Editorial

Editor: Margaret Steinberger

Lately I've been wallowing in the rich and varied literary heritage of Australia, and enjoying it mightily. I've started to research a literary history tour of my local area, written literature questions for trivia quizzes and engaged in one of my favourite pursuits: reading reference books for pleasure.

There's been plenty to support and inspire this ongoing interest. Much has been written recently about the 21^st birthday of Possum Magic, one of my all-time 'best books' for children. I'm not sure of the sales statistics, but I do know I've been a great contributor; in fact I have two copies in my gifts drawer at the moment, purchased well ahead of the appropriate birthdays just in case there is a stock shortage.

And, of course, I've received further inspiration from the significant names that are remembered in Orana in this first issue of 2004. The issue opens with a fine and detailed tribute to H F Brinsmead, in Lyn Linning's article 'Australian Communities in the Novels of Hesba Fay Brinsmead'.

The news section includes the welcome news of the awarding of the Dromkeen Medal for 2003 to Ivan Southall, another name that evokes memories of collection building in my career as secondary teacher-librarian, particularly in the early years. And there is news of this year's ongoing celebrations of the 10^th anniversary of the opening of Nutcote, the Sydney home of May Gibbs.

Moving into the very up-to-date present, Ross Todd outlines and discusses the key findings of a major research project into the effectiveness of school libraries on student learning. The research, undertaken in Ohio, has ready applicability to the Australian situation and teacher-librarians will find solid statistical support for their activities, as well as some areas that may benefit from strengthening and support. A welcome affirmation of the role of library professionals is given in Ross' concluding remarks: 'Personal engagement with students to initiate and enable learning and achievement is a critical component of an effective school library.'

Carolyn Bourke focused on young adults in the address she gave at a seminar in Sydney late last year, and she has generously shared her paper with Orana readers. Her passing mention of some programs at Fairfield City Library also led me to ask her to write further on these programs, which are outlined in the News section, in 'Helping Your Child (0-5) to Learn: A Community Partnership Project.'

Our popular correspondents' columns have not been forgotten, with Ross Todd bringing us further news of activities in the world of teacher-librarianship the United States, and Jenny Evans moving from Canada to now become Orana's correspondent exploring public libraries and programs in the United Kingdom.

The News section is brimful this issue, with the Nutcote, Southall and partnership projects already mentioned, as well as information on an exhibition of The Waterhole , and an update on the 'Creating the Character' travelling exhibition of children's book illustrations. Rounding out the section are calls for nominations for two professional awards, a call to be taken seriously.

Finally, Orana's experienced reviews team gives you a guide to the best of professional reading.

Enjoy your reading of the first issue of Orana for 2004 - maybe next issue we'll be reading a contribution from you.

Margaret Steinberger

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