Signing off ... for now

Hello fellow librarians, listservers and school colleagues 

In the words of Suzy Cato that so many of us know and love (and an earworm to set you up for the rest of the day) ... "E noho ra I'm leaving I've really got to run. So Cya cya later it's time for us to end. Cya cya later I'll be back again.  So long. Cya."

Yes that's right, after 13-odd years my time as a super-awesome primary school librarian is at an end this Friday.  I'm off to new and exciting pastures ... still working and advocating for school libraries, just from a bigger picture, and in the big smoke of Auckland.  Extremely excited, and very nervous!

Unfortunately it means I'm also having to step down from the SLANZA National Executive and my role as SLANZA President, a journey that has taught me so much and helped me meet some fantastic people, build really valuable relationships and form some amazing friendships. 

I'm really going to miss the gorgeous young students that come through Taradale Primary School, those relationships we build with them and helping create that passion for reading and life-long learning. 

But I'm not going to miss helping other amazing librarians ... 'cause that's what I'll be doing 😀 

So I am signing off the listserv temporarily, and I'll be back when I have a new email and a new stomping ground. 

Take care.  Keep up the awesome work you do promoting reading engagement and providing fantastic services to our students as school librarians.  Ka kite ano.  

https://youtu.be/5rp2XzBOTIY

Ngā mihi nui

Sandi Faulconbridge Dip ILS

Library Manager (till the end of the week) | Taradale Primary School

SLANZA President (for a while longer) | PD Team Leader

Grant to help attend conference

The 2017 SLANZA Conference, Fiery Futures, is being held in Auckland in the second week of the July school holidays, 16-19 July. Being so close, this is a wonderful opportunity for Te Tai Tokerau members to attend.

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau would like to offer Conference grants to members keen on attending. This will not be a full registration grant, rather a contribution towards costs. Money awarded will depend on the number of applicants we receive.

Registration fee (earlybird) is $495.00. If you don’t have family or friends in Auckland there is onsite accommodation available which costs between $220-$280 depending whether you stay two or three nights (so attendance from Sunday afternoon or Monday morning). There is an optional bus tour for secondary or primary schools on Wednesday afternoon which is an additional $30.00.

Do check out the Conference website. There is also a conference letter template to encourage your employer to allow you to attend.

This offer is only open to current SLANZA members and the grant money must be used for the conference. Priority will be given to members who haven’t received SLANZA grants before. Recipients will be expected to share their conference experience with other members via a Collected magazine article and a short talk at one of our PD sessions.

Applications close April 30, 2017. The lucky delegates will be announced following a committee meeting Saturday, 6 May. Please submit your email application to the SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau Chairperson, Julia Smith

Wheelers ePlatform Important Upgrades

The Wheelers ePlatform team have advised that they have made improvements to their mobile apps, and as SLANZA provide our members access to a selection of eBooks via this ePlatform we thought you may like to know just what improvements have been made.

Remember if you have not already signed up for the Wheelers ePlatform you can do this here to take advantage of some great PD resources.

********************************

We're delighted to announce major improvements to our mobile apps which will go live this Sunday night / Monday morning.  This is a very significant upgrade, and apart from the improvements to the mobile apps themselves, it heralds the arrival of our superb Audiobook solution.

The mobile app upgrade includes:

• Audiobook Capability 
• Full Screen Reading Mode
• Quick Access to Common Functions
• Navigation Improvements
• Numerous Bug Fixes (eg. IOS Library Search Issue)

These upgrades will affect all of your students and patrons who use ePlatform. The attached PDF highlights the key changes in more detail. The main technical change you need to be aware of is your students/patrons will need to go through the 'Find Library' step again, which was unavoidable to ensure a bug free experience.

We are offering Audiobook Shared Collections to school customers in AU/NZ/UK. This extraordinary innovation means Audiobooks are within every customer's budget for the first time.

Any questions please let us know, or feel free to register your interest in our Audiobooks solution.  

