1. One of the critical outcomes contained in the outcomes-based National Curriculum Statements requires learners to “collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information”, i.e. to acquire information literacy skills. In our schools, libraries are the keys to accessing information.
2. It is therefore essential that a wide range of library resource material, in addition to textbooks and readers, should be available for use at schools to enable learners to

  • improve literacy skills, e.g. reading, spelling, comprehension and writing.

  • develop numeracy skills.

  • access and use information resources which are integral to the effective delivery of e-Learning.

  • interpret information in order to create new, individualised knowledge.

  • detect bias, inaccurate and insufficient information.

  • make considered decisions based on analysis and evaluation of relevant information.

  • think in a multifaceted way.
3. Library resource material includes the following:

  • reference works (encyclopaedias, atlases, dictionaries, etc.)

  • non-fiction works (books containing information or facts)

  • fiction works (novels, short stories, fables, legends, picture books, etc.)

  • posters and pamphlets

  • magazines and newspapers

  • pre-recorded audio cassettes, videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMS

  • multimedia packages
4. The Norms and Standards Funding for Schools makes provision for the purchasing of library resource material (as well as for textbooks and readers). The following information provided in Circular 0056/2005 has a bearing on this:
4.1 It is suggested that schools use 60% of their allocation for purchasing “textbooks and other books" (paragraph 3.1.1(a) of Annexure A of the circular).
4.2 Library resource material is included in the term "other books" (paragraph 4 of Annexure A of the circular).
4.3 All non-Section 21 schools must requisition “textbooks and other books”, including library resource material, by submitting Form WCED-034 (paragraph 3.2 of Annexure A of the circular) to the LTSM Project Manager (paragraph 2 of Annexure A of the circular).
4.4 The deadline for requisitions of "textbooks and other books" for non-Section 21 schools is given as Monday, 26 April 2006 (paragraph 3.5 of Annexure A of the circular). However, additional orders for LTSM (learning and teaching support material, including library resource material) can still be submitted until 30 November 2006 (paragraph 3.5.2 of Annexure A of the circular).
5. For further information and guidance in the above regard, please contact Colleen Meinert at EDULIS (WCED Education Library and Information Service) at tel. 021 957-9638, fax 021) 948 0748 or e-mail cmeinert@pgwc.gov.za.


SIGNED: B.K. SCHREUDER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:12:30