School Libraries 21C

66 responses so far ↓

• 1    Ross Todd // May 30, 2009 at 9:06 pm

  Welcome to this important discussion. I’m Ross Todd, the editor of Research Columns in Scan, published by the NSW Department of Education and Training. I am also a professor in the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies at Rutgers, the state University of New Jersey, and Director of the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries.

  There is no question that the information and technological environment in Australia is a dynamic and rapidly changing one. This environment forms the backbone of quality teaching and learning in schools. It challenges us to think carefully and openly as to how our schools can provide and sustain a rich, diverse and safe information environment for our students, and how students’ active engagement with this information world can be supported and nurtured in pedagogically sound ways that enable them to learn, to achieve, and to live and thrive in this complex world.

  I look forward to your participation and rich input. Together with my colleague Lyn Hay, we will be gently guiding this discussion, posing questions, seeking clarification, further explanation and evidence as needed so that we can construct a vision and plan for the future.

• 2    Stacey Taylor // Jun 1, 2009 at 10:01 am

  I wish to comment about the research requirements needed to successfully complete an Extended Essay in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This essay is a requirement for every student undertaking the Diploma program which is gaining in popularity throughout Australia and the world.

  The Essay topic is self selected in an area of study in the Diploma , and one of the key criteria in all subjects is the need for “investigation”, as well as finding appropriate resources students are expected to evaluate their worth. There is also a heavy emphasis placed on Referencing, which in NSW has been seen as less important previously.

  Unguided students rarely loctae the range and depth of research resources required and do benefit from active guidance from Librarians and the resources librarians gather.

  My point is fundamentally if the Library didn’t exist these students would rarely locate all the “jewels” in the muck without some help from professionals. As this curriculum gains in popularity the necessity for libraries will remain. Unless we can create super information literate students that don’t require this aid.

• 3    MissO // Jun 1, 2009 at 11:27 am

  I think we definately need libraries in schools more than ever.
  Children need to be surrounded by great books to encourage reading and building creativity. There is too much need for testing and no true learning is taking place.

  Teachers need more training in reading books and principals need to be taught more about school librarians to encourge more growth of great libraries in schools.

  http://missolibrary.blogspot.com

• 4    lynhay // Jun 1, 2009 at 1:52 pm

  Many thanks for sharing your concerns regarding the Extended Essay in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Stacey.

  This type of inquiry-based learning approach does appear to becoming more prevalent in 21C curriculum. I know Ross has recently been involved in discussions regarding curriculum design in South Australia as well as a guided inquiry project in Victoria, so it will be good to get his input on this as well.

  Can I ask that people posting a comment please indicate their affiliation, whether it be a school, education system and/or region, or other sector/organisation or group, to help provide us with a context for the comments being made.

  Many thanks,

  Lyn Hay
  School of Information Studies
  Charles Sturt University, NSW

• 5    Gavin Sanders // Jun 1, 2009 at 2:57 pm

  Hi!
  I am Gavin Sanders and I am the teacher-librarian at Maclean High School – NSW DET.

  Yes! Certainly do need libraries in the 21C. Who wants to read a novel online – really? Technology needs to go a long way to replace the romance of a book. I think I’ll be beyond reading by the time that occurs…

  In any academic environment there needs to be an information resource that all members of that environment can access. Developing an information resource and providing access to it requires qualifications in information management and education. (Access relates to educating users not just the physical reality of accessing the information) Learning requires teachers as well as students and too often we evaluate a resource like a library based solely on students, but what about the support teacher-librarians provide to other staff?

  Libraries in schools are like a huge tree in a vast paddock – in that they have their own ecosystem. Pull that tree out and what happens to the life that relied on it?

  The issue for school libraries is that (at least in the public system) there has been too much emphasis on integrating ICT into learning and nothing on information skills. When was the last time in the NSW public school system a professional development course was run for classroom teachers, head teachers and principals on the role of the library and the teacher-librarian?

  The issue isn’t if we need school libraries, but how do we educate staff and schools to use libraries and teacher-librarians effectively? Over the last 10 years in NSW there has been very little provided to teacher-librarians in helping them to improve their professional roles.

• 6    Kathleen Compton // Jun 1, 2009 at 4:22 pm

  Yes, we do need a school library, but I trust it will look very different from what we see in schools today.

  The challenge for school libraries is that they have been constrained by time and place and an over emphasis on hard copy resources – web searching is 24/7 and anywhere with an internet connection. We have to reconstruct access to knowledge and professional expertise in this 21st century www paradigm.

  What is the use of a school library that does not open its doors until 8.00 am and closes at 4.00pm (if you are lucky) and then only on school days? Our students expect more or the school library is irrelevant and no more than a place that has a wireless router.

  Library staff must embrace a new service delivery model and stop covering books! Analysis of current usage of library hard copy resources may reveal that a lot of the money spent and the work of school libraries has been irrelevant to students.

  Do our library staff understand web2 tools, do they know how to usse them, do they really have the skills to help students asssess the validity of information found on the web?

  Bring on the library revolution!

• 7    Liz Probert // Jun 1, 2009 at 6:15 pm

  I agree with reasons given above about why we need school libraries but one problem that I see is that of communicating these reasons.

  I have been interested recently to notice that information literacy, once only mentioned in journals associated with school libraries or tertiary libraries or institutions training librarians and teacher librarians, is now being referred to more frequently in other academic journals. Usually articles lament the lack of students’ information literacy skills (hooray – they’ve have noticed) and include journals associated with technology education, computer-related journals, ECE journals and others. It is noticeable, though, that NONE of them mention the school library or relate information literacy development to the school library in any way. Parallel universes it seems.

  I see this as a big problem that needs to be addressed before information literacy is hi-jacked by others and the last the school library sees is IL disappearing off into the sunset. Maybe I am too pessimistic.

• 8    Julie Grazotis // Jun 1, 2009 at 8:45 pm

  The presence of a library in the 21st century school is essential if students are to succeed in the 21st century. It is the place where they are asked to consider information from many sources, question that information and then apply it to the problem at hand.
  As teacher librarians we lead the way in directing students through a process approach to complete a task. This process approach is now adopted by maths as working mathematically and science as working scientifically.
  Through out this process students are encouraged to question what they read and be critical of information. The library presents a real, yet safe environment to explore the expanse of information available.
  In the classroom students certainly acquire the content however it is the library that guides them in their ability to select and organize content independently.
  If only the library had more hands and time to truly achieve all of the above!

• 9    Audrey Nay // Jun 1, 2009 at 9:45 pm

  The answer is a resounding “YES!!”we need school libraries NOW!! after all we are in the 21st Century already.

  Primary school libraries with a dedicated teacher librarian at the helm can enthuse the whole school to read, to learn,to create, to collaborate…
  we just had a fantastic bookfair that not only raised the profile and importance of reading and earned our library over $2000 worth of new books (recommended by our staff and students)

  A team of library helpers decorated our library using creations that families had worked on as part of our competition.
  Our canteen volunteers joined in the theme. Our local Lions Club cooked lunch for us admiring the spirit and joy of reading that was evident.

  Staff and students all dressed up in their favourite book characters-parents and community members joined in the activities with great enthusiasm . There were smiles galore-kids so excited to buy books they had chosen. Parents/carers so supportive…

  We had our new library plans on show-a 21st century learning space and our whole school is very excited.

  The school library is one place that all of our students get an opportunity to learn in and yet also use as a recreational area if they choose-and many do. The library fills many needs other than teaching and learning opportunities. Some students need the space as a “refuge” and others come into the space because they “need to be needed” while others get the opportunity to develop leadership skills through years of mentoring and helping others in the library.

  Teacher librarians play a huge role often leading and supporting many other staff members to use various technology tools into their teaching and to develop their multiliteracy skills.
  Audrey Nay
  Teacher Librarian
  Sandy Beach Public School
  NSW primary school
  Coffs Harbour/ Clarence Teacher Librarian network

• 10    Brian Waddell // Jun 2, 2009 at 11:08 am

  Hi everyone

  I am a teacher librarian in two year 0 – 8 primary schools (two days at each) Karori West and Kelburn Normal Schools in Wellington.

  I think that a key question within the school library debate is not whether the school has a library but whether it has a library staffed by professionals who are able to support the school’s vision for its students. What happens in the library should reflect what is happening in the classrooms and so is seen to be central to the learning process within the school. It’s the place where the students go to begin their interaction with information sources particularly during the initiating stage of a unit or personal inquiry. Of course in the 21st century they might not need to go to the physical place, they may prefer to visit the virtual space of the school library in our case the library’s intranet.

  I believe that the school library team and classroom teachers at primary level begin by modelling not only accessing suitable resources but accessing the appropriate information from the specific page. I always think back to a quote attributed I think to Normal Beswick which goes along the lines of ‘what does it matter if the child has access to the world’s libraries of they are unable to access the information from one book.’ There is much evidence to show that despite increased access to ‘the world’s libraries’ the Internet students merely skim over the surface and lacking the ability, or critical skills to go deeper. This idea links back to Liz’s comment earlier regarding information literacy, the skills simply must be taught.

  The school library is also an ideal place to discover useful sources of information serendipitously – the book(s) to either side of the one that OPAC identifies. It should also be a place where students can go to have fun, feel safe and enjoy literature, to take part in a range of activities and games during lunchtimes for example. It should also be the place in the school where everyone feels they are a part of it that it belongs to them. When all of this occurs I believe the library can make a real contribution to learning. I know this because during lunchtimes around a third of the school can be found in the library (100+) and the only time I need to get a little ‘excited’ is at tidy up time! Yet the students at Karori are a very diverse multicultural group who know that the library is a great place to spend time in and also a place where we all need to get along with each other.

