Four years ago, I was feeling nervous, it was my debut as Collected’s editor for an auspicious edition - our 21st anniversary and now here we are observing a quarter of a century of SLANZA. How does four years go by so quickly? 25 years may have passed, but SLANZA’s sentiment remains the same – we are passionate and adaptable which enables us to continue to thrive despite the changes thrust upon education and school libraries.
We not only adapt to changes in education, but in technology too. Bridget and Miriam have travelled back in time to showcase SLANZA’s online origins and the many iterations of our online presence, this is a timely reminder for us as school librarians of the need to remain relevant throughout change. Also timely is the new edition of the IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto, this makes for vital reading for us all as we strive to advocate for our school libraries now and into the future.
As you read through the memories from the steering committee through to presidents and members, you will appreciate their innovation which built the foundation along with their collective flexibility and generosity of spirit which has helped SLANZA evolve into the organisation it is today.
Another person who has the amazing ability for innovation and flexibility is former Te Awhi Rito NZ Reading Ambassador, Alan Dingley. In this issue you can read an excerpt from his final pānui outlining his thoughts on the way the reading landscape has changed throughout his reading life and what he noticed during his time as Reading Ambassador. We also warmly welcome Kate De Goldi as the next Te Awhi Rito and look forward to seeing her build on our youngsters’ reading habits.
issue 35/2025
EDITORIAL
It is satisfying to read that our SLANZA study grant recipient, Abanti, has found that her new skills are impacting her students and staff in such a positive way in her ‘dynamic and evolving library environment’. If you have been considering study, her article will inspire you to take that first step. If you need more of a nudge, Jan Irvine from the Open Polytechnic has been tracing the journeys of previous LIS students and has found that the majority of them are pursuing library related careers. Her findings make for interesting reading about the future of the LIS curriculum. SLANZA can be proud of the partnership with LIANZA, this is strengthening the school library sector.
Also included in this issue are some excellent new tools for your use from some of our partnerships. We hope you make use of the Challenge Register from LIANZA - fitting for the current climate - and some assets from Read NZ that benefit your students during library lessons. We have also partnered with the Poets XYZ. Intrigued by the name?
So was I! If you are an aspiring poet or know one, please enter their competition or spread the word which will benefit the imaginations of our rangatahi.
We also hope you enjoy reading some past thoughts from some of our members about what SLANZA meant to them in 2016. I invite you to reflect upon your own feelings about what SLANZA means to you. We’d love to share your responses to this in our next issue. This magazine is a reflection of you as members of SLANZA and the important mahi you all do each day. Your articles, thoughts or opinions are important because you are at the coalface. In years to come, future members can learn from and reflect on the ways in which
you contributed to school libraries for our rangatahi. As changes come, sometimes at an alarming rate, it is important to have access to a place where we can come together as like-minded people and shape the direction of school libraries. It is our collective voice that will continue to build this legacy.
Thank you to all who have volunteered their time to contribute to this issue; those who have submitted articles, the proof-readers, our graphic designer, and especially our business members, thank you for your continued support and interest in SLANZA, we would not be able to publish this magazine without you.
Lauryn Urquhart Editor, Collected Magazine
President's’ Column
COLLECTED 35
As I reflect on the journey of SLANZA, I'm filled with immense pride and gratitude for the dedicated individuals who've shaped our organisation into what it is today. As I end my tenure as interim President, it’s an honour to look back at the foundational achievements that have not only built SLANZA but have also significantly advanced the mana of school libraries and librarians across Aotearoa.
This year marks our 25th anniversary, a significant milestone that speaks volumes about the enduring passion and commitment of our members. Our history is rich with achievements, each one a testament to the vision and perseverance that has seen us adapt and thrive in ever-changing educational landscapes. From our very beginnings, the founding support provided by the National Library of New Zealand was integral to SLANZA's establishment, and their ongoing commitment, alongside LIANZA's support, has been invaluable to the school library sector over the years. SLANZA was initially brought to life by like-minded people, all deeply passionate about the future of school libraries, who came together from various existing sector organisations, including the Auckland School Library Association (ASLA), the School Library Network in the South Island, LIANZA’s special interest group representing children, young people and schools (CHYPS), and the Trained Teacher Librarians (TTL) group. It is our members' passion for school libraries, coupled with their ability to adapt to new trends and environments, that truly makes our sector strong and vibrant.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNITY
One of our earliest and most impactful achievements was the establishment of regional networks. Our organisation is currently built upon eight regions across the motu. These locally based networks were formed and continue to be the lifeblood of SLANZA, cultivating a strong sense of community, offering a vital way for members to build connections within the sector, fostering collaboration, local professional development, and lasting friendships at the grassroots level. Being a SLANZA member today means you're part of a supportive community that continues to build connections, sharing knowledge and skills that uplift each other and break down those barriers of isolation.
ADVOCATING FOR RESOURCES AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Another monumental and ongoing challenge has been the advocacy for dedicated library resourcing and staffing within schools. This has always been an uphill battle, as libraries in schools are currently not explicitly mandated or recognised in any curriculum or Ministry of Education policies as a valuable resource. Because of this, they remain under constant threat of funding limitations and are often seen as discretionary. However, through persistent lobbying, compelling data, and tirelessly showcasing the profound impact of well-resourced libraries on student achievement, SLANZA has consistently worked to raise awareness among educators, school leadership, and policymakers. The groundwork laid by our predecessors continues to fuel our unwavering efforts to secure proper recognition and sustainable funding for school libraries.
The development and promotion of professional learning opportunities has also been a cornerstone of our success. SLANZA has consistently provided high-quality professional development tailored to the unique needs of school librarians. We've always focused on upskilling our members in the fundamental basics of librarianship, such as cataloguing, collection development, readers' advisory, and research skills. Over the last 25 years, our offerings have evolved with the times, embracing trends like digital literacies and inquiry-based learning, and now moving into the current usage and development of AI tools. This continuous commitment to upskilling and empowering our members, across both foundational skills and emerging trends, has directly contributed to the professionalism and expertise within our field. Furthermore, we've supported our members' professional journeys through the creation of SLANZA Study Grants and our strategic partnership with LIANZA on the NZLPP (New Zealand Library Partnership Programme) to create Tertiary Grants. These grants are vital for strengthening the library and information workforce, providing funding towards the costs of a library and information sector qualification for those working in, or new to, the sector. This demonstrates the vital role librarians play in today's educational landscape.
Kia ora koutou,
RAISING OUR PROFILE
We also celebrate the ongoing efforts to raise the profile of school librarians and the vital contributions they make. Through conferences, publications, and the development of the SLANZA Awards which recognise the professionalism and excellence of school librarianship, SLANZA continues to highlight the expertise of librarians – their ability to foster critical thinking, promote a love of reading, and support information literacy across the curriculum. A significant achievement in this area was the successful pay equity settlement in 2023, as a result of many years of dedicated work alongside and led by NZEI. The evidence report generated during this process was crucial in helping education leaders understand the wide variety and range of roles and responsibilities of a school librarian in Aotearoa. This work remains central to our mission as we strive for greater recognition for the profession.
A significant, ongoing milestone is our School Libraries Transform campaign www.schoollibrariestransform.org.nz
This initiative continues to be a powerful vehicle for advocating for the crucial role of school libraries in fostering student success, well-being, and literacy. It champions the transformative power of well-supported libraries and the professionals who lead them, serving as a rallying point for our collective advocacy efforts. Critically, school libraries also play a fundamental role in promoting reading for pleasure, a benefit now explicitly mentioned in our current English curriculum. Our campaign calls unequivocally for the Ministry of Education to mandate that every student in Aotearoa has access to a school library staffed by specialist school librarians which is Ministry of Education funded, recognising that the power of access and equity is truly transformative for all learners.
GOVERNANCE AND COLLECTIVE STRENGTH
Underpinning all our achievements is the dedicated mahi of our National Executive. Over the past 25 years, countless members have represented their regions, generously contributing their time and expertise to guide our organisation. This unwavering commitment to sound governance has been critical in developing robust policies and guidelines, meticulously following and evolving our constitution, and strategically creating opportunities for our members and the wider sector. Their efforts in building strong sector-wide relationships have been instrumental in ensuring SLANZA remains a respected and influential voice for school libraries. This continuous dedication from our elected members is the backbone of our collective strength and progress.
A UNITED VOICE AND VITAL PARTNERSHIPS
Finally, I want to acknowledge the continuous mahi in building a strong and cohesive voice for school libraries in New Zealand. This collective voice, built over years of dedicated effort, ensures our profession is heard and our contributions are recognised. Whether through submissions on educational policy, collaborations with other educational bodies, our own publications, or by working closely with library sector organisations and key stakeholders, SLANZA has consistently articulated the value and necessity of effective school libraries across the motu. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our Business Members whose invaluable support truly helps keep SLANZA going and enables us to continue our vital work for school libraries across the country.
THE WORK AHEAD
Despite these significant achievements, we know there's still a lot of work to be done. The recently published NZCER report on school libraries, School library spaces,
resources, and services in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlights critical areas where equity remains a challenge. The report states, "Survey responses reveal a range of concerning equity issues, especially for small schools, rural schools, and schools with more socioeconomic barriers." This underscores our ongoing mission: that every student, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background, has equitable access to the rich resources and services a well-resourced and professionally staffed school library provides. We are committed to upholding the mana of school libraries, ensuring their vital contribution to every student's learning journey is fully realised.