Kind Regards,

ePlatform Team

--

ePlatform Team

Check out our ground-breaking eBook and Audiobook consortiums for schools – same day setup! Click here – ePlatform One

Media Statement from SLANZA in response to TVNZ report: Overcrowding Forces 178 NZ Schools To Go Without A Library

“Figures released under the Official Information Act show more than a hundred schools in New Zealand don't even have a library.”

(TVNZ, 2017)

The School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa, SLANZA, are seriously concerned at the announcement of closures of school libraries to accommodate the growing roles within schools in New Zealand.

We believe the school library is a fundamental resource for students and staff and we strongly believe all schools should not only have a library, but that it be staffed by a specialist librarian.

Research in New Zealand and in over sixty overseas studies, show that having a school library staffed by a qualified professional librarian increases student achievement. (I Love Libraries, 2015), (National Library of New Zealand, 2010).

“There are 178 New Zealand schools that don't have a dedicated library, while 330 schools have less library space than they're entitled to.”

(TVNZ, 2017)

The Ministry of Education is required to provide enough classrooms for schools who have increasing rolls; it is a dire predicament when schools are forced to use other facilities such as their libraries to cope with the demand for space. SLANZA questions the Ministry’s attitude to these space issues and indeed their attitude to school libraries.

School libraries and librarians have a huge impact on the educational quality of a school. SLANZA presumes that principals, teachers and parents are voicing their outrage that government policy is not responding to the growing school rolls and supplying adequate building funds. SLANZA stands alongside parents, teachers and principals to promote the positive educational outcomes that a school library and a suitably qualified school librarian make in every school. We support the right for every student in New Zealand to have access to a school library and school librarian.

REFERENCES

I Love Libraries. (2015). Student Success. Retrieved from http://www.ilovelibraries.org/school-libraries/school-libraries-and-student-success

National Library of New Zealand. (2010). School Libraries and learning. Retrieved from http://schools.natlib.govt.nz/school-libraries/effective-practice/school-libraries-and-learning-research

TVNZ. (2017). Overcrowding forces 178 NZ schools to go without a library. Retrieved from https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/overcrowding-forces-178-nz-schools-go-without-library

The Sapling - New Zealand website celebrating children's literature

SLANZA wants to ensure that all members are aware of The Sapling, the brilliant New Zealand website celebrating children’s literature. We believe anyone promoting and raising the profile of reading for New Zealand children is an enterprise worth supporting and we wish Jane Arthur and Sarah Forster every success.

Morena lovely school librarians,

My name is Sarah Forster and I’m one of the editors, alongside Jane Arthur, ofwww.thesapling.co.nz, which I’m guessing most of you will know is a brand-new website created to talk about children’s literature. We will cover everything from board books to YA books, in a variety of formats - essays, interviews, reviews and more.

We are already very proud of what we have created, and we hope you have had a chance to look around the site. Here is Kyle Mewburn’s plea for a Children’s Laureate, Nina Powles’ tribute to Hermoine, and Kate De Goldi’s love letter to public libraries as a starter. And an interview between David Elliot and Gavin Bishopfor another.

One of the monthly pieces we will run is an interview with a school librarian from somewhere in NZ. In March we will feature Desna Wallace from Fendalton Open Air School, and in April, Kimberley Atkinson from Robertson Road School. We will reach out to school librarians in all sorts of situations all over New Zealand for this piece, in an effort to recognise the efforts you all make to help your kids to embrace literacy.

I am writing to ask you if you could please promote this valuable space for children’s literature in your school newsletter by whatever means you have at your disposal. I have included a brief info-note below, that is hopefully around the right length - if you’d prefer a lengthier press release email me ateditors@thesapling.co.nz.

“The Sapling is a website all about children’s books, because books grow humans. We take kids’ lit seriously, and we show it by commissioning essays, interviews, reviews and even crafts from some amazing kiwi writers and illustrators. You can find us at www.thesapling.co.nz, and follow us on Facebook @thesaplingnz and Twitter @TheSaplingNZ. Join our conversation!”

