1. The Department of Arts and Culture, in conjunction with LIASA (Library and Information Association of South Africa), have declared the week of 16 to 23 March 2013 to be South African Library Week, using the theme "Educate Yourself @ Your Library".

2. The theme highlights the fact that libraries have always played a pivotal role in education and self-development. It also provides the opportunity to bring to the attention of the country, community leaders and decision-makers the role that libraries play in educating communities and the nation.

3. Teachers are encouraged to make use of the available library and information services of the WCED. These services include the EDULIS Library Service (Head Office Library in Bellville, district resource centres, mobile libraries and depots) and the EDULIS School Library Service

4. The following LTSM is available for individual loan by teachers, principals and district officials, or as block loans by schools:
4.1 Inspiring activity-based ideas for lesson plans, and for language and mathematics development (many of which can be photocopied)
4.2 A wide range of curriculum support material
4.3 A vast collection of recently published books on management and leadership
4.4 Thought-provoking material in support of educational research and policy development
4.5 Material covering current critical issues, e.g. language and mathematics, inclusion, discipline and behaviour problems, differentiation, HIV/AIDS, and foetal alcohol syndrome
4.6 Learner-focused materials (including picture books and novels for learners of all ages to use during reading periods), which have been specially evaluated and reviewed to help teachers select materials for their school libraries
4.7 Videos, DVDs, audiocassettes, CDs, CD ROMs and multimedia covering a wide range of topics to enrich and support classroom teaching and learning.

5. The following EDULIS and district officials may be contacted about the items listed in paragraph 4 above:

Susan Hanekom EDULIS Library, Bellville tel. 021 957 9617
Cheryl Joseph Kuils River Resource Centre, Metro East Education District tel. 021 900 5111
Ntombi Mngxuma Brian O'Connell Resource Centre, Metro South Education District tel. 021 370 2084
Jennifer Caroto Metro North Resource Centre, Metro North Education District tel. 021 938 3197
Sara Clegg Makhosandile Ndzuzo Resource Centre, Overberg Education District tel. 028 214 7387

6. The following School Library Services are available to teachers and schools:
6.1 Evaluation and recommendation of curriculum-related library resources to support language and mathematics programmes
6.2 Guidance in purchasing library resources using Norms and Standards and own funding
6.3 Reading promotion through visits to schools to conduct book talks
6.4 Orientation sessions for school staff as part of their professional development
6.5 Assistance with cataloguing library material for school libraries
6.6 Support for the development and use of school libraries
6.7 Co-ordination of and support for training in basic school library administration to teachers in charge of school libraries

7. The following district officials may be contacted about the school library services listed in paragraph 6 above:

Faith Lawrence School Library Adviser, West Coast Education District tel. 021 860 1562
Janine Ontong School Library Adviser, Cape Winelands Education District tel. 023 348 4657
Sara Clegg School Library Adviser, Overberg Education District tel. 028 214 7387
Jennifer Caroto School Library Adviser, Metro North Education District tel. 021 938 3197

8. In response to numerous requests from teachers for school library advice, the following EDULIS staff may be contacted in the interim:

Eden & Central Karoo Education District and Metro East Education District:
Rose Damon EDULIS, Bellville tel. 021 957 9626
Metro Central Education District and Metro South Education District
Theresa de Young EDULIS, Bellville tel. 021 957 9638

9. Schools with school libraries are encouraged to link up with the local public library for a co-operative activity during Library Week.


SIGNED: M M HARKER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: EDUCATION PLANNING
DATE: 2013:03:06