As we look to the future, we stand on the shoulders of giants. The achievements of past SLANZA members have not only built our organisation but have also cultivated a robust and respected profession. It is our responsibility to continue this legacy. It is through the power of our collective voice and shared mahi that we will strive towards achieving our SLANZA vision – to empower and support school library staff, and strengthen and promote school libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand – along with our mission, which is to provide community, guidance, and professional development while honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work. This collective effort will ensure that every student in New Zealand has access to a thriving school library and the expertise of a passionate school librarian.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
(With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.)
Nāku noa, nā, Sasha Eastwood SLANZA President
Regional Reports
AORAKI
It has been a busy start to 2025 for everyone.
TERM ONE - PD DAY AT CHISNALWOOD INTERMEDIATE
It was great to have a full day of PD that focused on local people who had presented at conference with workshops and concurrent sessions. This day was an opportunity to bring together highlights and interactive sessions for our members who couldn’t attend and for those of us who did, it was good to be reminded of some of the key ideas and themes.
Steph from Mount Hutt was our SLANZA Aoraki conference grant recipient and she entertained and inspired us with what she learnt from conference by showing us some of the great ideas she has already implemented.
Ōtautahi author, Antony Elworthy, talked about their newly published book The Strange and Unlikely Tale of Montgomery the Mysterious Bird of Mystery, which is a must for middle school students. Antony also captivated us with stories of their character animator work on movies such as Coraline and the TV show, Kiri and Lou. A very talented person and great speaker.
We held our AGM during the day and with sadness we farewelled two members of our SLANZA Aoraki Committee, Liz Jones from Hagley College who has been on the committee for about 15 years and held the secretary position, and Cathy Kennedy from National Library also resigned. We thank Liz and Cathy for their contribution to the committee.
We were very fortunate to have three new people join our merry band, Imogen Loakman - Avonside Girls/Shirley Boys, Lyssa Randolph – Mairehau High School, and Yvonne Hall – Sumner Primary School. A big welcome to our newest members and thank you for being a part of SLANZA Aoraki, without our committee we wouldn’t be able to do much, so ngā mihi nui.
Of course, one of the best things about a full PD day is the time to catch up and chat, network, share ideas and worries. This is invaluable and as usual there was lots of chat, laughter and connections made.
TERM
TWO – PAPER PLUS BUYING NIGHT AND LIB CAFÉ
We are very grateful to Simon from Paper Plus in Hornby for always hosting us for a buying night. Simon brings in publishers to chat to us, puts together goodie bags full of all kinds of treats for us to take away, and does a brilliant raffle that has us even more loaded up with great books. In return we spend a wonderful evening browsing the books and shopping to our hearts’ content, sharing ideas for books and games and talking about new books and old favourites.
Prior to our book shopping many of us met at a café in the mall to chat and connect. It was lovely to welcome new school librarians along as well.
SLANZA YEAR 9 READERS CUP
This is a fantastic night, and this year was no less special. 16 schools from as far afield as Ashburton and Kaikoura came together at Tūranga Library in Christchurch for an evening of literary enthusiasm and friendly competition. This annual event really fosters a love for reading and it brings much joy to see so many young people engaged, energised and inspired by reading. A big thanks to all that make this event possible. Congratulations to Cashmere High School -1st place, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School -2nd place and Christchurch Boys’ School3rd place.
Sally Brown, Aoraki SLANZA NE Representative
CENTRAL
A BUSY START TO 2025!
What a productive start to the year it's been for SLANZA Central! We've been busy with our Annual General Meeting, welcoming new faces to the committee, and enjoying some fantastic book-centric events.
AGM AND BOOK CHAT
Our Annual General Meeting was successfully held on March 24, 2025, hosted at Freyberg High School with a hybrid option for those joining via Zoom. It was great to see both in-person and virtual attendees engaging in our discussions.
We're thrilled to welcome some fresh talent to our committee! Joining our dedicated returning members – Christina Bate, Sasha Eastwood, Tracy Grayson, Maxine Hartley, Ceire Hopley, Susan Hosokawa, Andrea Knap, and Miriam Tuohy – are Alan Dingley and Alice Corkran, who officially joined us at the AGM. We're also delighted that Sarah Southee has agreed to join the committee after the event. Their enthusiasm and expertise will be invaluable as we plan for the year ahead.
During the AGM, we had a productive discussion about our 2025 events planning. We look forward to organising a diverse range of professional development and networking opportunities over the next few months.
Following the AGM, we unwound with a lively Book Chat, where we shared recommended reads from our summer piles. It's always a treat to hear what everyone's been enjoying and to add more titles to our ever-growing "to-read" lists!
NEW BOOKS & BOOK BUYING FUN
We also recently held another incredibly popular 'What's New in Books' event at Paper Plus Palmerston North. These events are always a highlight, with publisher representatives showcasing their recently released and upcoming titles. It's a fantastic opportunity for local school librarians and teachers to network, grab some after-hours book bargains, and stay ahead of the curve with the latest book releases.
READERS CUP EXCITEMENT ACROSS THE ROHE!
A huge highlight has been the organisation of three Readers Cup events across our rohe! Our Central committee has been pleased to be able to sponsor the three events that were held in Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, bringing the joy of reading and friendly competition to students in these regions.
HAWKE’S BAY
The Gisborne and Hawke's Bay Year 9 Readers Cup Regional Competition was held on Wednesday 18th June at 4 pm at Taradale High School. 13 teams from nine high schools participated with Gisborne Girls' High joining by Zoom. Teams were quizzed on their knowledge of the following books: The Mess of our Lives by MaryAnne Scott, Seven Million Sunflowers by Malcolm Duffy, Scar Town by Tristan Bancks, The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros, The Adventures of Tupaia by Courtney Sina Meredith and The Sparrow by Tessa Duder
Final results were:
1st Taradale High School
2nd Havelock North High School (904 Nerds) 3rd Havelock North High School (Page Collective)
Kerry Campion
Librarian, Taradale High School
WAIRARAPA
The annual Readers Cup competition for Year 9 students was held on Thursday 26 June at the Wairarapa College Library.
This year the Cup was contested by eight teams from five Colleges. As usual the challenge was a quiz based on six books, decided upon by the collective of Regional Secondary School Librarians from the Wairarapa. This year’s books were Lopini the Legend by Feana Tu’akoi, The Tomo by Mary-Anne Scott, Catch a Falling Star by Eileen Merriman, Coast Watcher by David Hill, Patea Maori Club in Patea Boys by Airana Ngarewa, Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim.
In the end Wairarapa College were victorious with 43 points out of a possible 60, the Rathkeale 1 Team came second with 30 points and Kuranui College were third with 26 points. It is worth noting that the Kuranui Team had been depleted to only two students, making their third very credible indeed.
The event was attended by many parents and teachers from across all the schools, as well as the librarians from each school. Our marking team consisted of the Heads of English from Wairarapa College and Kuranui College and the recently retired former librarian from Makoura College.
The assistance provided by SLANZA Central for our event has meant that we have been able to provide medals, badges, and some goodies for the winning team. Extra packs of goodies and badges were given to recognize all the participating students.
The Wairarapa College team will now go on to the national competition in Auckland in September. Next year's event will be held at Rathkeale College, and we all look forward to carrying on the Readers Cup tradition.
Ewan Hyde Librarian, Wairarapa College
MANAWATŪ
The Manawatū Readers Cup was a success, bringing together 10 Year 9 teams from eight schools across the Horowhenua, Whanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatū regions. Held on June 18th, at St. Peter's College in Palmerston North, the event was expertly emceed by Alan Dingley, former Te Awhi Rito.
Students were tested on their knowledge of six diverse books Dry by Neal Shusterman, Heroes by Alan Gratz, The Memory Thief by Leonie Agnew, Night Tribe by Peter Butler, Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg, and The Sparrow by Tessa Duder.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with competitors' families, friends, and teachers in attendance, many of whom eagerly participated in bookrelated questions for prizes while answer sheets were being marked between rounds.
This fantastic event was organised by local school librarian Tracy Grayson, whose considerable efforts made the day possible. After a spirited competition, St. Peter's College emerged victorious, securing first place. Palmerston North Girls High School took a well-deserved second, with Whanganui High School Team A rounding out the top three.
Ngā mihi mahana,
Sasha Eastwood, Central SLANZA NE Representative
OTAGO
Otago’s 2024 ended with an enjoyable event in which several of us spoke about what we’d found interesting and valuable during Conference.
This was followed by a Christmas Book Swap made fraught by the ability to steal someone else’s book. Most went home happy and with a new book to add to the TBR pile.
Our first professional development session for 2025 took place in Term 1 at John McGlashan College. We were delighted to welcome Sam Montgomerie, the University of Otago College of Education / Creative New Zealand Children’s Writer in Residence. Sam shared insights into her writing and publishing journey in Aotearoa and brought along a selection of her books. Many of us found her work to be a wonderful addition to our school library collections. Following Sam’s engaging presentation, we held our AGM. The evening concluded with a relaxed dinner at Luna restaurant, where we enjoyed reconnecting after the summer break.
Term 2’s professional development was hosted at Otago Boys’ High School and focused on a topic many members had requested: Building a School-wide Reading Culture. In response, our committee created a collaborative slideshow filled with strategies, activities, and future
goals shared by members from various schools. The session provided practical ideas and inspiration that we can all adapt for our libraries. We finished with a warm drink and further conversations around our successes, challenges, and aspirations in promoting reading. It was an enriching and encouraging session for all.
It's not all hard work for us; some of our members enjoyed a social outing on June 14th to Dunedin-famous Emerson’s Brewery.
