1. Libraries are the keys to the global network that give us access to information. It is, therefore, essential that our school libraries become true learning resource centres and that the importance of school libraries be widely recognised.
2. In 1999 the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) declared the fourth Monday of October as the annual International School Library Day (ISLD). Since then it has been celebrated in many countries in various ways. This year ISLD is being celebrated on 24 October and the theme for the year is “Discover the Adventure”.
3. This day should be seen as a recognition of the role and importance of libraries in lifelong learning, i.e. providing essential literacy and curriculum learner and teacher support material (LTSM) throughout the school system. International research has shown that learners achieve on a higher level when they have access to a school library with a good collection and strong educational programmes. In addition, learners become better readers when they have access to a school library and books to read.
4. In terms of the WCED’s Five-year Strategic and Performance Plan (2005/06 to 2009/10), therefore, the policies state inter alia that “the WCED plans for resource centres and libraries to be developed at each school to provide a wide range of learner and teacher support materials and their effective management.”
5. Some reasons why schools should celebrate ISLD:

  • To bring together school libraries and school librarians from across the world to recognise the importance of what libraries do in relation to national development

  • To highlight the role that the school library plays in the child’s education from pre-school through to FET

  • To share ideas, initiatives and innovations so that those involved in school libraries can learn from one another

  • To recognise the contribution librarians make to their colleagues and communities
6. The attached Annexure A suggests some ways in which WCED schools can celebrate International School Library Day on 24 October 2005.


SIGNED: MJ CHILES
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:09:30

Annexure A  (size: 19 KB)