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 Monday, 23 October 2006 and the theme for the year is "Reading. Knowing. Doing".
3. This day should be seen as recognition of the role and importance of libraries in lifelong learning, i.e. providing essential literacy and learner and teacher support material (LTSM) throughout the school system. International research has shown that learners achieve on a higher level and become more competent readers when they have access to a school library with a good resource collection, including books learners enjoy reading and strong information literacy programmes.
4. As a sub-strategy to promote access to information, the WCED's Human Capital Development Strategy for the Western Cape (2006) states, inter alia, that resource centres and libraries should be developed at each school to provide for a wide range of LTSM and its effective management, and for the integration of information literacy programmes in support of teaching and learning.
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 can do and are doing in relation to national development

  • To highlight the role that the school library plays in a learner's education from pre-school through to FET

  • To share ideas, initiatives and innovations so that those involved in school libraries, including teachers in all learning areas, 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 23 October 2006.


SIGNED: M.J. CHILES
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:10:03

Annexure A  (size: 80 KB)