• 11    Alison // Jun 2, 2009 at 12:03 pm

  Hi,
  I’m the TL at Cambridge Park High School DET. Yes, we do need libraries in the 21st Century, tyes of resources may be changing, but the need to supply and how to use them has not.

  I read more and more about students who know ‘how’ to access the internet and open a book, but don’t really know what to do with it. TLs need to teach students not only how to locate information, but how to use and facilitate it. Teachers spend their time giving students information, but rarely teach them how to define it, let alone locate it. The problem that I see is, teacher just don’t have the time to do it, they need to get the required information out to students, and by the time they do that, the bell goes and they are off to another class. Teachers find TLs ‘intrusions’ into their classes as more of a hindrence than a help. I’d love it if I could teach Year 7s, even if it is only once a cycle, for the WHOLE year, rather than the couple of lessons that I am allotted at the start of every year. I think and fear at the same time, that we need to change oppions of our value, not only to our principles and colleagues, but higher up the food chain. Information Literacy is important. But I feel that I am preaching to the choir, rather than to the man upstairs.

  Kathleen’s comment about WEB 2.0 tools, yes, I think we (the older generations) are out of touch with these tools that our students are using, but most of the sites are block by the DET so not only can we not learn about them by practice, but can’t use them in our teaching anyway.

• 12    Victor Davidson // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:27 pm

  Victor Davidson, Teacher Librarian, Birrong Girls High School,
  Cooper Road, Birrong, NSW. NSW DET. Wangal Hearth. Acknowledgment of Ancestors Past and Present.

  Library word play to Liberation, the Grace Place where initiates come to engage in resources that make us community. Come in and grow on your own terms. We will help you become life long learners who also understand the syllabus outcomes predicated by the state which funds us.

  School libraries 21st century schools? A continuum since Caxton began printing the Bible in the common tongue and the mechanised press initiated the Reformation. You are safe here. Play with the Universal as it connects the Global to the Local. Our school library is the secular temple devoted to Knowledge Management and Knowledge Creation.

• 13    bshallowes // Jun 2, 2009 at 9:48 pm

  Yes, yes, yes! We do need libraries. I’m a technology junkie and I’m committed to integrating ICT into the curriculum but I love books and technology could never replace them. A book is a means to focus whereas browsing online means jumping from one site to another, following links in an endless chain. By contrast a well written book is a thing of peace and enjoyment. One takes time to browse and enjoy.

  There are times when technology fails. We cannot do without books.

• 14    Peter Grant // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:43 pm

  My name is Peter Grant and I am the TL at Bathurst High Campus, Denison College. Do we need a school library? A school librarian? Type into Wolfram|Alpha ( http://www.wolframalpha.com ) “define library” (building) and your reply is “a building that houses a collection of books and other materials”. Read this and I suggest that in reality the answer is not for much longer! Are we fighting a losing battle trying to squeeze the internet and online resources into traditional library tools such as a catalog? How do we stocktake websites? eBooks are going to pose some interesting problems.
  Do we need to spend vast amounts of money on non-fiction books anymore? The increasing access students have to internet resources (especially with the L4L rollout) really makes more irrelevant than ever the 85% of the non-fiction collection that is curriculum orientated. The best used books are recreational such as fiction (eg Marsden and Meyers)and non-fiction like the Guinness Book of Records, How to Care for Your Horse or magazines! It is great to see the students reading!
  What we do need is a Resources and Technology Access Manager/Coordinator whose role it is to manage the provisioning of information and the technological requirements for this provisioning. And, information is not just the printed word! We are deeply involved in providing audiovisual resources and are now formatting them for use by students and teachers with laptops (there is a copyright checklist for this).
  More than an information resource base the library is a learning space, a recreational area and a non-playground place for students to work or read or quietly associate in during recess and lunch. This area needs to be managed effectively to meet the needs of its various types of usage by a professional who both understands the learning needs of students and the delivery of information appropriate for those needs. Increasingly the area required to manage resources will be a virtual space and the need for a physical area to house resources will be problematic, depending on the priority given to these
  Much of this management will change as the DET standardises and streamlines the IT support structure and implements new technologies such as the proposed eBackpack. So, IF the space remains it is with a core collection of stimulating books that we can afford to keep current and expect to be used regularly (a bank of say 6 bays). The remainder is reconfigured to fit the needs of students and/or classes using technology. We will be here to help but it is expected that appropriate information skills will be acquired across the curriculum.
  I think we need to drop the mantra of a teacher librarian being needed to teach information skills, especially those required for using the new technologies. Now more than ever these are enabling students to construct their own learning as there are no longer absolutes, 822.33 may bring us to the books of Shakespeare’s plays but isn’t necessary to find them on the internet. Our role will be assistive and not directive in the future.

• 15    lynhay // Jun 4, 2009 at 1:28 pm

  Thank you to those people who have taken the time to share their thoughts (so far) on the critical question, “Do we need a school library in 21st century schools?”.

  I see that people are referring to the ’school library’ as a learning ‘place’ or ’space’ supporting the academic, informational, technological, recreational and social needs of students. The concept of the school library as a provider of relevant, flexible, 24/7, customised information-technology-learning services/support/instruction/intervention/guidance has also been identified. The human resources required to support these has also been mentioned.

  Over the past decade universities have been exploring new ways of providing integrated information-technology-learning spaces which also draw upon the sense of community and meeting the social needs of students. This has led the to the design of ‘information commons’ or ‘knowledge commons’. The book edited by Oblinger (Educause, 2006) on Learning Spaces (see http://www.educause.edu/LearningSpaces) features many ways of thinking differently about ‘learning spaces’ in educational institutions. Ch.7 by Lippincott presents the ‘information commons’ concept and compares the differences with ‘a traditional academic library’.

  One major advantage of this ‘commons’ approach is the marrying (and in many cases, reconciling!) of library/information and technology departments, people, resources and services within an educational institution to better reflect this convergence of information and technology within a digital society.

  Have we hit this same crossroads with regard to schools?

  Lyn Hay
  School of Information Studies
  Charles Sturt University, NSW

  PS. Can I also remind people to include their position and affliliation in their posts, whether as a signature at the bottom or by way of introduction in their posts.

• 16    Sue Warren // Jun 4, 2009 at 2:16 pm

  Not only do I agree completely that a school library is still relevant and necessary in the 21st century but am about to launch into planning and designing what ours will look like!
  We are Scarborough State School, about 850 students, with an old shabby impractical building serving as a library and about to have a wonderful (let’s hope) and exciting (ditto) library space built. While the ‘boss’ and I have enjoyed a daylong seminar exploring possibilities for how this space will look and feel and function, we have to yet to determine a final result.
  What a responsibility! And despite the fact the funding is limited – it’s still a once-in-lifetime opportunity to do something fabulous.
  We anticipate that this new library space will not resemble the current one in any way, shape or form – and will be built with the very express intention of being able to evolve and change to suit changing needs of our school and its community for as many coming years as possible.
  Will we still have books? Certainly! But whether as many or arranged in the same way is a debate. Will we have computers/computer access? Certainly! But very likely not in the same form as right now. Will we have space for students to gather and feel comfortable? Absolutely! How that will look and feel may no doubt be rearranged over time. Will we still have a teacher-librarian? We hold a belief here that if the school has a library then it also should have a professional trained to not only manage the mundane minutiae but to guide the users to grow as learners.
  Sue Warren
  Teacher-librarian
  Scarborough State School
  Eversleigh Road
  Scarborough Qld 4020

• 17    David Loertscher // Jun 7, 2009 at 1:05 am

  Hello. I, David Loertscher, am a professor at San Jose State University in California. Here in the U.S., the major automobile companies are trying to reinvent themselves quickly enough to survive. For a half century here, we have operated school libraries on the idea that “If we build it, they will come.” We know what you need; and, you had better use it on our terms. I am afraid that this model of school libraries has the future of a gas guzzling auto. The opposite idea referred to by some of the ideas in this column are based on the idea that: “If they build it, they will use it.” This means that everyone helps build both a physical and a virtual place we could term an information commons, a learning commons, a knowledge commons where ownership is held in common and construction/collaboration are constants. Such a model requires 180 degree thinking. If you reinvented from the customer’s point of view, what would happen in your school?

• 18    David Bogardus // Jun 7, 2009 at 1:11 am

  The real question is not “Do we need libraries?” but is rather, “Does our culture need libraries?” Many cultures do just fine without them and we may find ourselves headed in that direction. The Internet is changing our culture in ways we are just beginning to see. Anthropologists are just now beginning to tell us to heed the warnings.
  We use to think every family needed an encyclopedia in the home, now every thrift store is a repository of many of those relics. What makes us think libraries will be any different in 20 years?
  Will libraries of the future hold Twitter novels?
  Libraries use to hold the tools of the culture but the tools are changing. We need to observe how these tools are being used and then see how the tools use us.

• 19    Gary Hartzell // Jun 7, 2009 at 10:59 am

  I am not, nor have ever been, a teacher-librarian. I have been, however, a high school history teacher, a high school principal, and a university professor of administration. Consequently, what appears below comes from a slightly different perspective from that offered by others who have responded to this question.

