Town Hall Debate? Ask Tony and Julia about school libraries

Better Schools Need Better School Libraries

So there’s going to be one or two more debates.  Ask Julia and Tony about Better Australian School Libraries.

Australia’s public schools have lost over one third of their qualified teacher librarians (TLs) in the last 15 years (See state by state statistics). 3200 new or refurbished BER libraries are great. But they are only warehouses without qualified staff. Technology is great. But worth little without qualified TLs helping teachers and students to find and analyze deep web information to build new learning.

What can a federal government do?

Collect the needed workforce data. Tie technology and resource grants to appropriate staffing. Fund tertiary training programs and sponsor places. Develop national standards. Highlight international research linking well-staffed and well-supported school libraries with student literacy and learning in the National Curriculum. Develop leadership programs so school leaders can build and evaluate effective school library programs.

Australian research has found a direct connection between well staffed and resourced school libraries and NAPLAN reading results. International research shows student test scores are higher where their libraries are more fully staffed and where teacher librarians work collaboratively with classroom teachers.

Ask the candidates what they will do to increase student literacy and learning through support for a qualified teacher librarian in every school.

Simon Crean praises Cairns Teacher Librarian

Simon Crean, the Federal Minister for Education, attended the official opening of the Cairns West RAYMOND WOODHOUSE LIBRARY: Information and Literacy Centre today. He  spoke about the 22 years of dedicated service that teacher librarian Raymond Woodhouse has provided to staff and students at Cairns West and how his passion for improving learning outcomes for all has underscored not only their new BER library, but his many years of service.

Raymond was afforded the opportunity to meet with the Minister at which point he stressed (read EMPHASISED, STATED EMPHATICALLY!!) the ongoing and ever-important need for Teacher-Librarians to remain at the forefront of educational and curriculum leadership in schools.  Thanks loads Raymond!!

Two staff members delivered a heartfelt tribute on the many ways that Raymond has assisted the whole school community over the years – Raymond, know that you are much loved by your staff and students!  Raymond, on behalf of us all in the wide TL network, we wish you sincere congratulations on this wonderful achievement … go you good T.L.!!  A wonderful reward for the hours of planning and overseeing that have become synonymous with BER projects but which result in an outstanding finished product fortunately staffed by an outstanding teacher librarian!

Report from Annette Ryan, Teacher-Librarian, Whitfield State School. Edited slightly by G. Phillips