There has been no change to our committee
Chairperson: Colette Mahoney
Treasurer: Jan Simpson
Secretary: Liz James
Representative to the National Executive: Lauryn Urquhart
Committee: Greig Daniels, Sarah Ranby, Liz James, Amanda George, Kelly Kinghorn, Carole Gardiner, Colette Mahoney, Jan Simpson, Marie-Anne Bowman and Bridget Schaumann.
Otago membership sits at 31.
A number of us visited Dunedin Public Library in September for a tour of the Children’s Literature Research Collection. We were shown the very impressive and diverse holdings which are rotated between the basement stacks and the shelves in the children’s area. It was a very enlightening and found many of us on a tour down memory lane as we exclaimed over books we found whilst down in the basement that we had read in our youth. This was followed by a lovely dinner out together.
We are all looking forward to meeting up for our end of year function which promises a secret Santa book exchange, an overview of what we each learned from Conference, and of course, plenty of fun.
It’s been a quiet time on the Southland SLANZA front as everyone hunkers down for winter in the deep south. We had a lovely catch up at the Ascot Hotel for our annual post-Readers Cup celebrations and we are looking forward to our 25-year SLANZA celebrations next term.
Kirsty Adam, Southland SLANZA NE Representative
TE TAI TOKERAU
The Tai Tokerau Regional Annual General meeting held in April this year brought several changes to the committee.
The first was the resignation of Jeannie Skinner. Jeannie has not only been our secretary for many years but was also one the founding members of SLANZA 25 years ago. She is the Far North National Library Services to Schools Capability Facilitator, has been a judge for numerous awards, written many informative and interesting blogs, willingly shared her skills in the paper arts and has always championed the school library. Although Jeannie remains an active SLANZA member, she will be missed within the committee.
Anne Dickson, another committee stalwart, has moved into the secretary role. Anne is also a National Library Facilitator, her organisational and notetaking skills are perfect for the role.
The third change was Julia Smith. After being Te Tai Tokerau’s National Executive Representative for over 12 years, Julia has moved to the position of Chairperson. Julia did an amazing job as NE Rep. She has spearheaded research projects, study grants, taken on the not so minor role of being SLANZA co-president, and was the Communications Lead for many years. Julia’s background, along with her generous nature and library knowledge will not go unutilised in her new role.
Filling the NE Rep role is Imogen McLeod. Imogen is the Library Manager at Ōtamatea High School, which is at the bottom of the rohe in Maungatūroto on the Kaipara. Imogen brings to the role a background in Social Work, a love of books and a passion for libraries.
Our Term One event was a “Book Bonanza with Joan McKenzie”. Joan is the national book buyer at Whitcoulls and has an extensive knowledge of all things books and publishing. She regularly writes for the NZ Herald, discusses books on the radio and compiles the Whitcoulls Top 50/100 reading lists. The event was held at Whitcoulls Whangārei with nibbles and drinks provided. Joan gave us some interesting insights into the world of publishing, the difficulties in getting books published (especially if they are either Australia or New Zealand bound - pun intended) and previews into new and upcoming releases. Following Joan’s kōrero we had the opportunity to peruse the store and purchase some great bargains to restock school and personal library shelves. On the way out we were all offered a book off their “reader’s copy” trolley.
Term Two was a popular online event with registrations from all over the country. The “ollection Confidence: From Wishing to Weeding was held as a workshop-type discussion as there is always so much collective knowledge within a room, or screen. Starting from tips and tricks of where to start looking for books on websites such as What Book Next? and Kete Books, the workshop led into the Buying of Books. Following that, there was much to be said about processing books - who still covers and who doesn’t. The chat, both written and verbal, was lively and could almost have been a workshop in itself. Due to running out of time, Promoting, Displaying and Weeding was quickly breezed through and it has been noted that another workshop could be held. Thank you to Julia Smith for organising, planning and presenting, Anne for the notes and technical expertise, Imogen for her section and all the participants who asked questions, shared their knowledge and ideas.
As the 2024 Kerikeri Library Tour was such a success, there are plans underway to hold another in Term Three with a Whangārei focus this time. There are several libraries that have had makeovers or been moved into interesting spots, so it is guaranteed that there will be lots of ideas, discussion points and comradeship.
Email Imogen at ttt@slanza.org.nz to register your interest. The date is yet to be confirmed.
Julia Smith, Te Tai Tokerau SLANZA NE Representative
TAMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND
It was great to spend time amongst the SLANZA community in Ōtautahi for Conference over the October holidays. It refueled our drive and determination to do well in our region for our members.
We moved our Term 3 PD to early Term 4 in order to catch the budget allocations, negotiations of hours and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
Our Visible and Vital was an online PD available to all SLANZA members and we were joined by a few out-of-towners. We hope everyone who attended gained a few new ideas on how to tackle the difficult conversations with management over the coming months.
We are about to have our Term 4 end of year celebration and PD, we’re looking forward to spending some time together and listening to Sonya Wilson speak.
This year has been has seen a lot of changes on the committee, we are looking forward to a more stable 2025.
Trena Lile, Tamaki Makaurau Auckland SLANZA NE Representative
WELLINGTON
SLANZA Wellington has started off the year with our AGM and guest author Steve Mushin held in Term One at Wellington Girls' College. Steve was a captivating and enthusiastic speaker wowing us with his innovative ideas captured in his 2024 award winning book Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild every City on Earth. Highly recommended author for all age levels.
This was followed by our AGM in where we elected our committee:
Chairperson – Sarah Phillips, St Orans College (new)
Wellington Treasurer - Wendy Bamber, Seatoun School (shadowed by Katharina Vaultier, Kelburn Normal School)
Wellington Secretary - Sarah Semple, Plimmerton School
National Exec Rep - Kristy Wilson, Wellington Girls' College
COMMITTEE
Helen Muxlow, Wellington High School
Ellie Nicholson, National Library
Marie Ferguson, St Mary's College
Reesha Ranchod, Taita College
And we warmly welcome new committee member
Mary Callister, Karori Normal School
Afterwards some of the attendees headed to the National Library to hear Te Awhi Rito Alan Dingley’s pānui. As always Alan spoke passionately about his journey over the last two years elevating the joy of reading to over 20,000 school students in Aotearoa.
Our online Book Talk in March focused on the ‘best new books we’d read’ with attendees coming away with a full list of books to add to our collections and have confidence in book talking to students.
Term Two began with the annual Shop Local Book Fair. Seven bookshops gathered from around the region to sell their wares at St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie. This is always a great way to maximise time and support all our local book sellers. The night started with Alan Dingley on the screen and then moved to book shopping. What better way to chat and browse, with donated books given as prizes, a bonus.
Mystery, crime and thriller books were the topic of the Term Two online Book Talk in June.
Currently we have 77 paid members. We’ve recently congratulated Clare Forrest on her SLANZA life membership as recognition of the many, many hours that Clare has dedicated for the benefit of all SLANZA members and school librarians, not least, developing over 10 iQualify online PD courses and all the mahi that went into getting pay equity over the line.
I’d also like to thank Rosalba Finnerty publicly for all her behind the scenes support. Not only is she a wealth of knowledge on SLANZA and archiving, over the years she continues to cater for SLANZA Wellington and NE gatherings and provides us with moorish food to nourish us. That she continues to so generously lend her time and expertise in all areas to build up school librarians is a testament to the dedicated and wonderful person that she is.
Kristy Wilson, Wellington SLANZA NE Representative
SLANZA National Executive Team Updates
FAREWELL TO LEONIE GRIGSBYSLANZA MANUKURA | PRESIDENT
SLANZA Manukura | President, Leonie Grigsby, has resigned from her role as president and from SLANZA National Executive.
The National Executive would like to recognise and acknowledge her dedication and hard work in championing several major projects which have strengthened our advocacy, enriched our resources and helped to build a more informed library community. Leonie’s efforts have been invaluable – demonstrated through her leadership of the Books Back Better fundraising project to replace damaged library books after Cyclone Gabrielle, her close collaboration with LIANZA to develop the Freedom to Read toolkit, and her recent role as a valued member of the steering group for the Aotearoa School Library Research Project. These and her many other contributions will leave a lasting impact on SLANZA and our sector.
IMOGEN MCLEOD – TE TAI TOKERAU NE REPRESENTATIVE
We welcome Imogen McLeod who joined the National Executive in May as representative for Te Tai Tokerau.
Sometimes things just fall into place and are meant to be, this is how I feel about being a librarian. Having stopped my career to become a mother of two marvellous boys, both of whom are now taller than me, I knew I didn’t want to go back to social work. I was a school bus driver when an assistant librarian position became available, and as they say, the rest is history.
I began at Ōtamatea High School as full-time (term time) Library Manager | Kaitaki Pukaka at the beginning of 2023. Based in Maungatūroto, we are a rural, co-educational state school that caters to Years 7 to 13 with a student roll of about 660. The library had just been closed for refurbishment for almost 3 years when I started.
We are deeply grateful for her commitment to advocacy for school libraries and her thoughtful and insightful leadership as Manukura | President over the last eight months, a role which she accepted with no hesitation. Leonie’s empathetic nature and love for people has made a positive impact on the NE, along with her willingness to participate in and support many projects; she will be sincerely missed. We thank her for her contribution to SLANZA NE over the last three years and wish her all the best for future pursuits.
FAREWELL TO JULIA SMITH
Julia took on the role of National Executive Representative for Te Tai Tokerau in 2014 and was co-president between 2017-2019.
Her length of service, her willingness to do the hard mahi, and her readiness to take on anything that was asked of her is a testament to her character and dedication. She has capably led communications, including initiating the pitopito kōrero, and played a key role in the NZLPP Tertiary Grants Committee.