  I’d like to offer two ideas why we will continue to need school libraries. One has to do with the nature of copyright and the other with the nature of electronic materials – even when they can be demonstrated as trustworthy. Neither idea is original with me. Rather both were advanced by Thomas Mann at the United States Library of Congress (“The Importance of Books, Free Access, and Libraries as Places and the Dangerous Inadequacy of the Information Science Paradigm,” Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 27, no. 4, July 2001, pp. 268-281). I think they are important to the question and deserve consideration.

  FIRST, COPYRIGHT.

  A common line of attack on continuing school libraries is to characterize print materials as a thing of the past. The truth is that the argument that print is in decline is hardly compelling. Even with the economic down turn, book sales in the United States stood at $24.3 in 2008. British publishers reported that 236.9 million books were sold last year in the UK at a total value of £1.773 billion. You can argue the new Kindle as a variation on print delivery, bringing books in a more convenient and portable form perhaps, but still bringing books. And that brings us to the copyright argument for libraries.

  Mann argues, and I think he is right, that it is naïve to think that intellectual property laws are going to disappear or that human nature will outgrow the profit motive in the next century. If a profit is to be derived from copyrighted materials on the Internet, providers must limit who has access. Copyright restrictions mean that free access to everything produced probably will never come to the Internet. Libraries, on the other hand, freely make copyrighted material available in their print resources and can make copyrighted electronic materials available through their digital collections and database subscriptions.

  SECOND, THE NATURE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES EVEN WHEN THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY.

  Mann makes a powerful point that speaks to our educational goals. Exclusive use of electronic sources, he says, actually may undercut students’ ability to understand lengthy works. “Doing keyword searches … for particular passages is simply not the same as the much more important work of actually reading and absorbing their intellectual content as connected wholes.” Today’s students certainly are comfortable with computers, but that’s not the same as saying that they’re comfortable reading and absorbing long works on a screen. The majority of the time, Mann argues, youngsters interact with screen displays that don’t require long attention spans and require less rather than more verbal interpretative skills. Because we want students to move from simple information access skills to knowledge development and application to understanding to wisdom, technology that fosters short attention spans is both dangerous and counterproductive. “Here is the important point,” Mann contends, “and there is no getting around it: If the higher levels of knowledge and understanding are going to be grasped, they require greater attention spans than do the lower levels of data and information.”

  This tends toward a conclusion that libraries are vital to both education and the national intellectual life. There isn’t room here – nor need for this audience – to list the research studies that demonstrate the value of a balanced collection, and particularly the value of print materials. What is more difficult is specific evidence of electronic superiority, especially Internet superiority, in fostering student achievement. Until that body of research emerges, it seems to me that the argument for the continued existence of school libraries is pretty solid.

• 20    Gary Green // Jun 7, 2009 at 3:20 pm

  I like Lyn Hay’s comment about the convergence of roles with the library and ICT. They are very much a natural fit and enhance learning outcomes significantly. This shared philosophical view is strong within our school as we have used the ICT to help unlock learning for students in many ways. Its ability to cater for different ways of thinking by offering multiple ways of connecting with ideas and information makes it much easier for us to differentiate the learning experiences for our students.

  We always ask the big question of how will ICT help improve the thinking in this task? If you are both working from this constructivist approach viewpoint then greater levels of engagement and learning will take place.

  Presently we have decided to align this association more practically and are in the throes of developing the ‘one degree bar’ within the library building. The concept of ‘one degree of separation’ is behind the planning and we will have an area set aside that offers this pedagogical fusion about learning with the more functional aspects of ICT support. Teacher librarians and other library staff will be part of the team will help service these joint needs of our school population.

  Gary Green
  Presbyterian Ladies’ College
  Western Australia

• 21    Maureen Trebilcock // Jun 8, 2009 at 3:45 pm

  This is such a timely discussion for me as I have just arrived at this international IB school in Hong Kong as TL of the secondary school with major challenges to develop information and digital literacy as well as contribute to possible rebuilding programme.

  The students are hugely hooked into the www as having ALL the answers to their inquiry assignments. However, we have just started introduction sessions for the Y12 extended essay students on an inquiry process and on searching using the databases the school subscribes to and the new library database to access the book collection there was overwhelming signs of approval.

  They and the staff needed the holistic approach and instruction of the skills that TLs bring to the learning process. Brian and Liz are quite right when they say that school libraries need staff with the skills and relationships to develop the appropriate skills for learners of the 21 century. Unless there is someone in the school teaching enviroment who is recognised as having the reading and information/digital literacy perspective and can collaborate with teachers to intergate these into the classroom or the library school libraries may as well be internet cafes for inquiry.

  Students and teachers now more than ever need role models in reading and inquiry and library users more than ever.

• 22    Monica Morscheck // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:10 am

  I have read many of David Loertscher’s articles in completing a literature review on the Commons; and is there lessons for the secondary school library.
  David’s view, as I understand it, is for TLs to continually evolve their philosophical ideas of what a library offers and then there will always be a place for them in schools. I enjoyed reading his highly motivated articles.

  Monica
  Senior Librarian
  Sydney Boys High School

• 23    Noel McDonough // Jun 9, 2009 at 1:16 pm

  Glad to see that this has become a reality.

  Don’t really have time at present as I have an assessment task for Lyn that has not yet been completed. I’m sitting in my office at school right now looking at the students come in – it’s lunch time. Some have gone to write at tables, some have come in and are sitting in the comfortable (well relative to the other) seats and reading quietly, some are playing chess and some game on a round sheet with funny ‘ball’ things and cards, some are browsing, a small group are doing Premier’s Reading Challenge and a lot are completing assignments on the computers – except one who is playing a game on a computer. And all this in a comprehensive secondary high school.

  Just looking at this activity makes it blatantly obvious to me that libraries will continue into the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, etc centuries.

  Not necessarily as they are now and definately not as they were: indeed probably in a way that we cannot even imagine.

  Although “libris” means book – a book is just a piece of technology for the storage and retrieval of data from which we glean and construct knowledge.

  Libraries will be ‘go-to’ locations, real, virtual, ephemeral or ????al for that – and librarians will be the guides, collators and mentors of the product and the clients.

  Sorry about the un-thought-out drivil.

  noel

• 24    Sue Bryant // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:21 pm

  I am the TL in a two stream K-6 Catholic primary school in the Campbelltown area of NSW. I am passionate about my job – I love the library and love the opportunity to share my love and my passion with my students.
  It is interesting to read the variety of responses to this topic, but take exception to Kathleen’s question: What use is a school library which is only open between the hours of 8am and 4pm??? …our students expect more or the school library is irrelevant… Is a school open longer than that??
  I believe that as TLs we offer professional support to our students , we do all the things listed by so many others in previous comments, we link our library and information programmes with IT as suggested by Lyn Hay , and promote the value of a balanced collection as Gary Hartzell indicated was necessary. We teach our students how to efficiently use a library and its catalogue, how to locate the resources they require, how to enjoy literature and how to find more books by an author they enjoy… The list goes on… but we make our resources available after opening hours because we encourage our users to borrow the books and materials so they do have after-hour use.
  Are teachers available to their students longer than that?? If not does that make them irrelevant to their students?? Is it possible to have teachers on standby for students 24 hours a day???
  I firmly believe that our school libraries with trained professional staff will be more than relevant in the 21C school!!

• 25    Ross Todd // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:32 pm

  It has been a privilege to read all the thoughtful comments posted thus far, and thank you very much for taking the time to comment. A common thread that comes through is the importance of a library – however and whatever it might look like – to the learning agenda of a school, and the focus on learnng action, rather than information provision. This learning action focuses on the intellectual engagement of kids, and the their developmnent as intellectual thoughtful thinking youing people. Just last week I had the opportunity to address a whole school faculty – some 200 teachers, school leaders and school administrators. It was a wonderful experience to meet such a group of committed educators. What struck me in my many conversations with the school leaders in particular was the importance they placed on building intellectual quality – students as deep thinkers, problem solvers, able to interrogate information in many forms, able to critically work through various interpretations and viewpoints found in multiple sources of information, able to make critical judgements about the worth of this information, and to live and work in the complex information and technological world that these kids are growing up in. They saw the library much along the lines that Prof Loertscher refers to – a learning / knowledge commons that had a central function revolving around instruction and enabling students to construct knowledge and understanding for themselves. So libraries are conceptulized not so much as places of information access and exchange, but across-school arenas of inquiry, discovery, creativity, meaning making, knowledge building.

• 26    lynhay // Jun 10, 2009 at 3:09 pm

  Congratulations to Gary and PLC team in WA… always seeking new ways of ‘connecting’ with students, being responsive to their needs!

  I love this concept of the ‘one degree bar’ in the library as a means of achieving ‘pedagogical fusion’. A fine example of information leadership, and vision and capacity building at the practitioner and school levels.

  Could I suggest that people also consider sharing their ideas on how schools can actualise their vision for school library futures at http://schoollibraries21c.edublogs.org/group-3-questions/.

