A report released by the ACT Government Education Directorate is paving the way for open discussions about the role that school libraries play in 21st century learning.
The report, “School Libraries: The Heart of 21st Century Learning”, draws from Australian and International research on the impact of teacher librarians and school libraries and their value to school leaders, teachers and the wider school community.
It examines the work Teacher Librarians do as experts in 21st century pedagogies and curricula, in curating the collection, and personalising the library services to meet the needs of the school community. The report also provides guidance on how school leaders can provide a framework that makes it possible for school libraries to thrive.
In an era where there is a lot of focus on the future of school libraries, it is exciting to see a government-led report encouraging schools to invest in well-staffed school libraries. Now, more than ever, school libraries are integral to ensure staff and schools are best equipped for learning and research in the digital age.