President's report to the 2008 Annual General Meeting

During 2007, SLAQ members faced another busy year. Members undertook new roles and participated in activities which enhanced their professionalism, their profession and their standing as professionals. With such an emphasis on change in our work areas, many teacher-librarians are being asked to accept a changed work description. The support given by SLAQ members to each other and to wider school
communities emphasised their commitment to their profession and saw SLAQ grow as an organisation.

Subcommittees: With subcommittees committed to supporting members in areas across Queensland, they have continued to provide quality professional development and points of contact for information and discussion. The diverse range of professional development opportunities offered by these committees has facilitated access to information, programs and skills to support a variety of activities relevant to school libraries. Congratulations to all subcommittees for their hard work and commitment to the profession. As we move into 2008, we may see ways of delivering this professional development varying even more greatly. Thank you to all subcommittee representatives for your great work in this area.

SLAQ Council: Through regular e-mail and teleconference meetings throughout 2007, councillors and subcommittees have been able to participate in decision making and make a valued contribution to the development of SLAQ as a state-wide organisation. Robbie Rentz, Vice-president (Members) and Sally Fraser (Executive Officer) have made contact with all councillors and ensured that information has been
accessed whenever needed. Robbie coordinated the conference for councillors and presidents of subcommittees that generated information to inform SLAQ's direction.

SLAQ Executive: The executive members of SLAQ met each term, preceding council meetings, by teleconference. In October, the executive met in Brisbane to focus on information which arose from discussions throughout the year, to discuss its relation to the Strategic Plan and to set the goals for the next year. Toni Leigh (Treasurer) has ensured we are all aware of our budgetary limitations and that the organisation has met all legal and financial requirements. In working with our executive officer, councillors and executive members have had current financial information to relate to members.

Professional development: Members accessed our Professional Development Fund, which is maintained through the return of profits from subsidised activities, conference income and subcommittee funds. Presenters held workshops and in-service for members and non-members in a number of centres.

Conference: The SLAQ 2008 committee, based in Brisbane and convened by Robbie Rentz, spent the year developing an impressive program, of both workshop sessions and social activities, and in securing an equally impressive trade display. The organising committee has met regularly and members will have received information regarding the program and registration details. It is shaping up to present as a valuable professional learning opportunity not only for teacher-librarians and school library staff, but also for teachers.

Awards: SLAQ offers a biennial award, the Brian Bahnisch Award, in recognition of best practice in information literacy in school communities, and highlights the work of school communities and teacher- librarians throughout the state. Information about the award was posted on the web site and sent to all member schools. It is hoped that many schools will nominate for the 2008 award as there are so many programs being run in schools across Queensland that are deserving of recognition and the award.

The 2007 Australian Teacher-librarian of the Year Award, offered by Pledger Consulting Pty Ltd, was won by the Queensland nomination from SLAQ, Helen Reynolds from The Southport School on the Gold Coast. This national award "recognises and honours an exceptional Australian teacher-librarian in a school setting whose professional practice has a positive impact on student achievement and information literacy".

The judges commented:

"Helen's nomination provides evidence of a dedicated, passionate and professional teacher- librarian who works hard to ensure that the library is the major focus for learning in her school. Her role in leading the integration of information literacy into school programs, in making the school a reading school, and the broad range of services provided have all contributed to the level of excellence. Her outstanding work with the whole school community, including both staff and parents, which have led to these achievements, is to be commended - a most worthy Australian Teacher-librarian of the Year." We congratulate Helen on her professionalism and the role she has played with information literacy in
her school. I would also like to thank Maureen Twomey and Robbie Rentz for their involvement on the awards committee, and Jan Bamett for her work with the national awards nominations.

Publications: SLAQ Newsletter was edited by Wendy Gardiner, and our web site was regularly updated by David Puffet. Both avenues highlighted some of the outstanding activities by subcommittees throughout the state and provided advance notice of SLAQ activities. During 2007, councillors reviewed the web site and took part in discussions which have led to its redevelopment and upgrade. A new template was
devised and all sections will be reviewed in 2008. Regular segments (help desk, job section, calendar/ diary dates) will be maintained and new sections added. Thanks to all councillors for sending information to David so that he could keep these areas current.

The publication A guide to referencing and bibliographies for secondary students compiled for SLAQ by Jenni King, continues to be well received throughout the state. It has had numerous print runs and is currently in its second edition. A primary version is currently being compiled and should be available in the near future.

Rob Moore continued to ensure that there was a SLAQ presence in the national journal Access.

Relations with other organisations: Sandy Amoore (Member Association Councillor), Rob Moore (Publications Councillor) and Chris Kahl (Projects Councillor) represented SLAQ at ASLA National Council. As a member association, SLAQ is entitled to three representatives on this body. In addition to these councillors, Jan Barnett has continued as Secretary of ASLA. At the AGM in August, Rob Moore was nominated as President-elect for 2008, and I accepted the role of Treasurer. As such I will be stepping down from the Projects role. Andrew Smith took the opportunity to act as an observer to the council and was interested to note the level of involvement associated with the national body.

JCQTA held another workshop in Brisbane for member organisations' executives and we were well represented. Our JCQTA representative is Karen Bonanno who is now part of the JCQTA management team. Karen will remain on the board until their next AGM. Involvement with this association has kept SLAQ informed of current issues and allowed access to the skills and ideas from other organisations with similar goals. Thank you to all members who have attended various meetings of other organisations as SLAQ representatives, thus keeping us informed of current trends and ensuring recognition of SLAQ's contribution.

Special representation: I attended the presentation of the Premier's Reading Challenge awards at the State Library. As a member of the official party it was gratifying to have the contribution of SLAQ mentioned for its members' support of children's literature and reading development throughout the state. I also attended the official opening of the Metal to Mangroves exhibition - the result of workshops organised by the Gladstone teacher-librarians, libraries and booksellers. The student work was professionally presented and was a tribute to the program.

Thank you to all members of the SLAQ executive and council for their time and commitment to supporting school libraries in Queensland; to Sally Fraser, our Executive Officer for ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly; and to the members who support each other through various activities and with continued involvement through networks, subcommittees and professional development. Best wishes to the incoming
SLAQ executive, subcommittee members and councillors for 2008 and to all SLAQ members in their endeavours for 2008.

Chris Kahl, President

School Library Association of Queensland Inc.

Last updated 30 March 2008