If you want to know a little more about us, we had a long interview in The Pantograph Punch the other day you’re welcome to check out. (PS if my name is familiar it’s probably from my time with the NZ Book Council.)

Thank you so much for reading about The Sapling, I hope you all enjoy exploring it as much as Jane and I have enjoyed creating it.

Enjoy your day,

Sarah Forster

Editor

The Sapling

--

TheSapling.co.nz

The Sapling on Facebook

The Sapling on Twitter

Connected digital learning - Fake News module reminder

This is a reminder that Registrations for the Digital Literacy - Fake News module of the Connected Librarians course close this Friday 17 March.  

Being digitally literate is an increasingly important part of allowing people to participate as informed citizens in today’s society. It encompasses a variety of knowledge, skills and behaviours, some of which need to be explicitly taught.

As digital literacy is such a large area to cover, this module will focus on just one key aspect - the ability to identify, mitigate and deal with “fake news”.

The course will be starting on Monday 27 March. 

This course is designed by New Zealand school librarians, for school librarians - for anyone who is ready and willing to learn and try new things and share their thoughts and learning with others. 

The course is free for SLANZA members. 

Please visit the Online PD page on our SLANZA website for further information and to register.

Membership fees reminder

We wish to thank all the SLANZA members who have already paid their membership fees for 2017. At present, 50% of members have paid their subscription.

SLANZA is the voice of school libraries throughout New Zealand, aiming to strengthen and promote the role of school library staff as well as the library itself.

Your membership allows us to extend our professional development, resources and relationships that benefit all our members. For example, our current online professional development, both the Connected learning module of Fake News and the Google+ professional discussion on Censorship, are offered free and exclusively to SLANZA members.

Please note that the $60.00 membership fees for 2017 are due by 31 March. We sincerely appreciate your support.

If you are unsure if this year’s subscription has been paid, please enquire with your school accounts person in the first instance, before contacting Ngaio Blackwood at admin@slanza.org.nz. Receipts are a little delayed this year but will be out shortly.

Fake News - the next topic for Connected Librarians

Registrations for the Digital Literacy - Fake News module of the Connected Librarians course are currently open.  

Being digitally literate is an increasingly important part of allowing people to participate as informed citizens in today’s society. It encompasses a variety of knowledge, skills and behaviours, some of which need to be explicitly taught.

As digital literacy is such a large area to cover, this module will focus on just one key aspect - the ability to identify, mitigate and deal with “fake news”.

Applications close on Friday 17 March and the course will be starting on Monday 27 March. 

This course is designed by New Zealand school librarians, for school librarians - those just starting out with online tools, who are ready and willing to try new things. 

The course is free for SLANZA members. 

Please visit the Online PD page on our SLANZA website for further information and to register.

Author David Riley on how books change lives - term 1 2017 Professional Development

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau are delighted to announce this term’s professional development opportunity. We are extremely fortunate to have secured David Riley to come northwards and share with us some of his insights into how reading matters.

David is an award winning author and is demand throughout New Zealand for his ability to connect with and inspire reluctant readers to read and write. A sample of his books are below:

This will be a great pd opportunity that we are providing free to SLANZA members. His session for us will be aimed at librarians and library staff, although if there is a strong teaching contingent then the talk can be adapted to suit both.

You won’t want to miss this - come to be reinvigorated on ways to connect readers with books and libraries with readers. We will follow with a social gathering in town (5 minute walk) to continue the discussions and network. Do join us.

Please RSVP to me, including if you would like to join us for a snack and chat afterwards.

Nominations open for President Elect

SLANZA National Executive is calling for nominations for the position of President Elect.

The President Elect is successor to the President. The position requires this person to aid and support the current President while gaining an insight into the functions of the Presidential role of SLANZA.

This position requires an in-depth understanding of the workings of SLANZA and its stakeholders so it is preferable that this person should be either a current member of the National Executive or someone with previous National Executive experience.

