School libraries

The five interrelated domains that encompass the role of information service centres of the school as an information environment:

What is a teacher librarian?

[As published in Learning in the future: Developing information services in schools, 2nd edition, 2001.]

House of Representatives Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians in Australian Schools. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Training has been asked by the Federal Minister for Education to inquire into and report on the role, adequacy and resourcing of school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia’s public and private schools -- 16 March 2010.

Schedule of public hearings linked to the Inquiry. The schedule for the remaining hearings are now available. The transcripts from Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra public hearings are now available.

Submission to the Inquiry from the Australian School Library Association Inc. [PDF format]

Media coverage

Tarica, Elisabeth 2010, 'Library specialists being shelved', The Age, 6 August 2010.

Manzie, Daryl 2010, Interview with Karen Bonanno, Executive Officer, ASLA, 104.1 Territory FM, 5 July 2010.

Chalmers, Emma 2010, 'No books, no staff in Kevin Rudd's new libraries', The Courier Mail, 22 June 2010.

Rowbotham, Jill 2010, 'BER library-building spree exposes teacher shortage', The Australian, 16 June 2010.

O'Keeffe, Darragh 2010, 'Gatekeeper & guide', Education Review, June 2010 [PDF provided with permission from the editor]

Ferrari, Justine 2010, 'Library that lets kids know they matter', The Australian, 10 June 2010.

Charles Sturt University Media Release, Calling top teachers into the school library, 8 June 2010.

Aedy, Richard 2010, 'The future for school librarians', Interview, ABC Radio National Life Matters, 3 June 2010.

Parliament of Australia, House of Representatives 2010, 'How important are school librarians', About the House, 17 May 2010.

'Vital role in a 'death spiral'', Australian Teacher Magazine, June 2010.

Hannaford, Scott 2010, 'Funding cuts leave trained school librarians on the shelf ', The Canberra Times, 28 May 2010.

Craig, N 2010, 'Faithful few keep Dewey alive in download world', The Age, 2 May 2010.

'Teacher librarians vanishing', Australian Teacher Magazine, 29 April 2010.

Foster, F 2010, 'School libraries' future under threat', The Independent Weekly, 12 April 2010.

Godfrey, P 2010, 'What is the role of the librarian in the Internet world?', Interview, Adelaide Radio 101.5 FM, 12 April 2010.

Hood, L 2010, 'Principals feel internet makes school librarians redundant', The Advertiser, 9 April 2010.

Australian Council of State School Organisations 2010, School Libraries Special, 8 April 2010.

Brooks, K 2010, 'School libraries are the lifeblood of learning - let's not lose them', The Courier Mail, 30 March 2010.

Policy statements

Media statements

New school library buildings are springing up all over Australia – but how will they be staffed?
7 April 2010

New research reveals school libraries hovering on the poverty line
11 May 2009

Celebrating school libraries around the world
27 October 2008

Literacy for everyone: School libraries essential to delivering Government's promise
21 May 2008

Celebrating school libraries around the world
22 October 2007

Information literacy bonds two peak groups
29 May 2007

Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians launched
13 May 2005

Last updated 9 August 2010