'conventional' librarian. He's changed the whole nature of the library - he's a 'doer' and an energiser for staff and students alike."

Richard Newton-Chance, Principal at Queen Elizabeth's said: "We are absolutely delighted that the work of our Upper School Librarian, Robert Logan, has received national recognition.

"We are extremely lucky to have two librarians at QE who both do everything they can to develop the love of reading in our young people and to create libraries that are full of wonder and awe.

"Robert gives tirelessly of his time, including representing us on a recent trip to our partner school in Utete, Tanzania. He is also a staff governor and contributes very widely to the life of the college. His humour, enthusiasm and professionalism make our Upper School Library a delightful place to be. This is a thoroughly deserved achievement."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: For more information and to arrange pictures or interviews, contact Clair McColl at QECC on 01363 778347. Our picture shows the finalists with MP Anne Snelgrove. Robert Logan is far right of the picture.

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