1. The Department of Arts and Culture, in conjunction with LIASA (Library and Information Association of South Africa), has declared the week of 14 to 18 March 2005 to be South African Library Week. During this week South Africa will celebrate and promote library and information services using the theme: Libraries: opening the doors of learning and culture to all. The theme was derived from President Thabo Mbeki’s inaugural speech early in 2004 when he called for learning and culture to be made available to all, and also relates to the Freedom Charter which was issued 50 years ago.
2. In view of the increasingly essential role played by learning and teaching support material (LTSM) in outcomes-based teaching and learning, teachers must be aware of the availability of library resources for this purpose. As part of the celebration of South African Library Week and the promotion of the WCED library and information services, you and your staff are therefore invited to arrange a visit to the EDULIS Library or certain EMDC Resource Centres for orientation and information regarding these services, and the available specialised library resources. Group visits need not be limited to 14 to 18 March, but can be arranged to suit you.
3. The EDULIS Library Central Collection in Bellville and the EMDC Resource Centre Collections in Mitchells Plain, Paarl, George and Worcester have the following LTSM available for individual loan by teachers, or block loans by schools:

  • Inspiring activity-based ideas for lesson plans (many of which can be photocopied)

  • Curriculum support material

  • A vast collection of recently published books on management and leadership

  • Thought-provoking material in support of educational research and policy development

  • Material covering current critical issues, e.g. inclusion, discipline and behaviour problems, differentiation and HIV/AIDS

  • Learner-focused materials, which have been specially evaluated and reviewed to help teachers select materials for their school libraries

  • Videos and multimedia covering a wide range of topics to enrich and support classroom teaching and learning.
4. The following persons may be contacted in the above regard: 
Susan Hanekom    EDULIS Library, Bellville 021 957 9617
Ntombi Mngxuma   EMDC Metropole South Brian O’Connell 
                 Resource Centre, Mitchells Plain 021 370 2084
Ina Heiberg      EMDC West Coast/Winelands Resource Centre, 
                 Paarl 021 860 1229
Sam Webber       EMDC South Cape/Karoo Resource Centre, 
                 George 044 803 8328
Ingrid Murray    EMDC Breede River/Overberg Resource Centre, 
                 Worcester 023 348 4657


SIGNED: M.J. CHILES
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:03:02