School libraries

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) statement describing and promoting the role of teacher librarians in Australian schools.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) statement to advocate for library and information resources, programs and services in schools.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) policy to fulfil a school's teaching and learning goals through a well funded and appropriately resources school library.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) policy describing the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in school libraries and their impact on the delivery and use of information and communication services.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA) policy to ensure resource provision is an effective and integral part of curriculum development to support the school's vision and objectives.

This document was developed in the context of standards published by other Australian professional associations for educators. Its major aim was to achieve national consensus on what constituted excellent teacher librarian practice, to inform the profession and enhance student learning outcomes.

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

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

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

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