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 biased, 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 audiocassettes, CDs, 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 0049/2006 has a bearing on this:
4.1 It is suggested that schools use 60% of their allocation for purchasing "textbooks and other books" (paragraph 5.1 of the circular).
4.2 Library resource material is included in the term "other books" (paragraph 4 of Annexure A).
4.3 All schools must adhere to the Preferential Procurement Policy of the province in the spending of their N & S allocations for textbooks and other books, including library resource material (paragraph 5.1.1 (b) of the circular).
4.4 Section 21 schools must purchase their LTSM, including library resource material, and incur other expenses themselves (paragraph 5.1.1 (d) of the circular).
4.5 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) to the LTSM Project Manager, Block C, EMDC: Metropole East, Nooiensfontein Road, Kuils River, 7580 (paragraph 2 of Annexure A).
4.6 The deadline for the main requisitions of "textbooks and other books" for non-Section 21 schools is given as Thursday, 26 April 2007 (paragraph 3.5 of Annexure A). Requisitions for library resource material may, however, be submitted until 18 July 2007 as additional orders if schools have already submitted their main requisition on form WCED-034 to the Kuils River office). The funding for this library resource material should have been included in the funds allocated for LTSM (total amount for textbooks and other books) on the school budget form WCED-032 of 2007/08.
4.7 Additional orders for LTSM (learning and teaching support material, including library resource material) can still be submitted until 30 November 2007 (paragraph 3.5.2 of Annexure A).

5. For further information and guidance in the above regard, please contact Theresa Bergsma at EDULIS (WCED Education Library and Information Service) at tel. 021 957 9638, fax 021 948 0748, or e-mail tbergsma@pgwc.gov.za.


SIGNED: F.A. BOOYSE
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:04:20