National Executive Update to Members

The first weekend of the holidays was a busy one for the Otago committee with a very successful “Weekend School’ combined with the SLANZA 2014 AGM.  Those fortunate enough to attend were treated to a delightful variety of professional development ranging from Book Clubs, Summer Reading, English departments and Libraries working together, and a presentation by Joan Mackenzie star of “Whitcoulls Joan’s Picks”.  The weekend was well organised with time for networking and sharing ideas.  At the AGM Miriam Tuohy accepted the nomination as President elect and Fiona Mackie stood down as past president.

The National Executive met on the Sunday afternoon and Monday at Kings High School, Dunedin, hosted by Bridget Schaumann. We welcomed new NE representatives Cathy Kennedy for Aoraki and Sandi Faulconbridge from Central.  Kirsty Adam and Joanne Fraser from Southland joined us for a discussion regarding how Southland can revitalise their region.  This discussion was positive and Joanne and Kirsty feel that Southland has the energy and desire to offer SLANZA PD and events in the region.

Correspondence included a message from SLANZA Life Member Linda McCullough from Waikato informing us of her retirement from National Library and thank you notes from Kathleen Van der Putten and Steph Ellis for their Study Grant and how it has helped them this year.

The treasurers report indicated that income is down on previous years so our membership drive is more vital that ever.  The report included a budget which is conservative yet allows us to work towards our goals. 

Our website will soon include a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page including questions about membership and the benefits of membership.  A planned brochure outlining benefits of SLANZA is in underway.  Currently we are looking for supportive quotes and photos to include.  Please contact your local rep if you are able to assist with this.

The NE is stregthening partnerships with organisations such as LIANZA, The Book Council and National Library and is keen to work with other organisations like The Principals Association and English Teachers and make them aware of the work we do and how their members can benefit.

The region reports included many fine examples of the Professional Development provided to our members. Thank you to all the committees for the work they do on behalf of our members.

SLANZA had input into the current NZQA review of Open Polytechnic Library qualifications and has contributed to the course documents.  The Wellington region is working on a Tertiary Transition programme to share with members.  We are working on Summer Reading initiatives with The Association of Public Library Managers and expect to have some resources available from SLANZA from the four Otago schools who presented at the Weekend School about their own successful programmes by the end of term.

Other discussions of note:

·         The 2015 Christchurch Conference team are making good progress

·         This years’ LIANZA conference in Auckland is shaping up with a schools thread included.  SLANZA members can register at LIANZA rates this year for the first time ever!

·         Members need to to find out about their own schools’ involvement in N4L (Network for Learning) and participation in the POND. From next year these inititiaves will have a wide ranging impact on all schools, we encourage school librarians to contribute as much as possible.

·         Our free online course “Connected Librarians” has been a huge success with over 100 graduates.  This project is now being reviewed with plans to build on the course from next year.  We are also in the development stages of creating an online community using Google+ to further support members.

Finally, I hope that you all had a restful break over the holidays and are energised and ready to tackle Term 3. 

Lisa Salter
RLIANZA   l   SLANZA Communications Leader   l   ruawailibrary.wordpress.com