ALIA/ASLA policy on school library resource provision

Joint policy of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Australian School Library Association (ASLA)

Purpose

To ensure resource provision is an effective and integral part of curriculum development to support the school's vision and objectives.

ALIA objects addressed

• To promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of all Australians and a thriving culture, economy and democracy.
• To promote and improve the services provided by all kinds of library and information agencies.

ASLA objectives addressed

• Establish, review and maintain national standards and guidelines for school library resource services.
• Promote an understanding of the aims, needs and educational significance of school library resource services and teacher librarianship.
• Develop, write and publish materials which will promote the development of school library resource services and teacher librarianship.

Principle

The expertise of a teacher librarian in the selection and provisioning of curriculum resources in a variety of formats will provide the tools for teaching and learning.

Statement

The achievement of many of the common and agreed goals of schooling is dependent on the schools' ability to deliver a curriculum supported by a relevant, dynamic and responsive collection of information resources. Resource provision is an integral part of curriculum development. Effective resourcing of the curriculum ensures that:

• every learner has access to a variety of quality, relevant, accurate and current information resources;
• learners' personal growth is supported by resources, which meet their developmental needs and interests;
• teachers' effectiveness is enhanced by access to recent curriculum and professional development material.

The curriculum is resourced through:

• a collection of learning resources and equipment organised, accessed and circulated through a library resource centre;
• resources managed through other areas of the school;
• the provision of access to human and material resources and information in the wider community, e.g. State Libraries, public libraries, community information agencies and databases.

Resourcing the curriculum is an ongoing process of selection and evaluation guided by policy and budget planning. Effective resourcing of the curriculum requires a collaboratively developed and agreed policy on collection development prepared as part of the school's ongoing planning and review process.

Effective resourcing of a curriculum ensures:

• every learner has equitable access to a variety of quality, relevant, accurate and current information resources;
• adequate resources at appropriate levels for all curricula and to meet personal and recreational needs are provided;
• new ways of teaching and learning are reflected in Information and Communication Technologies and resources;
• teachers' effectiveness is enhanced by access to recent curricular and professional development material.

Related documents

Australian Library and Information Association and Australian School Library Association
Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians

Australian Library and Information Association and Australian School Library Association
ALIA/ASLA statement on library and information services in schools

Australian Library and Information Association and Australian School Library Association
ALIA/ASLA policy on school library resource centre funding

Australian School Library Association and Australian Library and Information Association 2001, Learning for the future: developing information services in schools, 2nd ed., Curriculum Corporation, Carlton South.