Students need school libraries: for improved academic outcomes, access to a qualified teacher librarian and a well-resourced library is a must
Petitioner:
Ms Gina Krohn
| Member:
Smith, Tamara
| No. of Signatories:
1,606
| Date closed:
22/01/2021
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
This petition of the citizens of New South Wales brings to the attention of the Assembly our deep concern that not all NSW public school students have access to qualified teacher librarians and well-resourced libraries, with the understanding that:
- Australian and international evidence demonstrates that students with access to these specialist teachers achieve better academic outcomes.
- The 2011 federal parliamentary Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians in Australian Schools recognised the significance of these information specialists in the provision of high quality education.
- On 25 February 2020, the Legislative Council unanimously supported David Shoebridge (MLC)’s motion that all NSW public school students have access to a qualified teacher librarian in a quality school library.
Teacher librarians provide students with access to:
- Specialised media literacy and research skills
- Ongoing engagement with targeted, individualised quality literature
- Reliable, age-appropriate curated resources
- A collaborative environment which enriches the teaching and learning experiences of the school community, and
- A safe oasis supporting students’ mental health and well-being.
The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to:
1. Acknowledge the evidence and support the appointment of qualified teacher librarians and support staff.
2. Ensure that NSW public schools use their allocated departmental funding to fill the specialist teacher librarian role.
3. Strengthen and value teacher librarians by ensuring they are used in the capacity for which they were employed, allowing their expertise to benefit NSW public school students.