We will miss her balanced perspective, wealth of experience, and positivity. Her exceptional communication skills, kindness, and unwavering support have been invaluable to all of us on NE. We thank Julia for everything she has contributed.
To support my work, I have been studying Information and Library Studies through the Open Polytechnic, thanks to a SLANZA Grant and SLANZA membership study discounts.
I am honoured to be asked to be the NE rep for Te Tai Tokerau and to work with a great team for the benefit of the SLANZA.
SLANZA Hui
We're pleased to announce that the 2025 SLANZA Hui will be held this year at Waiopehu College, Levin on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September.
As SLANZA celebrates 25 years as a professional volunteer organisation, our hui theme reflects the support and strength we gain from connecting, sharing and learning together. We look forward to those of you that can join us in person.
Confirmed information, costs and registration will be sent out early next term and will be available on the conference website soon at www.slanza.org.nz
In the meantime, if you're planning on attending the SLANZA Horowhenua Hui: Stronger Together please complete this form Your answers will help us plan a programme that reflects your current needs, interests and aspirations to support your school community.
Keep up to date with information at the Hui Hub
THE IFLA-UNESCO SCHOOL LIBRARY MANIFESTO 2025 - A KEY ADVOCACY PUBLICATION FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES AROUND THE WORLD.
The IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto 2025 is an updated edition of the former Manifesto: The school library in teaching and learning for all, released in 1999. The new edition reflects the many changes in technology, society and education and is a crucial tool for school library advocacy for quality and inclusive education. Since the 1999 edition, the Manifesto has undergone a long process of examination and revision to ensure it continues to stay current and relevant for libraries into the future.
The Manifesto is vital for our sector, especially in countries where there is no legal framework for school libraries and their professionals. In Italy, for example, school libraries and librarians are not mandatory, except for in one province. The same situation exists here in Aotearoa. Schools who wish to implement a school library use the School Library Manifesto as a framework for operating libraries, in many countries, ultimately leading to the development of school libraries across the world.
The Manifesto is a result of collaborative work within IFLA (International Library Federation of Associations and Institutions), IASL (International Association of School Librarianship) and the global school library community. The updated version was approved on April 24 in the 13th Session of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO’s Information for All Programme (IFAP) in Paris where it was well received and approved unanimously.
The Manifesto promises to be an essential advocacy tool for school librarians worldwide, and will be further discussed by the international community as part of the upcoming IFLA Congress to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan in August this year. School library experts from various countries will analyse the most innovative and effective ways of using the Manifesto for advocacy, and begin the next project of revising the 2nd edition of the IFLA Guidelines for School Libraries, published in 2015. Together these two documents will contribute greatly to guiding and improving the policies and practices of school libraries around the world.
The new School Library Manifesto emphasizes how the school library programme is essential to a long-term educational strategy as it enhances teaching and learning for the entire school community. This is achieved through qualified staff, access to quality collections, resources and technologies; developing multiple literacies and critical thinking, active collaboration to promote literacy, policies and programmes that ensure equity, and respect for the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
The Manifesto places importance on school library professionals being qualified, and registered with their professional association. It also sets out the need for school librarians to be supported by school leadership, have adequate and ongoing funding and be subject to ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Collaboration and support are emphasised, advocating that the school librarian should not work in isolation, rather be an asset to wider school policy and strategy, fully supported by school administration.
Adoption of the Manifesto worldwide by the applicable ministries and governing bodies could make a significant difference in the quality of educational offerings.
The Manifesto will be disseminated in as many languages as possible with the aim of improving school libraries and librarianship throughout the world. The 2025 version is accompanied by a poster, distilling the main points of the Manifesto and was designed to celebrate the Manifesto and keep the objectives front-of-mind.
The poster, created by Ceire Hopley, a New Zealand member of the IFLA School Libraries Section, is available alongside the full text of the Manifesto in the IFLA repository. The poster will also be translated into different languages to match the IFLA Manifesto translations.
In the first instance, New Zealand school librarians are urged to share the updated IFLA-UNESCO School Library Manifesto with their principals and SLT, and adopt the objectives and aims within. For all libraries the Manifesto can be used as a “health-check” to identify opportunities and advocate for library resourcing.
Having a global document that all schools and school librarians work to unites the sector across the globe and provides a clear framework for all.
The full text, and poster can be downloaded from the IFLA repository at https://www.ifla.org/g/school-libraries/ifla-unesco-school-librarymanifesto-2025/
Ceire Hopley, IFLA School Libraries Section Standing Committee member, Waiopehu College
IFLA – UNESCO School Library Manifesto 2025
The school library programme is essential to every long-term education strategy.
Vision, Mission and Goals
The school library programme improves teaching and learning for the entire school community through:
• qualified library professionals
• access to quality collections, resources, and technologies
• participatory physical and virtual learning environments
• active collaborations for literacies, critical thinking, creativity and global citizenship
• equitable policies and instruction
• upholding the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
All members of the school community are enabled to become:
• engaged critical thinkers
• effective readers
• responsible users, evaluators and creators of information
• library users throughout their lives
Operation and Management
School library professionals are:
• qualified and members of their professional association
• motivated, dedicated and collaborative
• good leaders
• competent in operating and managing the school library facility and programme
• able to expertly teach evolving literacies and digital competencies
• responsible to both teachers and students
The school library program is:
• focussed on student growth
• a collaborative endeavour
• supported by school administration
• supported by adequate and sustained funding
• organised and maintained according to professional standards
• accessible to all members of the school community
Every child deserves the benefits of a school library programme.
Designed by Ceire Hopley, IFLA School Libraries Section. April 2025
SLANZA ONLINE THROUGH THE YEARS
MIRIAM TUOHY & BRIDGET SCHAUMANN
Over the years, SLANZA’s online presence has morphed through many website iterations and lots of other platforms for sharing, learning, and building community.
We thought we’d take you on a tour of SLANZA online — the good, the bad, and the wildly outdated — since the earliest records we can find.
2000-2002
In the beginning, there was the Newsletter. The earliest you can read online dates from 2002. These regular updates carried on until 2010, when Collected magazine was launched.
SLANZA’s first website was hosted on the National Library’s web server. Johnann Williams (from Aoraki region) was the website administrator. Changes had to be prepared offline and uploaded to the server using ftp. The earliest snapshot we can find comes from 2002, and it looked like this:
2004
In the middle of 2004, the website had an ‘upgrade’ with a new navigation bar on the left. You can really see how design styles have changed! The glowing text! The swooping curved buttons! Very ontrend for 2004.
June 2004
2009
Wiki and new websites!
For years prior to 2009, the listserv was filled with a constant stream of requests for books on various themes. It was a lot. Every day, people were looking for books on themes to support the Year 12 Wide Reading standard. Often, these requests would be very familiar. Some of us wondered if there was a better way to share the titles. Was there a place where we could store the lists of books, add new books to them, and cohesively share them?
We all needed to know our collections extremely well to be able to support a student who was looking for a book with, for example, the theme of body image or perseverance or whatever the student’s teacher had decided was an ok fit for the standard. Often library folk would ask the listserv for the same thing over and over because, as with most things, you need it when you need it, and until then, it doesn’t matter to you much.
Many had been saving emails and lists, answering requests and thinking, ‘surely there is a better way’. Wikis were all the rage at the time. Bridget sent out an email to the listserv asking if anyone wanted to help build a wiki with lists of books according to themes,
which we were likely to have in our libraries. Some willing folk put their hands up, and we joined forces. One of these was Miriam, and so a great friendship and working relationship began. This was an exciting time. We set up a wiki on the Wetpaint platform (long-since defunct), made a start with some lists of books that were commonly asked for, and decided to call a meeting of those interested at the beginning of the 2009 conference at Rangi Ruru, where we showed off the work we had started. We had a great team of people including Bharathi Char, Karen Carswell, Carole Gardiner, Jenny Whiting, and Yvonne Whiting.
Thus, some wonderful friendships by distance were born as we worked over the keyboards of our computers at home. Miriam, the ever tech-savvy guru knew a thing or two about a thing or two and led us valiantly from a tech perspective.
As the wiki grew, so did the resources we added to the wiki. There were resources for advocacy, popular textbooks, lists for primary school readers, for SLANZA regions and a bunch of other useful things
2010
This was a big year for SLANZA online.
Because SLANZA is an organisation of volunteers, a lot of the work happens after school and during school holidays. In the summer of 2010, we holidayed together at Miriam’s place in Palmerston North. We worked away on what our beloveds called “Wiki wiki website”, and during that visit, we decided to set up a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
January 2010
After a long period without any design changes, the next iteration of the website was launched in May, with a more pared-back, minimalist look.
May 2010
August 2010
With Donna Watt as editor, and Miriam in charge of layout and design, the newsletter was transformed into our magazine Collected. Our second issue, in 2010, celebrated SLANZA’s 10th birthday! We produced 8 issues in-house between 2010 and 2013 and began using issuu.com as our online reader for the magazine.
magazine Issue #1
2011
The SLANZA Bookclub was set up on Goodreads.com and grew in popularity over the years, especially when our Connected Librarians Readers Advisory module was running as participants had to create a Goodreads account. Loads of us still use the app regularly!
2012
2012-2016
Collected
The reading lists on the wiki we’d worked away on for about 4 years eventually migrated to a new website of their own.
