School Libraries
School libraries, also known as Library Learning Commons (LLC), support and enhance teaching and learning for the entire school community. These libraries are open and accessible information and technological spaces that support, extend, and individualize a school’s curriculum, enhancing students’ ability to grow personally, socially, culturally, and academically.
Our Vision
To ensure that every student in Ontario has access to a fully resourced and staffed school library and that school library professionals are well-supported and provided with the essential tools and training needed to excel in their role.
Resources
- OSLA Letter to Ontario Directors of Education and School Board Trustee Chairs re: Ontario’s school libraries and supporting student success in 2024-25 (March 2024)
- OSLA’s Letter to Ontario Directors of Education re: A Guide to the Selection and Deselection of School Library Resources (November 2023)
- Staffing Qualified School Library Professionals in Every School (March 2022), in English and in French
- Including Library Learning Commons in 2021-22 Return to School Protocols (August 2021), in English and in French
- School Libraries & the 2021-22 Grants for Student Needs (May 2021), in English and in French
- Invest in Student Success by Investing in the School Library (December 2020), in English and in French
- Ensuring Student Success Through Access to School Libraries (July 2020), in English and in French
- May 8, 2024 – OSLA to the Minister of Education re: Core Education Funding Model and the Impact on School Libraries
- November 23, 2023 – OSLA re: Recommendations for improving Grant for Student Needs (GSN) reporting
- November 2, 2023 – OSLA’s Response: The Education Act New Regulation: Director of Education Performance Appraisal
- April 19, 2023 – OSLA’s response to Toronto DSB’s decision to reduce 7.5 FTE Teacher Librarians for 2023-2024
- March 23, 2023 – OLA and OSLA response re: revised elementary Language curriculum and English Grade 9 course
- February 9, 2023 – OSLA’s response to Peel DSB’s decision to cut the Library Coordinator position
- April 30, 2022 – OSLA and TALCO response: Ministry of Education Language, Grades 1-8/English, Grades 9-12
Information Gathering - March 17, 2022 – OSLA and CSL response: OHRC “Right to Read” Inquiry Report & Contribution of School Libraries.
- OSLA letter regarding the recent modifications to the new Grade 9 Mathematics curriculum (August 2021)
- Response to the Toronto District School Board’s decision to repurpose all Elementary teacher-librarians (September 9, 2020)
- Open Letter to Ministry of Education and Ontario School Board Associations (July 31, 2020)
- Slide deck – Ontario School Library Responses to COVID-19 (2020)
- OLA 2020 (Fall) Pre-Budget Submission (2020)
- OSLA 2020 (January) Pre Budget Submission (2020)
- Grants for Student Needs (GSN) Recommendations (2020)
- January 14, 2020 – OSLA and CSL response: OHRC launches Right to Read public inquiry.
- Grants for Students Needs (GSN) Recommendations (2018)
- OSLA Pre-Budget Submission (2018)
- COVID-19 School Library Brief For School Boards In Ontario (Updated November 2020)
- The State of Elementary School Libraries in Ontario – Excerpt from the Teaching Librarian (2019)
- My School Library Rocks (2019)
- School Libraries Matter Video Contest (2015)
- About School Libraries – OSLA Information Sheet (2014)
- Facts about the impact and decline of school libraries – OSLA Information Brief (2014)
- De-Valuation of Teacher Librarians – OSLA Information Brief (2013)
- Library Research Service – 2013 Infographic (2013)
- Public Service Announcements About Libraries
- How School Library Programs Equal Success for Your Child (2003) – OSLA Council has created the pamphlet, as the first in a series of advocacy pamphlets, developed to support a strong school library program. The pamphlet uses quotes from research and experts detailing what the school library program can offer your child for success.
Canadian Federation of Library Associations / Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques
CFLA-FCAB Position Statement on the Status of School Libraries in Canada (May 2024)
Save School Libraries Coalition
The Save School Libraries Coalition, formed in 2020, is a national coalition dedicated to advocating for the critical importance of school libraries and their professional staff.
- Save School Libraries Coalition – Letter to Council of Ontario Directors of Education and the Ontario Principal’s Council (April 6, 2021)
- Save School Libraries Coalition – letter to Minister Lecce (October 28, 2020)
Ontario Book Publishers Organization
- Ontario Book Publishers Organization letter to Minister MacLeod (September 30, 2020)
- Ontario Book Publishers Organization letter to Minister Lecce (September 30, 2020)
Association of Canadian Publishers
- Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) letter to Minister MacLeod (September 30, 2020)
- Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) letter to Minister Lecce (September 30, 2020)
