To mark the third annual Australian School Library Day we look at the benefits of school libraries, and how to champion them in your community.
Australian School Library Day (ASLD) is an initiative from Students Need School Libraries and ALIA that highlights the enduring positive impacts that school libraries and staff create for their school communities.
The day celebrates school libraries as places of learning, wellbeing, collaboration, expression, imagination and creativity, not to mention places where a love of reading is fostered and flourishes. School libraries have always provided the hub for CBCA’s Children’s Book Week® to happen, so as in previous years, ASLD is taking place on the Wednesday of the much beloved and always anticipated national Book Week event celebrating children’s books and the joys of reading.
Whilst it is always inspiring to hear about the positive impacts of school libraries, the reality is that not every school has a suitably staffed school library equipped with qualified library staff. That’s why Australian School Library Day seeks to ensure that people from across the community understand not only everything that school libraries do, but also what they can do to champion them.
What are the benefits of school libraries?
- They aid in literacy development: Research shows that school libraries play a key role in improving literacy levels, providing students access to a wide range of books, digital resources and other materials that promote reading fluency, comprehension, and the development of good reading habits. With NAPLAN results showing that that one in three Australian school students are not meeting literacy and numeracy benchmarks, this is more essential than ever.
- They teach students how to identify mis and dis information and navigate AI: Library staff equip students with essential skills in digital and information literacy including how to be safe online. As generative AI, mis and disinformation proliferate, and new technological tools and platforms emerge, it is more important than ever that qualified library staff are available to assist students successfully navigate the changing information ecosystem.
- They provide access to collections that support the school curriculum: School libraries house high quality and diverse collections, that are developed on an ongoing basis to align with the Australian curriculum. Qualified staff ensure that young people have access to representative and relevant resources (both print and digital) that not only support, but extend and enhance curriculum content.
- They foster a lifelong love of learning: School libraries encourage independent learning and research skills, fostering curiosity and preparing students for further education and a lifetime of learning. To use the words from this year’s ASLD theme – school libraries build brighter futures.
- They offer an inclusive learning environment: School libraries serve as safe, inclusive spaces that cater to students of all backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. They play a significant role in supporting whole school wellbeing.
- They aid in community building: School libraries often function as community hubs within schools, providing a welcoming space for collaboration, discussion, and social interaction among students, teachers, and staff.
How can I advocate for school libraries?
- Spread the word! One of the best things you can do is spread the word within your school community. Whether you’re a student, parent or educator, spread the word about the incredible work that your school library does. ASLD is an opportunity to get the school library into your school’s social media, newsletter, front office, even local newspaper.
- Highlight student outcomes: For those working in a school or school library, think about ways to share evidence and research that demonstrate how well-resourced school libraries positively impact student literacy, academic achievement, and digital literacy skills.
- Engage with key stakeholders: Involve parents, educators, school administrators, and community leaders in advocacy efforts, making them aware of the benefits school libraries bring to student development and educational success.
- Leverage social media and public campaigns: Use social media platforms, blogs, and public campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of school libraries, showcasing success stories and community support.
- Learn about the decision-makers: find out who makes funding decisions about school libraries and open up a dialogue about the need for qualified teacher librarians and up-to-date library resources.
- Host school and community events: Organise events such as literacy nights, author visits, or technology workshops that demonstrate the library’s integral role in the school community, creating visibility and support for its services.
Key resources