The President Elect will be a one year term from July 2017 to July 2018, when they will take over the role of SLANZA President from Sandi Faulconbridge for a term of up to two years, from July 2018. Sandi will then move into the role of Immediate Past President where she will support, mentor and advise the President as needed.

Nominations are open from Friday 17 February until Friday 17 March 2017. Please email Julia if you require a nomination form

Self-censorship and the School Library

The SLANZA PD team is excited to announce our first G+ discussion topic for the year.

Inspired by a discussion held on the list at the end of last year, we thought the time was right to start thinking and talking about how we select books for our collections.

Our G+ discussions are designed to be slow, to allow time for deep thought and to reflect on our practices. Over four weeks there will be four readings followed by reflective questions. You can dip in and out of the discussion as time allows you, and participate as much or as little as you wish.

You must be a member of SLANZA to take part in this discussion (and it’s a great year to join with conference coming up!), as well as belonging to SLANZA’s Google+ Community.

We look forward to “seeing” you and hearing your thoughts – either for this discussion or one of our other professional development events planned for this year.

STEPHANIE ELLIS

Librarian | Memorial Library | Napier Boys’ High School

Phone: 06 8335900 (ext 236) | Fax: 06 8335909

Chambers St | Napier 4110

Reminder - new professional learning opportunity for SLANZA members

Last year we were very excited to be able to offer our members a fantastic study opportunity with the Open Polytechnic. As you know, SLANZA is strongly committed to raising the professional standing of School Library staff through ongoing PD and professional qualification opportunities. SLANZA and OP are very pleased to confirm that following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between our two organisations, a fee free offer has been arranged for current SLANZA members studying the Certificate in Literature and Library Services for Children and Young People.

SLANZA is very grateful to OP for their willingness to make this initial opportunity possible, and their commitment to ongoing collaboration. Members looking at study or already working towards these qualifications will be aware what incredible value this offers in the study fee saving. Note: Fee waiver only applies for the first registration for each course.  (If you need to re-sit the paper then the cost will be your own).

Who is eligible

This fee free offer is available to SLANZA members taking either of two courses in OP6273 Certificate in Literature and Library Services for Children and Young People (Level 6):

·         72276: Literature and Information Resources for Children and Young People

·         72277: Library Services for Children and Young People

Note that the OP $60 annual administration fee cannot be waived.

It is also important to note that SLANZA members who wish to take up this offer must have either completed the Diploma in Information & Library Studies (Level 5) with OP already, or alternatively, have completed the four prerequisite courses that apply to this certificate. 

Information on these prerequisites can be found under the ‘entry requirements’ tab of the certificate on Open Polytechnic website.

How to take up this offer

1.     Your SLANZA membership subscription must be paid in full. If you are not sure of your membership status, please contact Ngaio Blackwood (admin@slanza.org.nz) or your regional representative on the National Executive

2.     Check that you meet OP prerequisite requirements for the certificate

3.     Enroll online via OP website here.

4.     At the payment section, use contract code 0663 to receive the fee-free offer. OP will verify SLANZA membership before approving course entry.

In Trimester 1 this year OP offers 72276: Literature and Information Resources for Children and Young People. Enrollments close for Trimester 1 on 14 February 2017. Note: This paper was also offered in Trimester 3 2016.

In Trimester 2 OP offers 72277: Library Services for Children and Young People. Enrollments close for Trimester 2 on 25 June 2017.

We strongly encourage our members to take advantage of this offer now.  

Further information

Any questions? Please contact Jan Irvine:

Email: Jan.Irvine@openpolytechnic.ac.nz

Phone: 0508 650200, extension 5594

Sandi Faulconbridge

President | PD Team Leader

2017 SLANZA Conference update

Your conference committee has been working hard on the planning of the programme, and everyone who submitted an abstract will be notified shortly. We have had some fabulous abstracts submitted and are delighted with the quality of the presentations that will be offered at conference.