  Lyn Hay
  School of Information Studies
  Charles Sturt University, NSW

• 27    Cheryl Barnier // Jun 10, 2009 at 6:35 pm

  This is a response from the discussion forum at the South West Sydney Region Teacher Librarians and Library School Administration Officers’ Conference on 10 June 2009.
  I will admit to adding a few thought of my own along the way. Please accept that any inadequacy of this summary is the fault of the writer and make sure that you add your own personal response on the blog. Cheryl Barnier Fairvale High School

  1a) Yes we do need school libraries in the 21st Century schools because …
  · School libraries are a reliable source for finding out how to make best use of myriad information sources.
  · Socio-economic and educational inequity can best be addressed when the society embraces the concept of library in a school being a place which is staffed to provide the dual services of a teacher and a resource guide / librarian.
  · Equity is of particular importance in times of economic uncertainty when there may be no resources at home.
  · School libraries play an important role in discerning the ‘wheat from the chaff’ in a world that is providing a vast amount of information.
  · In an uncertain world it is important to provide skills and habits that will enable children to maximise the value and enjoyment of an increase in leisure time.

• 28    Susan Pitt // Jun 11, 2009 at 12:47 pm

  I remember when studying for my Librarianship Diploma 12 years ago having to do an assignment on this very topic. Well, printed books are still with us; my daughter is in publishing and tells me that despite the big GFC book sales are through the roof. So it doesn’t look like the print books are going away fast in this early part of the 21st century. I know e-books are out there but have yet to find anyone who has read any. I look around on the train, in the coffee shop, and haven’t yet seen one being read. So there is still call for a place that offers books for free use.
  As the 21st century goes on libraries will no doubt have to adapt to need, and maybe there will be more shelves of fiction books than non-fiction as the internet is more widely used for reference. Fewer funds in the budget may be used for books and more on other technologies and support for these as they are so much more expensive, and so much more in need of ongoing attention than a book. The library look will change with time, yes, but the need will not disappear for a place that offers the retrieval of, and guidance toward, information. This is the information age, and people need more guidance than ever in sorting wheat from chaff. The library will become even more the place to go to do this. Librarians will have to adapt themselves to the changes, stay on their toes with what’s on offer, become more techno-savvy (sadly for this would-be Luddite) and cypberwise, so as to be more able to guide students through the vast library-in-the-clouds. While the students may know their technology, I find that they need even more help with wading through all the reading required by the internet research, judging good from bad, what is relevant and useful to them out of the array of information offered. So, no , I don’t believe at all that libraries are a defunct entity for the 21st century, but they will certainly change form and focus.

• 29    Peter Grant // Jun 11, 2009 at 1:51 pm

  The community, politicians and myself are not going to be swayed over to the view that school libraries are going to be a valuable feature of schools in the future by a lot intellectual waffle about equity, concepts of commons, word play, and other quotes from those in ivory towers etc. We need to be convinced by pragmatic argument designed to show how we and the space is used to meet the needs of schools.

  My view is that unless we librarians demonstrate by practical means that we are a valuable asset and that the space we manage is impotant we will become extinct. Achieving this will mean a dramatic change in the skills we bring to the job. We need to get in there and get our hands dirty with the technology and demonstrate that our skills in IT can make a practical contribution to our learning community. If we can’t keep pace with the other members of this community with these skills we are dead meat!

• 30    ianmclean // Jun 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm

  Hi everyone,

  I loved reading Noel McDonough’s observations of a typical lunchtime in his secondary library. Sounded very much like the scene in my primary school library on any day. I can’t imagine a day when school libraries have vanished completely.

  When he says “Although ‘libris’ means book – a book is just a piece of technology for the storage and retrieval of data from which we glean and construct knowledge”, Noel is exactly right. We can only guess what the next few years of advancements in mobile phones, iPods, interactive whiteboards (IWBs), and electronic paper, are going to bring us.

  Worryingly, I do see the gap between digital natives and some older digital immigrants getting wider and wider, and I’m so glad I keep being brave enough to explore some of what Web 2.0 has to offer, but knowing there’s so much more out there, and more to come.

  When I was editor of “Scan”, we made a point of asking, with every new article that was commissioned, how new technologies and changing pedagogy improved student outcomes. Applying that same question to my daily life as a teacher librarian has certainly helped me keep perspective on what new things I need to try out first, and to prioritise them.

  I also have come to believe that using Web 2.0 in my daily life, outside of the education workplace, is what has allowed me to build personal confidence to use new ICT tools with students.

  I look forward to the unfolding discussions.

  Ian McLean,
  Teacher Librarian @ Penrith Public School, NSW.

• 31    Isabelle Cumberland // Jun 11, 2009 at 4:32 pm

  I work in a DET Primary Library in Western Sydney.
  School Libraries can also be a leveller! They provide a service for ALL the school community. Everyone can access computers for homework and study or recreation; borrow their favourite reads; enjoy a cosy corner with a game; dare I say it- access a reference book. The very needy have opportunities to access resources they will never have at home.
  I see the South West Sydney T/Ls also mention this idea of equity. I am very conscious of it at our school.

  Isabelle Cumberland

• 32    Brian Waddell // Jun 11, 2009 at 7:10 pm

  In response to Peter’s comments above, I agree, there does need to be convincing evidence to show how valuable library is. The problem is that in many cases people like politicians et. al. are looking to see how valuable it is to the school rather than the learners. It’s like always addressing the question of what do we teach rather than WHO do we teach.

  I also believe that IT skills while important can be overrated. The skills of or more appropriately the disposition that I see as being crucial to the survival of the TL is that of collaboration. Dianne McKenzie’s succinct response to question 2c sums it up nicely for me.

  Brian Waddell
  TL Karori West & Kelburn Normal Schools
  Wellington, NZ

• 33    Michelle Jarrett // Jun 12, 2009 at 1:50 pm

  Michelle Jarrett, Teacher Librarian, Swansea High (NSW DET)
  School libraries are necessary in the 21st centurt but they are perhaps different to those we ICT immigrants, rather than natives, are used to. They may even make us feel uncomfortable! The 21st century library and TL needs to lead the school in the embracing of Web 2.0 technology and the use of wikis, blogs, webpages, Moodle, e-books, internet use, etc…

  The information process still needs to be taught and can be used with books and with other technologies. I have seen, time and time again, students who “know” how to use the internet waste countless hours because they don’t know how to define what it is they want to know, don’t know how to narrow a search (instead getting many 1000s of hits), don’t know how to judge the reliability of a website they have found and select information from that site and they tend to cut and paste information located (plagiarism and copyright issues). It is the information expert (TL) who can prove their relevance time and again by guiding the use of all these 21st century tools.

  We should, therefore, embrace wireless capability, interactive whiteboards, even Twitter (perhaps) to show that libraries and Teacher Librarians remain relevant.

• 34    ianmclean // Jun 12, 2009 at 3:47 pm

  Great point, Isabelle, I was pondering the same only this morning.

  I love those reports from country towns, where their tiny public library facility would be under threat of closure – and many of the people who turn up to the town meeting would be residents who’ve never actually stepped foot into the library. But they realise its importance, and they don’t wish to contemplate the possibility of life without a public library. Just in case…

  Even for myself, I tend to buy most books I want/must have/need to read. My own ventures into libraries unknown (public, university and school) – as a then-class teacher, when a mature age student, and also when researching a commercial piece of freelance writing – are quite sporadic, but the thought of a 21st century that’s somehow “moved on” from the concept of a physical library space is quite abhorrent.

  But I think I am ready for any future library to have a different size, shape, location (partly in holographic or even cyber space?) or collection. I stare at my amazing, new iPhone – which is so reminiscent of Dick Tracy’s funky little two-way wrist radio/computer in comic strips of the 50s – and am lost for words. I mean, I only just discovered that my iPhone has been diligently copying across all songs I’ve been downloading from iTunes to my Macbook Pro, ever since I bought it last September. I simply hadn’t thought to look in that bit up till now!

  The other day, while doing a presentation about wikis and blogs, and relying on a live Internet connection, the link went down and we had to call for a replacement computer. Only later, I remembered that all of my extended notes, on another page of the wiki, were accessible via my iPhone’s internet connection. I had my palm cards, of course, but the online PowerPoint material, and much more, were only a few button-presses away!

  An off-the-cuff mention of Tasmania tigers yesterday, during Year 6’s library lesson, permitted the impromptu calling-up of 1930s b/w moving footage of Australia’s last captive Thylacine, and now we can display him on the IWB at point of need.

  Library books aren’t going away – I’m especially reminded on those days when air-conditioner-overload causes yet another blackout in the library, but the power of us having so much instantaneous information is both exciting, and another whole can of worms (as to helping students to be able to sift their way through it all).

  I shall extend these thoughts in Point (1b).

  Ian McLean,
  Teacher librarian @ Penrith PS, NSW DET.

• 35    kew9 // Jun 14, 2009 at 4:16 pm

  Very though provoking reading! I think yes, most definitely, we do need School Libraries and Teacher Librarians in 21st century schools (hear, hear, Sue Bryant!). As a TL in a Primary School, I am seeing the gradual learning as children are guided to locate, access, analyse, evaluate and then synthesise information, from books or online.

  Previously, as a Librarian in a Public Library, I could guess the students who’d had guidance in using a library and its resources. These children, as learners, have an incredible advantage over students who may not have had the same access to learning about Library and Information skills. Reader education, and information processing education, needs to begin at school and continue through schooling of all levels. The amount of information we need to ’sift’ through, at all stages of our lives, is only going to increase. Learning some skills about using information, I feel, is integral in schools. Combine this with exposure to writing, literature, reading for pleasure, how else will learners gain these skills?

  Long live school libraries!

