An important message from ALIA

This message is from Anne Girolami, ALIA Schools Convenor:

School libraries and teacher librarians

 in 21^st century Australia 

School libraries and teacher librarians in 21^st century Australia by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment is the result of the Inquiry into the role, adequacy and resourcing of school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia’s public and private schools. The Report documents the evidence collected from March 2010 until July 2010. The Inquiry was then suspended due to the Federal election. Towards the end of 2010 the Inquiry was reinstated. The Report was tabled in parliament on Monday 23 May.  Eleven (11) recommendations have been made.

Call to Action

In response to the release of the Report, the Australian Library and Information Association [ALIA] and the Australian School Library Association [ASLA] have created a:

• wiki http://schoollibraries2011.wikispaces.com/
• Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-a-difference-a-school-library-makes/120543444695337/

These social networking tools enable parents, students, teachers, teacher librarians and everyone else who is concerned about the state of school libraries to find out more information about this highly topical issue and to join in the discussion. Both Associations see the importance for positive, informative and engaging advocacy activities. You are encouraged to share the wiki and the Facebook page with your school community, your parents, your friends, your local MP and everyone on your Christmas list.

Now is the time for our profession to work together, speak with one voice and begin this concerted lobbying campaign to ensure the recommendations are implemented. Here is a list of actions that if completed by each person will show the ‘passion and enthusiasm of teacher librarians’.

This is your call to action:

• Visit the wiki on a regular basis
• ‘Like’ What a difference a school library makes Facebook page
• Download and read the Report
• Write an article for your school’s newsletter informing the school community of the Report and invite parents to complete The 10-point checklist and to visit How good is your child’s school? and feel free to use any material on the wiki
• Invite everyone you know to ‘Like’ the What a difference a school library makes Facebook page - the more ‘likes’ the more interest our politicians will have
• Write to your Federal Member of Parliament and State Member of Parliament, for sample letter go to http://alia.org.au/schoollibraries/
• Book an appointment with your Principal to discuss the Report
• Ask to be on the agenda at an upcoming staff meeting
• Place facts about school libraries regularly in your school’s newsletter
• Sign the A qualified teacher librarian in every school petition at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/a-qualified-teacher-librarian-in-every-school.html
• Visit The Hub at http://hubinfo.wordpress.com
• ‘Like’  the Facebook page A Library in Every School  at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ALibraryInEverySchool

Be an active part of the vision for school libraries and teacher librarians in 21^st century Australia.


For more information visit the ALIA website.