Latest News from SLANZA National Executive

Last weekend was a busy one for National Executive (NE) in Wellington with Ross Todd presenting a workshop on Evidence Based Practice (EBP) followed by our AGM.

One hundred and twenty five library staff and supporters attended the Ross Todd workshops brought to you by SLANZA.  The results of our PD survey indicated that the most important thing we could do for our members is to provide affordable and relevant professional development.  The NE went out on a limb in our enthusiasm to bring an international expert to NZ and we were not disappointed.  

The NE is working on a presentation to take out to our members.  Further blog items directly related to Ross’s message will appear over the next few weeks as well as a round up of the evaluations from the workshop.  You can get a glimpse by checking the Twitter stream from the workshops #EBPNZ, where there are valuable snippets from the two events.

A small but enthusiastic and engaged group attended this year’s AGM and were the first to hear this years SLANZA Award winners. Full details of the awards are available here.

The first Honorary Life Members were announced and Fiona Mackie will be filling you in on those in her President’s Report to follow. Senga White, immediate past president and Donna Watt, communications leader, were farewelled and thanked for their valuable contributions to SLANZA NE over the years. Bridget Schaumann was welcomed on board as President Elect. Bridget brings a wide range of school library and NE experience to enhance our organization.    

There was lively discussion around surveys and how they can support our advocacy. On Sunday the NE got down to business:

• We have increased funding for regional events in line with supporting our member professional development.  
  
• We will be launching a new and improved website in the next week.  
  
• Work is continuing on this term’s issue of Collected, which will be available early in the term.  Next term the theme will be ‘Blue Sky Thinking’.  We will be calling for contributions soon.
  
• Work has begun on an Evidence Based Practice presentation (based on last week’s workshops).  It will be rolled out by NE reps to all regional members soon, depending on PD plans already in place for your region.
  
• There was a very positive response to Life Membership.  Next week we will be asking for feedback regarding the process with the hope of streamlining for next year.
  
• SLANZA Awards will also be reviewed.
  
• SLANZA Study Award applications will be called for later this term.  If you are thinking of studying next year, start getting your application together and check our website for details.
  
• Lisa Salter is to take the roll of Communications Leader from Donna Watt.
  
• Details about Conference 2013 in Wellington are beginning to emerge.  Mark your calendars for July 15–17, the first week of Term 2 holidays.  Expect to be exposed to the best school libraries have to offer with international guests.
  

A to-do list for members:

• Join Ross Todd’s, Evidence Based Practice, Facebook page
  
• www.facebook.com/groups/EBPforSL/
  
• Follow #SLANZA on Twitter
  
• Follow the SLANZA Facebook page
  
• Consider applying for a Study Award
  
• Attend regional meetings and events