  Kim White
  Teacher Librarian
  Holy Family Primary School
  Ingleburn, NSW, Australia.
  TL Network – Wollongong CEO, NSW

• 36    Judy Hall // Jun 15, 2009 at 11:55 am

  The library is a critical feature of most organisations. It is more than a mere warehouse of materials necessary for the organisation to function. Its organisational structures provide inroads as to how to thrive within that organisation. It reflects the values that the organisation holds dear. It is both archival and educative – provoking higher learning in all who use its tools. Put the word, school, in front of library, and the answer is no different. By inserting the word 21st century in front of the word school, the argument remains the same.
  21st century school libraries remain the backbone of schools. They are changing – reflecting our world and our values. There will always be the need for resources – books, media, electronic. Hard and electronic copies will continue to be needed. Libraries are extending beyond the walls of traditional buildings – with the focus now being more on service provision. A critical feature of this will always be the ways in which information processes are taught and dispersed throughout student, teacher and parent world. Crafty teacher librarians who are at the cutting interface of technology will be needed to meet the very much individualised learning needs of clients.
  When I enter my own school library I see a social network – students and teachers doing all manner of things – everything from reading, promoting, quiet games, social skilling, researching, working on the computers, group planning, the list becomes quite endless. I see a thriving centre of learning – and something that is integral to the way the whole school functions.

• 37    Kooringal High School Focus Group // Jun 16, 2009 at 10:14 am

  School libraries in the 21C- Kooringal High School Focus Group

  1. Do we need a school library in 21st century schools?

  Our group was unanimous in its belief that school libraries have a place in 21C schools, but only if they are responsive to the changing needs of the schools they serve. For example, while the original school libraries were established to connect students with information that was scarce, in today’s environment, characterised by information overload, the challenge is to connect students with information that is relevant, and that sometimes involves limiting the amount of information for them to use. It also requires us to teach students to be discerning users of information.

  Many of our students, we are discovering, are unable to engage deeply with text, tending to skim and scan web pages looking for a quick answer. In an environment where students want answers instantaneously we feel there is a need to encourage them to think- to be more reflective in their reading and to make judgements about the information they locate. They also need to make connections about how new information fits with their previous knowledge. While they are capable users of technology they are not necessarily information literate.

  The library will continue to have a role to play in advocating reading. We believe books and reading continue to be vital in the development of information literate students. In our experience students who are engaged readers tend to carry that ability to engage with text over to reading information texts.
  Libraries are far from dead but need to be very different from the traditional library!

  Kooringal High School Focus Group
  (Cathy Edwards, Head Teacher, English; Deidre Lisle, HSIE; Mary Anne Brennan, History; Narelle Forsyth, Teacher Librarian)

• 38    Peter Grant // Jun 17, 2009 at 2:58 pm

  To place this discussion in a broader international context I will refer to my experience when teaching German a few years ago. At the time I was also a TL and to my surprise the teachers at the Freiburg Goethe Inststut (2005) had no vocabulary to describe my role. We improvised as you can with German. To quote from Ensil (http://vvbad.typepad.com/ensil/2006/08/a_short_outline.html) : “Real school libraries, i. e. Library Media Centers, are not mandatory in German schools, although almost every school has a small library. These libraries range from a dark room at the outskirts of the school site to a corner in the staff room.”
  I only visited one school and am reluctant to generalise! But, I will say that the products of the German system stand up very well COMPARED WITH our system. There have been some reforms in recent years but there is an understandable reluctance to change a model that has worked so well for the individual and the economy at large. GIVEN THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE ARE SCHOOL LIBRARIES NECESSARY FOR QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES?

• 39    Monica Morscheck // Jun 18, 2009 at 9:36 am

  Reflecting on Peter’s comment, “GIVEN THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE ARE SCHOOL LIBRARIES NECESSARY FOR QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES?” When the educational outcomes don’t include visual literacy, enquiry based learning then perhaps the schools wouldn’t need a library.

  Having returned to Australia after teaching in the German Swiss International School in Hong Kong, and attending a European School Library Conference in Berlin, I can definitely say the German schools are seeing the light and starting to understand the value of a library in teaching to the 21st century students … and many (international)schools are changing their curriculum to enquiry based IB.

  I think we take it for granted here in Australia that schools do have a library and we have curriculums that need a library, Peter you are right, the international experience is very different.

  Monica Morscheck
  Teacher Librarian
  Senior Library
  Sydney Boys High School (DETNSW)

• 40    Diane Ridley // Jun 22, 2009 at 9:48 am

  I do believe we need a school library in the 21c. Technology is overtaking hardcopy & higher order thinking is still required. Even more so now as I am now seeing ‘just in time’ students – students very quickly completing tasks with little research. The task is done very quickly, at the last moment & using few resources.
  Increasingly academics at our local University – the Uni of Wollongong are requiring first year students to use only journals & books to complete assignments to ensure students use referenced material, & because students online research skills are poor.
  In increased use of technology has increased the urgency for information literacy in schools & for explicit teaching from all teachers.

• 41    Lee Cutler // Jun 23, 2009 at 9:52 am

  This is a group round table response from the Northern Tablelands Teacher Librarian group. The school involved are a mixture or rural Public, Central and High schools plus a few Private schools in the area who meet every term.
  - School libraries are in a unique position within a school
  - They are the hub of learning which contain both technology and print resources and the TL who can assist the students in gaining access to the information they provide
  - School Libraries and TL’s interact with all groups within the school and therefore an cater for the needs of all these groups, especially those special needs groups
  - Libraries, staffed by trained personnel, will be more pertinent in the 21st century. The more prominent technology comes, the greater the need for a central place where access to information is promoted, managed and draws relevance to the practice of teaching and learning itself.

• 42    Carol Fardell // Jun 23, 2009 at 3:24 pm

  As a high school TL for over a decade now I believe School libraries are essential as they are the most versatile place in schools. Libraries are not limited to one faculty or subject. They promote interaction between subjects, teachers and students. They promote the acquisition of many skills relevant to many disciplines. When given adequate SASS staff, essential training in new technology and sufficient time the TL can cater for the needs of students in the C21st.

  A TL nurtures self learning, encourages students to ask questions and to seek help when needed. There is an awful lot of unrecognised TLC administered to students in libraries across the state. A TL often works with particular students, developing self confidence and assisting quieter, more reserved students to gain people skills so they can socialise better in the wider school community. A library is often a haven for about 10 – 20% of the school population and as a TL you keep an eye on those vulnerable students. We encourage communication, promote friendships, create a rapport with students that lasts all their school days.

  We do these things without being told to as it is just part of our realm of caring. We need to be listened to and appreciated. We know our job and we do it well without a lot of interference and restrictions.

  Yes books are essentail as reading a novel on the computer as an ebook is so restrictive. you can’t relax with a hot chocolate or latte , snuggle up with a cushion and read a computer screen. We have to pass on the passion of reading to Generation Y, show them relaxation is not about the W11, X Box or PS. The Internet is great but not the only source of information.

  Starting the love of books from baby/toddler stage and having book reading at public libraries, story-time in infants and then reading for pleasure over the next 12 years is essential. We may have to make time by reducing content in the syllabus but its worthwhile.

  Take away items should be near the exit so borrowers are tempted like candy, magazines and other inpromptu purchases are located in a supermarket to entice us.

• 43    colleen2155 // Jun 23, 2009 at 11:47 pm

  We do need school libraries in the 21st century. School libraries play an important role in the school program, through Information literacy programs, literature programs, the seamless integration of ICT into learning programs and providing a shared space for all students and the community.

  Technology plays a vital role in society today, but the school library provides a balance for students to access both written and digital resources. The school library collection is maintained by the teacher librarian who has an in-depth knowledge of the students and their needs and purchase resources accordingly.

  Quality information literacy programs provide students with skills to access, retrieve and store information, evaluate sources and use and apply information. 21st century learning skills are incorporated in these programs and students develop skills in higher-order thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration. Such programs develop deep knowledge and understanding through engaging and authentic tasks.

  The school library program provides students with opportunities to engage in essential Web 2.0 applications (blogs, wikis, emails, podcasting etc) that enable them to successfully communicate and collaborate in our global society.

  The importance of literature promotion and recreational reading should not be over-looked. Students who read for enjoyment often have more success in their learning in other areas of the curriculum.

  The success of the school library program is dependent on its position in the whole school library program. At Hassall Grove PS, we operate a
  co-operatively planned and flexible timetabled program which is supported by the school executive and staff. These structure allow classroom teachers to utilise the space and access technology at the point of need.

  Colleen Blancato: Teacher Librarian Bill Allen : Principal –
  Hassall Grove Public School

• 44    Jenny Scheffers // Jun 24, 2009 at 8:31 am

  Penrith, Mt Druitt, Blacktown & Windsor Teacher Librarian Professional Learning Network ;
  Committee Focus Group

  a. Do we need a school library in 21c schools?

  The role of school libraries and teacher librarians will be increasingly important in the 21st century, as both students and staff try to keep pace with rapid developments in technology and the ways in which information is accessed, shared and communicated.

  As instructional, resource and managerial specialists, teacher librarians:
  • can work collaboratively with class room teachers and other support staff to design, resource, implement and assess meaningful , open-ended research tasks for students. The Library program should closely integrate and support what happens in the classroom!

