School libraries

In an increasingly information and knowledge-based age, one of the many elements of a world class education for all Australian students is access to high quality modern library services through the provision of professionally staffed 21st century school libraries.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian School Library Association (ASLA) are pleased to endorse and promote this statement of standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians. This statement describes the professional knowledge, skills and commitment demonstrated by teacher librarians working at a level of excellence. It represents the goals to which all Australian teacher librarians should aspire, and provides inspiration for quality teaching and ongoing professional practice.

This document, prepared in a joint partnership by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Schools and the Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians (VCTL), aims to support schools in their self reflection. The information gathered would contribute to a self reflection report. In addition, the document provides a valuable strategy to use in the ongoing monitoring of the school’s improvement plans.

There were six themes that emerged, specific to libraries in primary, secondary, K–12, government, Catholic and independent schools. 1. The most important job in the library and information sector. 2. Deepening the divide. 3. Easy and rewarding. 4. Digital skills. 5. Parent power. 6. Competing for attention.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Schools Australia 2012 report stated the number of Australian government schools (6,697), Catholic schools (1,713) and independent schools (1,017), giving a total of 9,427 primary and secondary schools.