March 2013
The reading website was used a lot at the beginning, but over time the NCEA standards changed, people didn’t need so many lists, so then, again, it was reinvented. The next wave of SLANZA NE decided to update and share the lists in a new way, now this is managed by the Aoraki region ohu mahi, and hosted on an Access-it Web OPAC
Collected makeover
Collected magazine got a fresh new look when we hired designer Kate Johnson (Make Hey). Kate’s elegant design still looks great today!
Online learning
In 2012 we surveyed members about professional development, and the biggest demand was for PD about online tools. So, we developed the “Connected Librarians” online learning, initially 6 modules delivered using a Google+ community.
We even issued digital badges, using the long-since-disappeared badg.us platform.
In 2015 we changed up the Connected Librarians 6-week online course, converting it to a more manageable set of 6x 2-week modules,
Early badge design sketch, and final badges for Topic 1 and Level 1 completion 2013
2015
Google+ Community
We also set up a new community in Google+ as another place to share resources and have discussions, some of the things we’d been missing since the demise of the Wetpaint wiki.
2016
Facebook community
SLANZA’s public page had been on Facebook since 2010, but in 2016 we created a community to host discussions and share resources for members-only.
iQualify
Exciting new tools change the way that things like online courses are offered. Now SLANZA offer courses on the iQualify platform with Open Polytechnic.
The Legacy
It’s been interesting for us to look back on the things we’ve made and to think about the evolution of SLANZA Online. To think about the platforms that have come and gone and to reflect on the generosity of spirit of those who continue to work on these things in their spare time. Enthusiasm for connection and sharing is at the heart of the work that SLANZA continues to do. Spare a thought for your SLANZA team, working over the light of a laptop or phone late into the night after a day at the coalface of their school library.
And if there’s some aspect of SLANZA’s work that you feel passionate about, or want to upskill in, volunteering to help is a great way to stretch yourself and to make a contribution. Yes, it will keep you busy, but you will also ‘find your people’, learn new skills, and have a lot of fun along the way.
Miriam Tuohy and Bridget Schaumann
LOOKING BACK OVER 25 YEARS
MEMBER MEMORIES
Whangārei Girls'
Not only is SLANZA 25 years old, Whangārei Girls' High School (WGHS) has also reached a quarter century this year and would like to wish SLANZA many happy returns.
This is an excerpt from the 2000 school magazine upon the opening of their library, attended by Former Prime Minister, Helen Clark.
Intrepid Exploration - Wellington 2016
I remember very fondly a slightly crazy scheme of hiring a little old double decker bus to travel around and visit some Wellington school libraries back in September 2016. Clutching our belongings we boarded the bus (of course we sat at the top) and as intrepid librarian adventurers, we set out to explore. I spied many a secret garden and the occasional swimming pool from our lofty seats as we wound our way around the back streets of Wellington suburbs. I am sure some of those streets had never seen a double decker bus before! The school libraries that had been so generously opened during the weekend for us to visit were amazing. We enjoyed hearing from the librarians about their spaces, and all took photos and notes galore. Such a fun time!
Helen Muxlow, Wellington High School
The photo was taken during the library's opening day on 10 August 2000.
Laura Cook, Library Manager, Whangārei Girls' High School
Former Prime Minister, Helen Clark (left) with former WGHS Librarian, Mrs Elizabeth Clemow.
TE AWHI RITO NEW ZEALAND READING AMBASSADOR
In June Alan Dingley’s term as Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador came to an end. There is no doubt that Alan has created ripples across New Zealand with his fervent advocacy for reading which will most certainly be carried on by Kate Di Goldi as she begins her two-year term as Te Awhi Rito. SLANZA is excited to see Kate’s eloquence, enthusiasm and knowledge of children's literature used to continue to build up Aotearoa's nation of readers.
This is an excerpt from his pānui reprinted with permission from National Library.
I was lucky. I had a reading role model, I had a library, both in town and at school. Anderson Park Primary had 60 kids, it was in the Bronx of Havelock North, but people don’t talk about it. It’s been mowed down since. But this was the early 80s and a school Library was just something you had. It was a no-brainer.
Sadly, that’s not the case today. So many New Zealand schools do not have a functioning library with an experienced, passionate librarian in place. And in some communities, there is very limited access to any other sources. And we wonder why literacy rates have been consistently dropping.
I tell you that, in most cases, this is not the want of the schools or the communities, as educators know the value in having that safe space within their school, which is purely for the students. Budget, space, time, you name it, they are up against it. It’s about ensuring kids have something to read, no matter what their circumstances.
In my role as Te Awhi Rito I can happily say I have been to almost every corner of our beautiful country. I have been to very high decile, very well resourced large urban schools with beautifully renovated libraries, and I’ve been to single-class rural schools. In those communities the concept of a library is a bit foreign, sometimes the closest being hundreds of kms away, therefore inaccessible.
Access to literacy is a fundamental right that should be available to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Alan’s full reflection can be found at
Te pānui o Te Awhi Rito: Alan Dingley | National Library of New Zealand
Abanti Antara
SLANZA STUDY GRANT RECIPIENT REFLECTIONS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ABANTI ANTARA, CHRISTCHURCH GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL
Librarian | Kaitiaki Pukapuka
Christchurch Girls’ High School | Te Kura o Hine Waiora
I have recently completed the course LIS601: Empowering People and Communities, through the Open Polytechnic as part of the Level 6 Certificate in Library and Information Studies (Teaching and Training). Undertaking this professional development opportunity has been incredibly valuable as it enabled me to build new skills, deepen my understanding, and gain greater confidence in areas directly relevant to my role in the library.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the course was how closely the learning aligned with real-life situations in my work. I was able to apply new strategies and tools immediately, which made the experience both practical and rewarding.
Returning to study as an adult while working full-time presented its challenges, especially when balancing family responsibilities. However, it reaffirmed for me the value of lifelong learning. The journey required resilience, time management, and determination—but it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, knowing that the skills I was developing would positively impact the students and staff I support every day.
This course has enriched my ability to contribute meaningfully to the library team. I now feel more confident in assisting with research, supporting digital literacy, and promoting our services. It has also enhanced my capacity to collaborate and lead initiatives, which is vital in our dynamic and evolving library environment.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to pursue this qualification and for the support provided through the study grant. It has made a real difference in my professional growth. I would encourage others to take up similar opportunities because the personal and professional development gained is truly worth it.
Abanti Antara, Christchurch Girls’ High School
NEW TOOL IN THE FREEDOM-TO-READ TOOLKIT THE LIBRARY CHALLENGES REGISTER
The LIANZA Freedom-to-read Toolkit was created because we could see that Aotearoa was starting to experience an increase in challenges seen in Australia, Canada, the UK, and particularly the USA. The toolkit was to help prepare for the same here, and as predicted, the same types of groups as those leading the charge in other countries have attempted to make the same headway here, as we see in Trump’s America.
The recent debate around The Treaty Principles Bill, changes to the school curriculum, the removal of Māori government department names, the New Zealand First bill which Winston Peters says would “put an end to the woke left-wing social engineering and diversity targets in the public sector” sound very like the increasingly extreme attacks on free speech and on diversity, equity and inclusion measures happening in the USA. Not only have local banning and defunding of libraries grown in number there, and threats to librarians upholding freedom of information become harsher and more frightening, but the USA has a government that is unashamedly removing information from libraries, archives, museums, and government websites.
Library associations in the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK take a strong role in advocacy for libraries in their country and for the freedom of information. The USA, Canada and Australia have national registers in place to collect numbers and the types of challenges that libraries are experiencing.
The Canadian Library Association data collection has revealed a significant increase in challenges around LGBTIQ+ content and events. They are also seeing a trend towards challenges to books based on race relations. The American Library Association data from 2024 revealed that most book censorship attempts are now originating from organised movements. Pressure groups and government entities, including elected officials, board members, and administrators, initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries.
Comprehensive data about challenges gives libraries a deeper understanding of what is being challenged and where it is coming from, which can help libraries create more appropriate policies and be more prepared. National library associations are better equipped to create resources and advise the profession with a richer knowledge of challenges
INTRODUCING THE LIANZA NATIONAL REGISTER FOR LIBRARIES TO REPORT CHALLENGES IN AOTEAROA
The LIANZA Library Challenges Register is based on research into international examples, looking at the tools they used, the methodologies and data types collected. While most challenges are made to public and school libraries, the register is open for all libraries to report, including academic and special libraries, and the National Library of New Zealand.
The register covers challenges to collections, displays, events, and any other action where someone is trying to remove, cancel, or disrupt a library resource or service. We ask how the challenge was received, such as in person, formal complaint process, protest etc, what the topic of the challenge was and what action you took in response.
We encourage every library to add its challenge to the register so that we have the data we need to respond to challenges.
Libraries and library associations can resist censorship and protect their collections, communities and staff by:
• having policies and processes in place
• learning from incidents as they occur
• building allies and supporters in and outside our organisations
• advocacy and raising awareness
• gathering evidence of trends and escalations.
Reporting your data to the register is an important way to help you and the whole library and information community ensure we can deliver free access to information and stories to our users.
This is a simple-to-use webform on the LIANZA website. The information is automatically collected into a database monitored by LIANZA’s Freedom of Information committee. LIANZA will respond where support is needed and will also collate the data to produce trend reports and analysis to help us all respond more effectively, and advocate for the freedom to read.
• Have a look at the CHALLENGE REGISTER page on the website HERE
• Talk to your library about setting up a new routine to report challenges.
• If you haven’t already collected this data for your own library, this could provide a tool for you.
• If you already collect this data, you could add retrospective data to the register.