  • possess knowledge and understanding of important research frameworks such as Guided Inquiry, which provide a valid and useful structure for student learning

  • are information literacy experts and are able to assist both students and staff with accessing, analysing, verifying, evaluating and presenting information

  • ensure that various aspects of Quality Teaching, such as Deep Knowledge and Deep Understanding, are embedded in the Library’s teaching and learning programs

  • can utilise the seamless integration of ICT (including Web 2.0) into the library’s programs

  • can assist with the professional development of staff

  • possess valuable collection management skills and knowledge to match resources to information needs and users (eg reading levels matched to readers). Teacher Librarians also have a strong familiarity with the curriculum.

  • promote a love of literature eg. Book Week author and illustrator visits, PRC, Book Fairs, Star Reader, MS Readathon

  The library building and its facilities provide:
  • equity of access for school community to information, resources, equipment, space (for whole class and/or small group teaching and learning) and ICT

  • a safe haven for students (recess/lunch/before school/after school)

  • a vibrant and attractive centre of teaching and learning for the whole school community

  2. School Library of the Future
  a. What would a school library of the future look like?

  We believe that the school library will still actually exist as a physical space not a virtual library. It will:

  • be a vibrant space – well resourced, sufficiently staffed, with an adequate budget

  • be a central focus for the whole school community

  • will include books as well as ICT – providing a balance

  • be a safe haven for the school community to share eg. a place where students are happy to come for research as well as recreational reading in their own time and during scheduled class time

  • have flexible opening times

  • provide remote access to online catalogues and resources

  Jenny Scheffers (Caddies Creek PS), Colleen Blancato (Hassall Grove PS), Honor White (Rooty Hill HS), Fran Mead (Eastern Creek PS), Sharon Laurence (Rouse Hill HS), Belinda Doyle (Erskine Park HS) and Jan Poona (Rooty Hill PS)

• 45    Louise Coventry // Jun 25, 2009 at 12:00 pm

  Libraries are more important than ever. Research supports that children who have a love of books and who are immersed in literature go on to be good readers and develop mastery of literacy skills. Rich, quality literaure exposes children to a world of creativity and imagination. As Emily Dickinson says, “There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.” Reading also gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places of the world. Reading provides pleasure and teaches us about life. Readers develop wider vocabulary, varied use of language, and skills in decoding information. In the current techno age where much information is delivered thru visual literacy (film, TV, internet etc) we need to ensure the benfits and pleasures of reading are not lost.

• 46    Lyn Hay // Jun 25, 2009 at 12:56 pm

  Many thanks to those people who have organised focus groups within their school or local professional network to develop responses to this very important question.

  There is clearly consensus that we do need school libraries in 21st century schools, we now need to move forward and develop a clearly articulated vision of what a school libraries of the future should look like.

  We look forward to receiving more contributions to both Question 1a and 2a to inform the building of this vision.

  Lyn Hay
  School of Information Studies
  Charles Sturt University

• 47    Marcia Majarich // Jul 6, 2009 at 12:51 pm

  This is our group’s very quick response at the Teacher Librarians’ and Library School Administration Officers Conference held at Strathfield South High School on Thursday 2nd July 2009 to:

  (1a) Do we need a school library in 21st century schools?

  Certainly school libraries are essential and the future vision of these is limitless.
  Teacher librarians and associated staff need to be proactive and leaders in integrating technology into the whole school environment and take part in the public debate of this evolution.
  School and libraries teach students to critically evaluate the information presented via internet/technologies.
  School libraries cater for and are aware of the different forms of teaching and learning styles.
  Books will always be valid and vital, in whatever format and mode.
  The school library plays a pivotal role in socialization of the whole school community- whether for the solo reader, group research or rowdy and stimulating discussion and debate.
  The school library may well be the only place where students of particular socio-economic and cultural backgrounds have access to emerging technologies and resources.
  The school library image markets and informs opinion – we have lifetime memories of school library experiences and these can very well determine attitude to lifelong learning and even perhaps the evolution of the library.
  School libraries will evolve with the emergence of new communications eg Web. 2.0 and onwards to where and whatever and this is both challenging and fantastic as both human needs and technology co-exist.

  Marcia Majarich
  Library
  Macquarie Fields High School.

• 48    Jackie Hawkes // Jul 8, 2009 at 9:32 am

  Jackie Hawkes – tl in a large comprehensive high school in Western Sydney

  It’s wonderful to come back from overseas to lively discussion about school libraries, learning and the future. The topic has been around as long as I have been a tl, but the renewed energy is contagious and essential.

  Given the notion that knowledge and learning is growing and changing at unprecedented rates (which has probably always happened throughout history!) and that people will always have something to be interested, concerned or curious about – well, YES of course. School libraries are the obvious place to help shape the attitudes, abilities and interests of people as they move from being ego-centric little critters to hopefully beings capable of thinking and caring outside their own square.

  School libraries since at least the 70s when I first began training at Macquarie Uni as tl have been regarded as being PART of if not LEADING the changes in thinking and knowledge explosions. The term “lifelong learning” has certainly been around since then. So, by building on a fairly dynamic past and present of school libraries, go-go the future!

  I believe it is essential to continue to “proactively build their capacity to support student learning for the future.” As educators in our own right we cannot wait for THE word from on high within the DET or our schools. We need to grab a firm sense of direction for dynamic involvement in learning with kids, and then “just do it” and show it and talk it and share it. Being absolutely creative and continually proactive in showing the “YES – we CAN” attitude and action that is and must continue to be school libraries. (Obviously the impact of the world that we try to effectively share with our students DOES sneak into our vocab and thinking in positive ways IF the critical thinking we are so responsible for is developed.)

  The zillions of new ideas that await us in the future need a home and that is the even more super charged school libraries of our futures.

  Jackie Hawkes
  Teacher-librarian
  St Clair High School LIBRARY
  “LEARN . . . to do your BEST!

• 49    James Henri // Jul 8, 2009 at 10:47 pm

  James Henri
  President: IASL
  Founding Director: yourschoollibrary.org

  Do we still need school libraries…I was interested to note that at least one respondent to the question was somewhat pessimistic…given that almost all respondents are linked to school libraries in one way or another I would have expected one way traffic.

  It seems to me that there are two issues not mentioned yet.

  1. The existance of a school library seems to be tied to the existence of school. If we were to give up on schooling as the path to adulthood where would that leave school libraries?

  My counter question is: Can we still see a need for school?

  I offer up the history of the church as a comparison. Compare the traditional church structure with the more modern* ‘home church’….church in name but home in structure.

  * Of course the first churches were home churches!

  2. We can argue for the longevity of the school library by philosophical trickery…that is something inside the school can be named as the ‘library’ no matter it has absolutely no resemblance to our ‘dictionary definition’ or to our ‘common practice’.

  How far are we prepared to push our conceptions before we agree that a spade is not a rake? Or are we prepared to argue for the future of something that any 10 year old child on the Spirit of Tasmania would recognize as a library?

  I do see a future for school even if it becomes a much less formal and fixed space. But I don’t see a future for the classroom as we know it. If we were to remove fixed classrooms and replace them with flexible spaces how would we distinguish those spaces from another space called library? Or would we effectively end up with school within the library?

  And just one more thought….

  A reason that we still have schools is that we have plenty of teachers to put in them. We don’t have plenty of teacher librarians and the situation is deteriorating at a pace….

• 50    Brian Waddell // Jul 9, 2009 at 6:34 pm

  James, I’m afraid I disagree with your comment regarding the reason we have schools is because we have plenty of teachers to put in them. I think we have schools because parents don’t want the total responsibility of setting their children up for independent, successful life beyond the family nest. Parents want the best for their children no matter what culture the context and so some form of schooling is sort. The schools I work in exist because of the students not because of the teachers – think ’student centered.’

  As for school libraries though, as you note, they are certainly under threat. I believe the answer is straight forward – many school communities have simply failed to become information literate school communities. From my very limited experience, based in Wellington, NZ, communities that are reasonably information literate value the place of the school library within the school community and actually raise funding to ensure the library is staffed by a qualified teacher librarian.

  Brian Waddell
TL Karori West & Kelburn Normal Schools
Wellington, NZ

• 51    James Henri // Jul 16, 2009 at 10:33 pm

  You make a nice point Brian. BUT if the universities were not producing teachers those same schools would be in deep do do…and thats just the reality for many schools looking for a specialist to “manage” that library space. AND we also need to remember that very very few schools think about an approach to learning that involves more than one information professional (non-govt schools in OZ think differently of course). Imagine where we would be if every school wanted two school librarians….
  And yes the ILSC is a different beast…much more like the school inside the library..:) Cheers James

• 52    Georgia Phillips // Jul 26, 2009 at 5:00 pm

  It is very likely that government schools will not have school libraries in the future. School libraries will exist only in the wealthy independent, Christian and systemic schools.

  Recently released data from a nationwide study of school libraries (ASLRP http://www.chs.ecu.edu.au/portals/ASLRP/publications.php) has shown that:

  - 3/4ths of gov’t schools have budgets of under $20,000, 50% under $5000, and 16% under $1000. Meanwhile 3/4s of Anglican school libraries have budgets over $20,000 (10% over $100,000)

  - 65% of Christian schools have budgets over $20,000.

  - Almost 50% of Catholic school have budgets over $20,000 (10% over $50,000)

  Altogether, nearly one third have budgets of less than $5000. 12.5% less than $1000! And in the NT over half have budgets under $500.

  35% of Australian school libraries responding to the survey have no staffing. (Many more without staff would not have even responded.) Eliminating NT schools, almost 20% of schools reported having no professional staff. Tas, WA and Vic had the lowest number of TLs employed. Meanwhile one third of Anglican schools have 2 or more teacher librarians.

