A school library is the gateway to literacy and trustworthy information for all young people, and the critical component of supporting busy classroom teachers to do their best work. Yet school libraries across Australia are under increasing pressure. Many face declining investment, shortages of qualified library staff, limited funding, ageing collections and growing inequity in access. At a time when students need strong literacy skills, critical thinking and guidance to navigate an increasingly complex digital world, investing in school libraries has never been more important.
Some Scary Stats
In SA, fewer than15% of all schools have a qualified Teacher Librarian. Many new schools no longer have a library and a few existing schools have removed the library entirely. WA has very few TLs and Tasmania is similar. The situation is a little better in NSW and QLD but all states are reporting a trend towards removing teacher librarians and in some case the library as well!
What we can do?
During August, Students Need School Libraries will celebrate Australian School Library Day with the theme, School Libraries: The Best Investment. This year's campaign highlights why sustained investment, both financial and in qualified library staff, is essential to ensuring every student has access to a dynamic and thriving school library.
We invite you to support this campaign. As kids’ book creators, your voice can inspire readers, educators and decision-makers alike. Your support can help raise awareness of the essential role school libraries play in every student's education and the undeniable need to invest in them.
There are several ways you can help!
• an author/illustrator photograph accompanied by a short advocacy statement sharing why you believe school libraries are essential, or
• a short 30 second video message reflecting on why school libraries matter. Please film in landscape orientation.
Please include in your contribution the Students Need School Libraries logo, which is attached. With your permission, we would like to share your statement or video through our website, social media channels, campaign resources and advocacy materials to help promote the value of school libraries in the lead up to Australian School Library Day and beyond.
