The Australian School Library Association (ASLA) is deeply concerned by the announcement from Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle that teacher librarian positions are proposed to be cut across 58 schools in the Diocese. 

According to a letter circulated to schools this week, staff restructures planned for 2027 will see teacher librarians redeployed to other curriculum areas, with school libraries potentially managed by library assistants or student support officers. 

School libraries are not simply rooms containing books. They are essential learning environments, and the staff who lead, manage and support them are vital to the educational life of every school. 

ASLA is particularly concerned that these proposed changes fail to recognise the professional expertise required to develop and sustain an effective school library. 

Read the full statement here 

Martha Itzcovitz 
President – Australian School Library Association