  Anglican and Christian schools have more full time professional staff in their libraries.
  Anglican and Christian schools received higher salaries than TLs in other school types.

  Georgia Phillips
  Retired NSW TL and IT Education Officer and Adjunct Lecturer
  Co-founder of The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia

• 53    Midge James // Jul 27, 2009 at 7:14 pm

  1. Future of school libraries
  (1a) Do we need a school library in 21st century schools? Present your views and support your claims with argument and evidence.

  Definitely need school Libraries – all sorts of kids – all sorts of learning styles.

  (1b) How, if at all, do current school libraries impact on student learning? Present your views and support your claims with argument and evidence.

  Not all students use the Library – but a good percentage do and we are catering to that element.

• 54    Midge James // Jul 27, 2009 at 7:17 pm

  2. School library of the future
  (2a) What would a school library of the future look like?

  Obviously computers, but still books and a quiet space to read and relax. The future doesn’t have to mean “whiz-bang”!!

  (2b) What would be its primary responsibilities and functions to meet the learning goals of schools?

  Why would that change from now?

  (2c) What would be the essential work of the teacher librarian?

  Supporting students and teachers – any change there?

  (2d) What would be its key impacts on student learning?

  Support for research and a place to work. Helping out teachers where we can – that …. Help students.

• 55    Midge James // Jul 27, 2009 at 7:19 pm

  Support of the executive as the Library being useful helps!

• 56    ianmclean // Jul 27, 2009 at 7:20 pm

  Hi Georgia,

  I’m a bit bamboozled by your statistics there. I’ve worked long-term in three NSW DET public school libraries (two x 400 students and one x 800 students) and have never had a budget over $8000 per annum. (Didn’t stop me doing my job, though. Not in the slightest, even when I’d hear how much other school libraries sometimes received!)

  I’ve never really felt that I had inadequate funds to do the job. If I don’t have enough, I adapt. Buy less, do things differently. Having lots of money – to buy lots of new book resources – is lovely, but the places where an effective teacher-librarian can really make a difference in students’ learning can’t be measured in how many new books can be bought and processed in a year.

  Surely you are lumping large, small, infants, primary and secondary schools together in your figures? Without further breakdown, I can’t make any sense out of them. Sorry.

  I do find it distressing to hear of how many other states of Australia are seemingly without trained teacher librarians, or indeed don’t have any teacher librarians at all. During my tenure as editor of “Scan”, I realised how important it was for groups of principals to have a thorough understanding of the importance of information skills, and the explicit teaching and provision of activities that encouraged higher order thinking. If teacher librarians can win over these principal teams (ie. the movers and shakers who organise principals’ conferences), they go a long way to empowering other principals to make sensible/efficient choices should the NSW DET ever grant principals the (often-rumoured to be coming) power to divert funds normally set aside for a teacher librarian’s salary, to be used elsewhere in the school, if they see fit.

  If a school principal is granted such a power, and decides that his or her school has no need for a teacher librarian, but needs an extra technology person instead, then the teacher librarian should be ready to make that transition to technology person. (Assuming it pays the same salary as a teacher, of course; I’m not advocating pay cuts.)

  A good teacher librarian is not going to be “let go” if they are highly valued by the staff, students and executive team. TLs need to become irreplaceable. The key is for the teacher librarian to ensure that they are thought of as an invaluable member of the school team.

  That puts a lot back onto the TL, of course. “Why should we have to keep up our advocacy work?” people will ask. But actions speak louder than words. I’d like to think that no principal of mine would ever tell me I was no longer required, and my salary would be better utilized by employing a library technician, because I work very hard to make sure I’m not so easily disposable.

  I’m “the wiki man”. The “website man”. The “book rap expert”. The “Book Week man”. “OASIS Man”. The “picture books man”. The “readers’ theatre guy”. The “report card editor”. The person with the wackiest hat on Crazy Hat Day. And more recently: “the IWB person”. Hopefully, I’m also the person to whom teachers come for advice on how to build in high order thinking into their KLA programs, and to ensure that their evaluation tasks are measurable.

  I cannot see NSW DET eliminating school libraries or teacher librarians just yet. Maybe those libraries and TLs incapable of adapting and evolving will disappear? Especially if all students soon have a clever little handheld device that puts them in 24/7 touch with an overload digitised information. It may not be immediately obvious that TLs still have a role to play. Again, I say TLs need to become irreplaceable.

  Like it or not, it’s survival of the fittest. Other states have seemingly not survived as well as NSW. But budgets really have very little to do with that.

  I guess we need to ask, what do NAPLAN test results have to say about Australian states without teacher librarians. Or schools with small library budgets? And do TLs in NSW want to know those answers?

  Ian McLean,
  Teacher librarian,
  Penrith PS, NSW.

• 57    ianmclean // Jul 27, 2009 at 9:12 pm

  Re the BER (Building the Education Revolution) new school libraries project:

  A quick Google brought me this

  “Premier Nathan Rees said that NSW is acting fast to put the Rudd Government’s economic stimulus package to work.

  “’We have placed an order for pre-constructed permanent school libraries to replace demountables in government schools’, Mr Rees said.

  “50 of these new libraries will be built by Western Sydney family run company Eastern Nomad.”

  The bolding is mine. I assume that’s just a tip of the iceberg? I can’t imagine these purpose-built school library buildings being without a trained TL any time in the future.

  Ian McLean,
  Teacher librarian,
  Penrith PS

• 58    lynhay // Jul 28, 2009 at 9:57 am

  Many thanks to James, Brian, Georgia and Ian for weighing into the debate (again) as our school library futures discussion comes to a close at the end of this week.

  We only have 3 more days to go, so to those people who have not made the time to record their ideas here, or those who feel they have more to say(!), please consider doing so as soon as possible.

  Kind regards,

  Lyn Hay
  School of Information Studies
  Charles Sturt University

• 59    Garry Scale // Jul 28, 2009 at 5:26 pm

  Most teachers at our school believed that Libraries would be a valued component of a child’s education. They develop a love of the printed word and help in the teaching of essential research skills. Most felt books to be an essential resource which should not be superseded by technology. To hold the printed word is divine as are librarians who teach and inspire the love of quality literature.

• 60    Rob Notara // Jul 28, 2009 at 7:49 pm

  ‘The school library is a function not a place’ ..Joyce Fardell Head School Library Services circa 1970’s
  School Libraries are a service not a programme ..2009.

  Libraries in the 21st century will survive but the teacher librarian as an entity is in danger more than ever.

  Unless we have a clearly defined set of working conditions, any of the libraries of the 21st century are reduced to the ability of the teacher librarian to negotiate an ‘individual workplace agreement’ with the school principal. The unequal balance of power and money in the negotiation process is the major flaw in this process. Schools are expected to provide innumerable programs and services and the reduction of services to the library is seen as a soft target. Sporting teams, dance , debating ,website maintenance, debating, KLA committees, student welfare committee, Aboriginal Education Team and of course the ‘Executive Release’ have hijacked the time of Teacher Librarian to complete their job. Staffing formulas are thrown into the amorphous meld and the teacher librarian allocation fails to be seen. This journey has been taking place for the last twenty years and it is a testament to the fortitude of teacher librarians to continue to provide a valuable service to students and teachers in their role. Negotiating as an individual is akin to begging.

  A well funded ‘redundancy package ‘ would at the moment be a good outcome for a highly specialised professional teacher librarian in our present system. How is it possible to provide the array of services which a teacher librarian is capable of providing when you are locked into a timetable where you are teaching for 80% of available teaching time. When you have classes within a grade or stage for periods of 30, 45 or 60 or even doubling up with some classes to provide executive release. The inequity for students is worrying.

  I operate on a budget of less money than I had 25 years ago when all money was raised from a ‘chook raffle’ at the local pub. This seems to be a common chord through other submissions. I failed ‘Begging 101’ at Teachers College forty years ago where we didn’t have to provide projections and attend budget meetings to discuss the “Big Bucket’. Global Funding is an annual struggle for funds where imploring for funds for essential supplies can be seen as a major inconvenience.

  Libraries need to be dynamic places where the ‘interface’ is between ‘people’ not just a discussion like this, where wikis and blogs are faceless and impersonal. Are we about to return to the librarians of past years where contact with real people were shunned. Emails from the department or school executive, once posted, are considered a valid form of communication. It is like shouting your message from the highest peak and expecting that all have heard you and a major inconvenience if you haven’t.

  The people who are the arch nemesis of school libraries in the past and in the future are the leaders (those that control the finances ) within our system whose vision is still in the 19th century version of libraries.
  The internet is a fabulous resource but is not the answer to all our information needs as many school principals think. There are incredible advances in technology coming which will need a human interface to interpret and teach how to use to its potential. As in a classroom or any teaching situation the first thing to establish is a personal relationship with the learner to achieve any reasonable outcomes.
  A re education of ‘the powers that be’ is an essential ingredient in the future of teacher librarians and school libraries. The use of Teacher Librarians as providers of Release from Face to Face teaching may have saved our positions over the last decade but as so many academics have completed vast amounts of research showing this model is flawed , it continues to pervade the thinking of our leaders.
  No, I am not just another cynical teacher librarian trying to create the cushiest job possible. I am a passionate, dynamic teacher who loves the job of providing a service to students and teachers but there is a limit. When I asked my principal for the ‘Charity’ number I could use for my tax return that covers all the time and money I expend, he thought I was kidding. So much of our work we gave in the past is now considered core work and they want more. The teacher librarian is the ‘heart’ of any library and under strain will create ‘circulation problems’. Continual lack of funds will emaciate the library and the only time we as a profession will be appreciated is at our ‘wake’.
  The ‘vision’ for the 21st century for school librarians and libraries is for leaders to ‘open their eyes’ to the potential of a trained teacher librarian who provides ‘a service not just a program’ . If provision of RFF is the only model for teacher librarians, they have blinkers on their eyes and teacher librarians are a 100 -1 chance of achieving success for their students and teachers.
  Rob Notara
  Teacher Librarian
  Wamberal Public School
  NSW

• 61    Tania Abbott // Jul 29, 2009 at 9:16 pm

  School libraries provide students with a place of learning, just like the individual classrooms.