The website is looking more interesting now that we have our three keynote speakers confirmed.  Of course the wonderful Rachel van Riel is coming to challenge us into looking at the library with a readers-centred approach, but we also have Hamish Currie and Adele Walsh from Australia who we feel sure will inspire and challenge us too.  Their bio’s are on the website for you to check out.

The conference committee would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and summer break.

Trish Webster

Rangitoto College

2016 School Library reading survey

Just a reminder that you can enter your top books, authors and series here for the 2016 School Library reading survey.

The form is simplified this year, so it shouldn’t take too long.  I have attached some instructions for some of the LMS however they are a couple of years old.  If anyone can update them for me, that would be great.  And if your LMS is not here, and you have time, I would love to have a copy of your instructions to share with others.

I hope to have some results next week, but I need your input this week please!

Trish Webster

Christmas event cancelled

Due to lack of interest in our Christmas event, it has been cancelled.

Announcement of new President

It is with great pleasure that National Executive would like to announce Sandi Faulconbridge as the new SLANZA President.

Sandi accepted the National Executive nomination for the position of President in October. NE called for nominations from members between 19 October until 18 November 2016, however no nominations were received.

Sandi has been involved in primary school libraries in the Hawkes Bay for twelve years and is currently Library Manager at Taradale Primary in Napier. She has been Chairperson of the Central region and represented that region on NE since September 2014. Last year she took on the role as Team Leader for Professional Development and has run that admirably.

In 2015 Sandi completed her Level 5 Diploma in Information and Library Studies through The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. She had planned to continue her studies in 2017 taking up The Open Polytechnic’s offer of free fees to SLANZA members on particular papers, however that will now be put on hold due to the demands of holding the national President position.

Sandi brings a fresh perspective, sharp mind, quick wit and outstanding organisational skills to this role.

The National Executive would like to thank SLANZA members for their ongoing support as we have moved through this challenging time. We are confident in Sandi to continue building on the solid foundation and momentum achieved under previous SLANZA leaderships. NE are excited for the future of SLANZA in strengthening and promoting school libraries and warmly embrace Sandi as an empowering force to lead our organisation forward.

End-of-year-get-together

We’re having an end-of-year-get-together. Everyone is welcome, not just SLANZA members, to join us at Kerikeri Primary School Library on Wednesday 30 November after school. We’ll have games and quizzes, as well as plenty of library chat about our year.

Please all bring a plate to share.

Thank you to Kris for hosting the event in her library

RSVP to me please jsmith@kerikerihigh.ac.nz

SLANZA 17 Conference Call for Abstracts extended

Call for abstracts, exciting news…. You have a bit more time!

Although abstracts have officially closed, the good news is that they are still flooding in, so the Conference Committee has decided to extend the date until Friday 11th November 2016. This means you have a bit more time to take the plunge, finalise your thoughts, and fill in the abstract submission form. For information on how to do this, and what is required, head over to the SLANZA 2017 Conference website here.

If you are planning to send an abstract, could we ask that you make sure that when you have finished filling in the form, you click the submit button. If you don’t do this, the abstract will not be received.

Good luck and start writing now, the Committee is looking forward to hearing from you.

Trish Webster

Call for abstracts for Auckland 2017 Conference

The Auckland Conference Committee of the School Library Association of New Zealand (SLANZA) is now seeking abstracts for presentation the 2017 conference.

The theme for the conference is Fiery Futures: Igniting and Inspiring Libraries.  There are three sub-themes that will be incorporated in the 2017 conference.
These are:

Bedrock: Solid Foundations

Lava: Flowing Ideas

Fiery Futures: Bright Spark Ideas

Submissions close on 31^st October 2016, so you have the holidays to think about what you want to share with your library community.

More information on our website here

The School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (SLANZA) aims to strengthen and promote the role of school libraries and to enable all school communities to become information literate. 

Trish Webster
Library Manager Rangitoto College

SLANZA Administration Officer vacancy

National Executive are looking to fill the role of the Administration Officer. This is a paid position of up to ten hours a week, responsible for the day-to-day administration of SLANZA. For further information and a job description please contact admin@slanza.org.nz