READ NZ TE POU MURAMURA TEACHERS RESOURCE KETE
The Reading Resource Kete has been developed in response to requests from kaiako and librarians for classroom-ready resources that support developing a culture of reading for pleasure in both classes and in the wider school.
It updates and builds on some of our previous offerings, such as the Reading Stories from Aotearoa NZ catalogue developed with NZATE, alongside brand new activities developed to prompt examination of students' reading identity, reading culture and communities.
Some resources are offered in different versions for primary or intermediate/high schools, while others are for use across the board. Some are activity-based, others are informative, and others are designed to help promote reading within the school/kura.
We hope you and your ākonga enjoy delving into these resources, and we will continue adding to them and expanding the kete over time as our resourcing allows.
Access to the resource kete is via membership of Read NZ Te Pou Muramura. https://www.read-nz.org/support-us/become-a-member
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LIS
JAN IRVINE
The first Library and Information Studies (LIS) course started at Open Polytechnic in 1998, more than 25 years later, Open Polytechnic now offers a Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS), along with a range of diplomas and certificate programmes.
There have been many changes over the years. At first, course materials were printed and sent by mail and tutor contact was mostly by telephone.
With the growth of the internet, and all the possibilities that offered, courses have moved online, and communication channels centre more on course forums and talk channels facilitated by the course leader, with email (and now private chat in the online learning management system) for individual contact.
LIBRARY EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND
Undergraduate library education in New Zealand dates back to 1942, starting with a library assistant certificate with course content mailed out to students under local supervision.
Later, the Wellington College of Education offered a two-year library certificate distance programme that included six-week lecture blocks. These blocks later reduced to two weeks and included tours of libraries and other information organisations.
OPEN POLYTECHNIC’S LIBRARY PROGRAMMES
In 1997, under the guidance of Alan Richardson and Rachel McCahon, the programme moved to the Open Polytechnic with plans for a suite of qualifications culminating in a bachelor's degree. Rachel McCahon led these developments, supported by Pam Bidwell and Chris Todd, and later Gillian Oliver who developed the records and archives courses.
The first programme offered was the Level 5 Diploma in Information and Library Studies. The first course: The Information Industry began in April 1998, with Library Systems and Processes following in July.
A Level 6 undergraduate diploma was added to allow staircasing into a degree, and in 1998 the Information and Library Studies major within the Bachelor of Applied Science was approved.
This was followed by a Diploma in Records and Information Management, as well as single and double majors in the Bachelor of Arts in 2001. The Certificate in Cataloguing was launched in 2004, followed by the Certificate in Literature and Library Services for Children and Young People was added in 2005.
Between 2014-2016 all Information and Library Studies sub-degree level qualifications were reviewed as part of a nationwide mandatory review of qualifications.
The new national qualification landscape consisted of three certificates and two diplomas (the Open Polytechnic teaches both diplomas as well as one certificate).
After extensive industry consultation, the Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS) was launched in September 2017 and is still going strong today.
Four transformational principles shape the distinctiveness of this degree. Graduates will be able to:
1. Enable, empower, and inspire people, communities and organisations to create new knowledge and reach their potential and aspirations, through library and information services and programmes.
2. Recognise, value and work with Te Ao Māori and indigenous knowledge paradigms
3. Ensure continued availability of information and knowledge resources by applying evidence-based practice and national and international standards to the collection, organisation and management of physical and digital media
4. Champion core information ethics and values, including advocating for intellectual freedom and open, equitable access to information
The 24 compulsory and elective courses which make up the BLIS, can be used in other qualifications such as the Level 5 New Zealand Diploma in Library and Information Studies, the New Zealand Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens, or as standalone courses.
Open Polytechnic moved from having LIS as a major in the Bachelor of Arts and Applied Science, to having the BLIS degree.
The New Zealand Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens was launched in October 2018, followed by the Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Leadership. The New Zealand Diploma in Records and Information Management was launched in October 2019. The new suite of programmes was complete with the release of the Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Leadership in 2022.
HOW DO ĀKONGA (LEARNERS) FIND THE OPEN POLYTECHNIC LIS PROGRAMMES?
In June and July 2024, past ākonga (learners) were invited to participate in a survey that explored the career paths and graduate perceptions of alumni to identify the most useful transferable skills, knowledge, and study benefits. Survey data, which is still being analysed, will help shape Open Polytechnic’s future Library and Information Studies (LIS) curriculum.
The invitation went out to almost 4000 past ākonga (learners), with 552 completed responses, and 20% of these were school librarians (Where Are They Now? 2024).
An open-ended text question concluded the survey, and we are heartened by final comments such as these:
“Keep up the great work. This is a fantastic way for people to gain a qualification while working in the profession. The correspondence element is critical for those who don't necessarily want to have the full-on university lifestyle or because of family circumstances.”
“I whole-heartedly recommend the Open Polytechnic to anyone because my experience was fantastic and rewarding!!”.
For further information about the LIS programmes go to the Open Polytechnic website. https://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/ qualifications-and-courses/information-and-library-studies/
Jan Irvine
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? TRACING THE JOURNEYS OF LIS ALUMNI OVER 25 YEARS.
JAN IRVINE
When we first launched the Library and Information Studies (LIS) programmes at the Open Polytechnic more than two decades ago, we knew we were preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. What we didn’t know was just how far—and wide—their journeys would take them.
The first Library and Information Studies (LIS) course started at Open Polytechnic in 1998, more than 25 years later, Open Polytechnic now offers a Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS), along with a range of diplomas and certificate programmes.
In June and July 2024, we reached out to over 3,700 past students to ask a simple question: Where are you now?
The response was heartwarming. Over 550 alumni took time to share their stories, and 20% of these were school librarians.
“I’m now managing a high school library, with a generous budget, a large space, and a team who understands the power of what we do. This is my dream job,” one respondent shared.
Across the board, 69% were still working in libraries—many in public, school, or tertiary settings. But about 21% had taken their LIS qualifications into entirely new arenas. One former student now works in social services. Another discovered a calling in community journalism.
We were particularly curious about age demographics. The majority were aged between 31 and 70, with only 6% under 30. Does this mean the profession still struggles to attract younger entrants—or just that our younger graduates missed the survey? That’s something we hope to explore further.
An interesting finding from the survey was how highly qualified our school librarians are – many of them also held a post-secondary qualifications - a BA was the most common one, followed by Teacher Education, but also qualifications in the creative arts and music and drama – very complementary skills for working as a children and teen librarian.
When asked about the most valuable skills for their roles, the message was clear:
School librarian participants wanted more on advocacy, marketing, event management, collection and programme evaluation skills, classroom behaviour management, the power of reading aloud, misinformation and disinformation, and sole charge librarianship/ running a library alone. These voices are helping us shape the future of our LIS programmes.
“It was a great course, and a good foundation for me to have confidence in the schools that I worked in over my working life.”.
“Without this qualification, I wouldn't have had the confidence to apply for the job I now love,” shared another.
Many appreciated what the qualification had unlocked for them.
“I really enjoyed the reader development paper - it was so interesting learning about how children gain reading skills, and I am mindful of these things when I buy books and talk to teachers and students about them. We had to do a book talk video which gave me lots of good info and ideas".
“The children’s certificate was really good in both types of libraries I have worked in”.
“I really enjoyed my study years and felt the qualifications gave more credibility to my role. I encourage anyone I can that works in a school library to do at least the level 5 qualification!”
“The ability to study from a distance allowed school librarians across the sector and country to become qualified and enhanced their roles within their schools. Speaking as a primary/intermediate librarian this was life changing”.
These stories—insightful, and often unexpected—are shaping the next iteration of our curriculum. They’re also a reminder that education isn’t just about outcomes on paper. It’s about the lives changed, the dreams pursued, and the communities touched along the way.
We’ll be publishing further findings in 2025. For now, we extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who responded. Your voices are helping ensure that the next generation of LIS professionals is ready for the future—wherever it may lead.
NZ Certificate in Library & Information Services for Children & Teens (Level 6)
NZ Diploma in Library & Information Studies (Level 5)
NZ Diploma in Records & Information Management (Level 6)
Bachelor of Library & Information Studies
Graduate Certificate in Library & Information Leadership
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Leadership
WHAT SLANZA MEANS TO ME
LAURYN URQUHART
Upon reading through previous issues of Collected, I came across Issue #18 which was published in 2016 with the theme What SLANZA Means to Me. (Along with this original graphic).
I am still a newbie in the school library sector having only joined SLANZA in 2019 when I left public library life to begin my foray into the wonderful world of school libraries.
After the first week in my new position as sole-charge librarian I wondered what I had gotten myself into. It suddenly dawned on me that every single decision and job was down to me - a great feeling until that included having to deal with cleaning up toilets, juggling up to 30 room bookings a day, negotiation skills (of which I have zero) and having to police undesirable student behaviour. I was also a little overwhelmed at being THE person that dealt with the hoards of students who all came at once to chat/issue books/socialise with me/ cry on my shoulder/ tell me a joke as soon as the bell rang each break. And the bells...they drove me completely insane! During my first month, I felt like one of Pavlov’s dogs!
When the dust settled a bit, I discovered the listserv and emails from my regional committee where a name stood out (thank you to the person who didn’t bcc the emails that day!) it was my previous public library workmate. I could have cried with happiness! I reached out and she became my lifeline. She introduced me to others in our region and encouraged me to attend SLANZA events. Soon I found myself happily surrounded by like-minded people who have become cheerleaders, confidants, and the dearest friends.