  As stated in ASLA & ALIA’s ‘Learing for the future’ (2001) “the library and information services offered through the school library both shape and reflect the school’s goals (p. 56)”.

  The school library provides staff and students with the researching and evaluating skills needed to develop and contribute to a person’s lifelong learning.

  In short ‘Yes’ school libraries are needed now and I believe in the forseeable future. As they provide relevant information and skills for students and staffs development of lifelong learning in their professional, social and recreational lives.

  Tania Abbott
  Teacher librarian
  Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College – Berkeley Vale Campus

• 62    Deborah Hatton // Jul 30, 2009 at 3:09 pm

  On behalf of a small group of T/Ls who discussed this issue on 2/7/09 at Strathfield South High School NSW T/L and SAO Conference:
  Many of the ideas we had have been covered so far in the blog by such people as Ian Mclean, Jenny Scheffers and Gary Hartzell. I am simply adding our support to what they have submitted.
  Equity and access to a range of information formats was high on our list. Our library users are often unable to access information at home because of socio economic issues. Materials including books, computers and internet use are not easily available to them. Our school libraries provide this access and equity in education.
  Not all our users learn in the same manner; some are visual, some auditory, some tactile. Our libraries cater for different learning styles through the expertise of staff trained and experienced in the provision of materials for targetted audiences. Each T/L knows the specific needs in their school.

  What would our school be like without the library?

  This is the question I put to some members of our school community. The looks of aghast astonishment and disbelief which appeared on the faces of students (Yr 7 & Yr 9) I asked said it all. Staff said they couldn’t imagine the school without it. I then suggested that a study hall with computers and study tables might replace the library. You could still use computers I suggested. Immediately they had answers defending books and attacking sole computer use. Reliable access to print materials and access to trustworthy information were high on the list. Students also enjoyed the many other events which happened in the library and which provide a wholistic approach to their education, such as celebrations of special/current events. Basically their response was that school without a library would be soul-less and boring .

  Libraries are special places, study spaces, leisure centres, breathing spaces, discussion forums, retreats/havens, role models of scholarship, exciting places full of stories yet to be discovered and a shared community place supervised by a professional who is there to guide students with whatever they might need to find their futures.

  Get rid of libraries in schools? What an impractical backward step. We must educate those who don’t know enough to know what they don’t know! I hope this blog helps.
  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

• 63    Camila Elliott // Jul 30, 2009 at 9:56 pm

  I’m very late in joining this discussion, however, take this opportunity to comment. My overwhelming impression of this discussion thread is the definition of ‘library’. Overwhelmingly the library is still seen as a physical space. I noted James’ provocative comment in questioning the future of the school library in the event that there is no physical school.

  While ’school’ is very much a social concept, I understand James’ direction. He will be aware of the rise in home-schooling in the USA and other countries. The options are expanding. One only has to reflect on the changes that have occurred in the short space of 10 years to realise the 2019 is going to be a very different learning environment to 2009.

  I strongly believe that a system of school library will evolve but it will be very dependent on the personalities within each school and their skills in driving the evolution. It will be more about the role, the resources and the digital footprint rather than the physical library space. Yes, the school library is still required but only if it is fulfilling the role of supporting the school community, regardless of where they are physically seated. The job has actually become harder as we have to be out and about like nomads dropping in on the classes wherever they may be gathered for a particular class. We will be able to access our resources from anywhere and deliver them from a variety of platforms. Ross Todd referred to the cross-school learning commons- I totally agree. Flexibility will be the hallmark of the school library of the future.

• 64    Margaret McEwan // Jul 31, 2009 at 4:45 pm

  It is very disturbing to think that school libraries may not exist in Public Schools of the future and certainly it is the view of one school principal that I heard about recently that School Libraries are becoming obsolete. As Lyn and Colleen point out School libraries enrich the learning experience for students and provide essential “procedural knowledge” that help students become better learners. These skills are important for all students because they provide a mechanism for making sense of the vast torrents of information that flood students lives. I recently took part in a seminar for secondary TLs run by the university librarians at Wollongong Uni. What came through loud and clear was the huge chasm between academic expectations of students information skills at tertiary level and the “flick and pick” information finding behaviour of students in schools. I think schools are really doing students a disservice by not providing the requisite skills and resources that students need and as we are aware teacher librarians are uniquely placed to support teachers and students in this area.
  For example, a Year 11 class came to the Library this week to search for information as their teacher wanted them to use a range of different resource types. (Yay) In the first lesson they came, I had not been asked to talk to them and many of them halfheartedly typed a few things into the catalogue, got nothing and gave up. The teacher was exasperated and asked me to talk to them. The next day, I gave them a brief talk on alternative key words and using the library catalogue. The next lesson time they came they were much more proactive and got some good results. I don’t want to sound like Pollyanna but the evidence is there. Teachers and students do value the contribution of the TL and the TL does have a lot to offer 21st Century students. I am booked in to talk to this class next week about bibliographies.
  I am sure that lots of other people can think of similar experiences in their own libraries and Ian is right, a lot can still be done with a little although in the words of my 8 year old son “more is better”. He is right. More money, better resources, more computers, more SASS staff, more space, more colour and movement, more fun, would be better. It would be a sad colourless little world if school libraries were deemed obsolete. They add a unique dimension to the lives of our children in schools. Where else but a school library book week event would you see nearly 200 book theme cakes?

• 65    Allen Mayfield // Aug 4, 2009 at 10:37 am

  I believe it depends on your attitude to the use of technology, books and interpersonal relationships. I have heard T/L’s, teachers and executive, parents and students say the with technology as it is going there will be no need for books or libraries. This opens up the question of employment, status and satisfaction with in the service.
  Students and some staff are already going this way. They zoom straight to the laptops and Google with no thought of alternative sources of information. Many will not ask for help and so help is given anyway.
  The role of the library is becoming that of a computer room.
  If, on the other hand you think books and the T/L are the sole repositories of knowledge there is an ocean of new and quick information that is left out of the equation

  There is a need for balance — T/L, books et.c and technology.
  Above all though there is this. I was once asked what my opinion of the De Caprio Romeo and Juliet was. My response was the passion and romance of the sword and blade and the closeness of the interpersonal reactivity was lost. This is how I feel the 21st century library, I have heard some say is coming, will be like. It will be cold and isolating. We must maintain the “romance ” of the book and the warmth of the interpersonal relationships between the user and the T/L or we will be relegated to being a computer room. There will be no passion just flickering LCD screens and isolated users.
  At the present, though it is increasingly under threat from government, students and staff, the library is:-
  • a refuge from the vagaries and cruelties of the classroom and the playground
  • a place for quiet work and contemplation out of the noise of the vast body of people
  • a place for peaceful group activity
  • a place for individual real time assistance where human contact is still found wether using the computer or the book or just discussing the thing at hand.
  • a resource that should be changing over time yet has a sense of permanency about it while web sites come and go with fashion and political needs.
  • a place where the benefits of interpersonal relationships are reinforced and is not reliant upon electricity and antivirus programs.
  • a place where body language goes hand in hand with intellectual language.
  • a place that offers different and broader resources to the P.C. and opens students up to alternative approaches to information use and searching.
  • a place validation is easier for books than the net. though P.C. is quicker assuming the site is still there and appropriate.
  • a place where all types of resources are accessible and where help is available almost on demand and a smile goes with it at no cost.
  • a place where personal relationships foster social skills and development. Where real support in real time is available when needed.
  Allen Mayfield
  Teacher Librarian

• 66    June Wall // Aug 5, 2009 at 11:19 pm

  Do we need school libraries? The answer to this depends on your definition of a “school library” and how this works for 21st century education. Learners will always need information objects , tools to interact with information and the skills to enable this constructive interaction. The challenge for school libraries is in the changing nature of the learner, the environment they feel comfortable in (ie a digital one) and the rapid movement of current information into a digital environment. Our definition of information in a social networking environment also needs to be included in this.

  If we start with the learner and their needs and preferences, then we will find a change in what a school library will look like in the future. There is a strong movement away from paper based information resources by all types of learners. Everything needs to be “just in time” so we need to configure our thinking to align with the 21st century learner.

  My simple answer is – yes we will need school libraries BUT it won’t be the same as we have known it to be. I can see real possibilities of much smaller non fiction collections, greater use of digital objects and therefore a larger need for learners to be enabled to use these resources and construct their own knowledge. Its possible that we could use a physical space that is smaller as the library would be truly “everywhere”. More exciting possibilities for teacher librarians to be actively involved in learning at the point of need – in the classroom, library, online or wherever

  June Wall

  ASLA NSW
  Past President
  ASLA
  Vice President – Association Operations
  Head of Library
  St Ignatius College, Riverview

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