| 1. |
Libraries are the key to the global network that gives 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. |
During October 2017 school libraries in South Africa and across the world will celebrate and promote library and information services at schools, using the theme "Connecting Communities and Cultures". The month of October was declared International School Library Month (ISLM) by the International Association of School Librarianship. |
| 3. |
Celebrating ISLM should be seen as recognising the role and importance of libraries in lifelong learning, i.e. providing essential literacy and learning and teaching 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. |
In order to celebrate the importance of school libraries during ISLM, those in charge of school libraries around the world are encouraged to choose a day in October 2017 that best suits their particular situation. |
| 5.1 |
a range of suggestions on how Western Cape Education Department (WCED) schools could celebrate ISLM 2017; |
| 5.2 |
useful websites to visit; and |
| 5.3 |
the official ISLM logo for use in promotional material (note that this logo may only be used for publicising ISLM and not for commercial purposes). |
| 6. |
Schools are encouraged to send a full report (including pictures) on what they have done during ISLM to the following EDULIS and district officials for publication:
| Faith Lawrence |
School Library Adviser,
West Coast Education District |
tel. 021 860 1562 |
| Janine Ontong |
School Library Adviser,
Cape Winelands Education District |
tel. 023 348 4657 |
| Carol van der Heever |
School Library Adviser,
Metro South Education District |
tel. 021 370 2084 |
| Timothy Cloete |
Coordinator: School Library Services,
Eden & Central Karoo Education District
Overberg Education District
Metro North Education District
Metro East Education District
Metro Central Education District |
tel. 021 957 9626 |
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SIGNED: M M HARKER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: EDUCATION PLANNING
DATE: 2017:09:12
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