I wonder sometimes if this friend had an ulterior motive when we reunited through SLANZA. She has since left her job in school libraries, but before she left, she really ‘sold’ being on National Executive to me and how much she’d enjoyed her time as our regional representative, and then she had this really great idea about making the listserv a fun place on a Friday...! Even though she isn’t a school librarian anymore, she’s still cheering us all on, her legacy continues.
If you are new to SLANZA or school libraries and have not yet found your people, I urge you to break out of your comfort zone and attend an event or reach out to someone in your area. You never know who you might meet. You never know what you might agree to do. You never know where your volunteering might take you. And you’ll never know how valuable your contribution to the school library sector could be until you take that first step. You will also never know what you will receive in return.
To me, SLANZA is relationships, inspiration, support, and fun! With these filling my kete, I am able to contribute and work with others to achieve recognition for the school library sector. SLANZA is a unique and special organisation and I’m glad that I can be part of it.
When I read these sentiments from the article in that issue, they stuck a chord with me; nine years on I believe that these words still ring true, they have inspired me, I hope they inspire you too.
Lauryn Urquhart
Linda McCullough and Pauline McCowan
Jeannie Skinner
BIG THINGS LITTLE THINGS: POETRY FOR CHILDREN COMPETITION DETAILS
In the lead-up to Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2025, the Poets XYZ are running a nationwide competition for adults who write poetry for children.
TIMELINE: open now - closes midnight Friday 1st August 2025
Winning poems to be celebrated on Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day, Friday 22nd August 2025
THEME: “BIG THINGS little things” – to be interpreted as widely and wildly as entrants like
WINNING POEM: $100 cash prize
JUDGE: Renowned children’s writer and poet, Bill Nagelkerke
CRITERIA:
• Entry is free
• Open to anyone in New Zealand aged 18 years and over
• Send in up to three poems aimed at 5–12-year-olds
• There is a 25-line limit per poem
• Poems should be previously unpublished (including not on private blogs, websites, social media)
• Poems should be all your own work and not have any AI generated content. Any poems found to have AI generated content will be disqualified.
• Poems should be written in English
• Previous winners are welcome to enter.
TO SUBMIT:
• Poems should be in a single Word document. Please use the title of your first poem as the file name for this document. Please don’t include your name anywhere in this document
• You will need to provide a short author bio including a sentence or two about why you write poetry for children (up to 100 words)
• Preferred method: Completing the online entry form (requires Google account) at https://forms.gle/x2VjZ7kSEDqh4zj19
• Alternative method: Emailing your Word document to thepoetsxyz@gmail.com. Please put ‘Big Things Little Things Poetry Competition’ in the subject line. In the body of your email please include your name, the title(s) of your poem(s) and a brief author bio (up to 100 words) and 2-3 sentences about why you write poetry for children
THE FINE PRINT:
By submitting an entry, you are consenting to your poem:
• being promoted as part of Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2025 which may include being published in whole or in part on social or other media
• being published on social and other media to promote poetry for children in New Zealand and any future poetry for children competitions run by The Poets XYZ for National Poetry Day
• being used in future digital or printable media to promote poetry for children in New Zealand
Writers will retain copyright of their poems. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide personal feedback for each entry we receive.
Thank you to National Poetry Day and Phantom Billstickers for their support for this event.
For more info email thepoetsxyz@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook at The Poets XYZ
Night Rain
It cloaks me like a blanket. I thank it. It tittle-tatters me to sleep. On quiet nights I stay awake. It’s late. I’m thinking thoughts and counting sheep. On rainy nights I’m soothed. Smoothed.
Rough patches from the day removed. The noise swirls round the room And soon… Soon… Soon…
WINNER of the
Annelies Judson is a Pākehā, feminist, mother-of-four who writes in the little spare time she has. She’s written academic work, book reviews, website copy, and a LOT of humorous social media posts about things her children say and do. She writes poetry because she loves the inescapable beauty of language, the lull and rush of the rhythm of words, and the magic of pulling language apart and putting it back together.
2023 Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day Drop by Drop Poetry for Children Competition run by The Poets XYZ
Wind Pup
Together we wait the line goes tight tugs away my wind pup she wants to run tongue out she lifts the air is her bone she holds on the string that leads from her centre comes right to my hand the wind fills her up she is full of it
But nose down she spirals nose down she stumbles tail tangling she dives back to the earth she sniffs the ground I pull her back to my feet wiping the mud from her nose Together we wait
as a
her role is to help bring other’s creative pursuits to life and so her own writing is very important to her. She often stops and writes something down and shapes that into a poem over the course of a few days. As a mother, Claris tries things out with her children - if they get it, she knows something is working. ‘Wind Pup’ is her first published piece of writing.
WINNER of the 2024 Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day LEAP Poetry for Children Competition run by The Poets XYZ
Claris Harvey resides in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland. She has always enjoyed writing: short fiction and poetry mostly. In her job
producer
Book Reviews
WHEREVER YOU GO – BY ALEXANDRA PENFOLD, ILLUSTRATED BY SUZANNE KAUFMAN
Reviewed by Ayomi Wickramarachchi
Wherever You Go is a heartwarming story that underpins the unconditional love from parents to children from a family perspective. It is a testimony of parents’ love for children.
Written from parent to child, it is an inspirational story representing diversity
that makes each episode unique and impressive. Each moment of love and growing up is an expression of joy and happiness for parents wishing the best for their children with smiles and laughter all the way.
CAT FAMILY FOUR SEASONS – BY LUCY BROWNRIDGE, ILLUSTRATED BY EUNYOUNG SEO
Reviewed by Sam @Whatsinatitle (find her on Instagram)
Who doesn’t love a picture flap book? So much fun…it slows down the process of page turning and really allows kids to focus on and explore the fabulous artwork while seeking little hidden treasures.
This has over 140 flaps to peek into as the Cat family share precious moments moving
through the four seasons. A tea party in the spring, summer on the beach, Hallowe’en in autumn, snowmen in winter and so much more.
Perfect gift or for the little at home!
COVEN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL EXPERIENCE –
BY SOMAN CHAINANI, ILLUSTRATED
BY JOEL GENNARI
Reviewed by Sam @Whatsinatitle (find her on Instagram)
A graphic novel spinoff for The School for Good and Evil fans. I’ve not read the original series, but it made perfect sense to me.
The witches who are besties, respond to calls for help and solve magical mysteries.
In this story, the Coven is called out to Red Isle. There they find a war about to kick-off between the Light and Dark Lands, each blaming the other for a series of mysterious deaths. The Light are also extracting Raake
from the Earth to create magical elements which enrich peoples’ lives, whereas the Dark can see that the extraction is actually killing the land (I see what you did there, very cool).
Mystery, environmental disaster and some kick-ass witches fight to solve the problem before it’s too late.
Great artwork and fast-paced storyline.
THE BUTTERFLIES OF MEADOW HILL MANOR – BY STEFANIE PARKS
Reviewed by Karina, age 14
12-year-old Amy has been sent to Meadow Hill Manor, a house deep in the countryside of England. A place with no other houses, people, and definitely, no wifi. But it’s not the wifi Amy cares about, she just cares about nothing. To her, living with her aunt ‘weirdo Wilma’, in a rumoured-to-be haunted house is just another element shut out from Amy’s world. She is determined to not let anything get through to her. She thinks it will be easy. That is until she hears peculiar noises coming from the house. All of a sudden, her strong desire to stay oblivious to the world around her is broken. But what should she do? Is it worth her fear and instability to unearth secrets that may want to stay hidden?
When I first saw the book, I didn’t want to read it. Not at all. It didn’t look like something interesting to me, and the blurb didn’t particularly pique my interest. This book isn’t my typical read; I rarely read fantasy. However, even despite these factors, I picked it up one night and finished the whole book in one sitting. This was surprising to me, and even I couldn’t believe it once I had reached the last page. This short, but mesmerising book had
me enthralled until the very final page, something I would have never expected. I am very glad I took the time, despite my hesitance, to read this book.
I thought the characters were well-developed and written well. I liked how we didn’t know some things about them, but we weren’t left without enough information to follow along. I liked how as the story continued, we learnt more about the characters so we could understand their motives more in depth. I personally didn’t identify with many of the characters, but I still liked them. I really liked the aunt; her character was loveable, and I was on her side throughout the entire book. To me, it is always nice to have someone in a book that you can constantly care about, even if some of the other character’s personalities change.
The thing I found most interesting about the book was the element of fantasy, and how the butterflies really shaped the story. (I can’t say much more as it will give spoilers). The story made me feel intrigued and kept me reading till the very end!
The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor is a great short read, perfect for all ages. I think it would be great as a read-aloud, and I think it would be perfect as a bedtime story for younger readers! In conclusion, I am glad I took the time to read this book, and I look forward to more from this author.
MOONBOY – BY ANNA CIDDOR
Reviewed by Sam @Whatsinatitle (find her on Instagram)
Letty, staying with her grandma, is in her room one second and then finds herself in the same room but in 1969, with some strange boy who claims to live there! She has discovered that she can transport herself back in time simple by putting on an old footie shirt.
This is how she meets Moonboy, so called because of his fascination with the moon landing, which has not yet happened. Letty also wants to experience it as it happens
and befriends Moonboy and makes several trips back and forth, the only issue is she works out that doing anything in the past has consequences in the future! What if the moon landing never happens because of something she does?
Great adventure, strong female character, lovely family vibes and of course, much talk about the moon landing
THE CASE OF THE MISSING STUFF: VIOLET AND THE VELVETS: BOOK 1
– BY RACHAEL KING, ILLUSTRATED BY PHOEBE
Reviewed by Sam @Whatsinatitle (find her on Instagram)
Violet desperately wants to be in a band and compete at BandCamp. The only problem is that everyone in her group can’t play musical instruments, and they have to play off against an already established and talented group. So, Violet does her best to help them learn the notes, only slowly they realise that some of their instruments are going missing. Who is taking them and why?
MORRIS
Violet is a hoot, she’s loyal to her friends, determined and I love that she stays true to herself and finds the strength to face her fear (playing infront of a crowd). Very much a first in a new series, I look forward to seeing what happens next for this group of musicians.
Accessit is back on the road
The Accessit team has had an amazing time on the road so far this year with our 2025 Roadshows!
We kicked things off in the UK back in April, travelling up and down the country and getting the chance to connect with some of our wonderful customers face-to-face.
From bustling city venues to regional stops, it was a great opportunity to chat, share ideas and see how Accessit is making a difference in libraries across the UK.
We also held our very first US roadshow in Philadelphia and were thrilled to meet so many amazing from the East Coast. It was a fantastic chance to hear about the unique ways American librarians are using Accessit in their schools and communities.
More recently, we wrapped up the Australian leg of the tour, making our way from Toowoomba in Queensland all the way to Perth in Western Australia, with plenty of exciting stops in between, including a completely sold-out session in Adelaide with over 60 sign-ups!
It’s been truly humbling to see the level of interest and engagement from our users around the world.
Now, we’re gearing up to bring it all back home to New Zealand for the final leg of the year, back home here in Aotearoa. Last year’s NZ roadshows were such a blast, but we’re stepping things up a notch this time.
While we are still running a series of fantastic sessions throughout the day, this time some will run concurrently. So, this time you can personalise your experience and focus on the topics that matter most to you, from dashboards to reporting and everything in between.
Don't worry about missing out either, every attendee will receive a comprehensive eHandout after the event, covering all the content from every session, even the ones you didn’t attend.
Beyond the learning, these events are all about building your community. It is a great chance to connect with fellow librarians, share ideas, swap tips and maybe even bring along your whole library team for a day out.
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to up your library game.
Find out more at accessitlibrary.com/roadshow
Roadshows are back for 2025
Get ready for a learning-packed day of presentations and workshops catering for both beginners and Accessit experts!
When and where?
Wellington
Victoria University, Pipitea Campus 11th – 12 of August th
Tauranga
Glenfield College 18th of August
Auckland
King’s College 20th of August
Westlake Girls High School 21st of August
Kerikeri
Kerikeri High School 22nd of August
Nelson Waimea College 26th of August
Christchurch
Christ’s College 27th of August
Dunedin
Kerikeri August 22nd
Auckland August 20-21st Tauranga August 18th
Invercargill August 29th
John McGlashan College 28th of August
Invercargill
James Hargest High School 29th of August
Nelson August 26th
Wellington August 11th-12th
Christchurch August 27th
Dunedin August 28th
Business Members
Information Literacy and Digital Inclusion: Looking Back
LAURENCE ZWIMPFER MNZM – DIGITAL INCLUSION ALLIANCE AOTEAROA
I know this is SLANZA’s 25th Anniversary edition, but I would like to celebrate a school library pioneer who made her mark 13 years before SLANZA was established. If SLANZA had a Hall of Fame, then I’m sure this person would have been recognised in it. Contributors to Issue 7 of Collected in September 2002 (before it was even called Collected) acknowledged the impact this person had on their own professional development; this included Liz Probert who became the second President of SLANZA , and Adaire Hannah, both of whom graduated along with many others with a Diploma in Teacher-Librarianship from the Auckland College of Education.
The person I am referring to is Gwen Gawith.
In June 1987 Gwen Gawith authored Library Alive and was subsequently instrumental in laying the groundwork for information literacy education in New Zealand. Gwen’s approach was notable for its emphasis on active, student-centred learning. Her book provided a comprehensive programme that encouraged students to engage with the library not just as a repository of books but as a space for inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. This coincided with an emerging interest amongst educators in the use of digital technologies for learning, or ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies), as they called at the time.
Gwen is recognised as the creator of the Infolink model, a six-stage framework designed to teach information skills in tandem with classroom curriculum. Adapted from British research, this model emphasised stages such as defining tasks, seeking information, and evaluating sources, promoting a structured approach to information literacy.
She was also amongst the early New Zealand educators who recognised the opportunity for using audioconference technologies to provide collaborative distance-learning programmes, this is where I had the opportunity to help in my business futures role at Telecom. Gwen needed access to loud-speaking phones and a teleconference bridge to connect her teacher-librarian students from across the country. I vividly recall one of the programme graduations where we (Telecom) pulled out the stops to set up a multi-point videoconference so that her students could see each other for the first time. This was before the internet had been invented and over two decades before Zoom and Teams became popular education tools.
Gwen was also instrumental in embedding information literacy into New Zealand's national curriculum. The inclusion of information skills in the Essential Skills Area of The New Zealand Curriculum Framework (1993) highlighted the importance of these competencies in education.
Her approach to teacher training was notable for its grassroots nature. She coordinated intensive, school-based courses that allowed teachers to develop information literacy skills within their own educational contexts, fostering a practical and collaborative learning environment. Beyond technical skills, Gwen emphasised the development of cognitive abilities such as critical thinking and problem-solving. She advocated for teaching students how to analyse and interpret information, preparing them for lifelong learning in an information-rich society.
Gwen's contributions in the 1980s and 90s significantly shaped the landscape of information literacy education in New Zealand, promoting a comprehensive and accessible approach to teaching essential information skills. Her innovative approaches have left a lasting impact on how information skills are taught and integrated into the curriculum.
So, while the digital technology landscape keeps changing, Gwen’s focus on information literacy remains firmly embedded as a competency for life. As our current Government races to follow other countries in discussing bans on social media for under 16-year-olds, I can just hear Gwen saying, “Stop focusing on the technology; let’s put our resources into creating more information literate students”.
It is our information professionals, school librarians and other library professionals, who need to provide the lead. You are not alone, while the focus of our Alliance (64% of our 340 programme partners are public libraries) is on digital inclusion, i.e. motivation, access, skills and trust, we are constantly reminded that none of this counts for much if people are not information literate.
Gale Support Hub for New Zealand School Libraries
The Gale Support Hub is designed to help New Zealand Schools get the most out of your EPIC Gale subscriptions. Scan the QR code below to access or go to: https://www.gale.com/intl/anz-epic-schools Materials include:
• Training videos & Documents
• Technical Support (access, support, statistics, MARC records)
• Marketing (newsletters, guides, posters, social media images) New support materials & videos are added regularly to the hub.
Contact Lynette Lewis & Alison Foster, Gale ANZ Tech Support for more information about the Gale Hub.
Introducing: A new website from The Library Supply Company
We’re excited to introduce our new & improved website, created especially for librarians. Developed with significant input from many of our regular library customers, we’ve built a site we think you’re really going to enjoy using. All books are discounted from RRP, with most over 20% off.
KEY FEATURES
• Curated Selections - Our experienced selectors create regular lists of recommended titles to help busy school librarians with their purchasing decisions.
• Extensive Range - Our database of nearly one million titles is updated daily and offers one of New Zealand's largest selection of titles for school libraries. Titles listed are from all major publishers worldwide as well as all titles published right here in Aotearoa - no matter how large or small the publisher.
• Experience - We have over 25 years of experience with School Libraries from Primary through to Secondary levels. Our knowledgeable staff are here to help.
• Search Options - Our Advanced Search Page has a multitude of search options to help you find what you're looking for quickly and accurately.
• Great Prices - We can help make your budget go further with significant discounts off the recommended retail prices.
• Quick Delivery Option - We offer an express delivery service available via our UK and US wholesale partners, details here
• Free Delivery - No charge for delivery within New Zealand, guaranteed.
We’d love for you to check it out at librarysupply.co.nz , have a browse, and let us know what you think.
SLANZA is committed to providing quality professional development opportunities to its members, and we are very grateful for the ongoing sponsorship of professional development provided by Book Protection Products. This sponsorship is invaluable and greatly appreciated by the National Executive as it significantly broadens options for regional committees. The funding provided by The Book Protection Products team goes to the regional committees so they can organise professional development sessions that will fulfill your personal learning needs. Please continue to support Book Protection Products as they are SLANZA’s major sponsor, and if you have an idea or topic for professional development in your area, let your committee know!
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
Business members support the work of SLANZA. Current members are:
Book Protection Products Limited
Accessit Software Limited
Bridget Williams Books
Britannica Digital Learning Cengage
Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa
EDU SER AUS LTD SCIS
Education Television and Video Communications Trust eplatform
Harper Collins
Int.workspaces
KOWHAI LIMITED (NZ Geographic)
Library Tech NZ
The Library Supply Company
One Tree House
Overdrive
Perform Education
Softlink Pacific Limited Wheelers
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN SLANZA
The benefits of membership include:
Connection and networking with other school library staff locally
Discounted conference and professional development registrations
Support for school libraries at a national level
Opportunities to gain skills and professional development from people who do what you do
Opportunity to apply for the SLANZA awards
Opportunity to apply for study grant assistance with library–related studies
Permission to use the cover images of publications of major publishing houses
Access to the LIANZA professional registration scheme
Access to our collection of Professional Development eBooks
Fee-free study opportunities with the Open Polytechnic
NEWS + CONTACT
If you’re not sure who does what or who can help you, check out our Contact page on our website. It links to all region representatives.
Follow our blog for up to date information
Check out our Facebook page.
SLANZA Members can also join our group or follow us on X
