1. Presenter: Mazinza Ndala Email: mndala@mec.gov.na Tel: +264 6129 5280

2. The school library, Empowering new Generations with information Literacy Skills.

3. Background Curriculum reform in Namibia has resulted in the development of the school library as an integral part of the school, which should be integrated with all school subjects. This educational focus is evident in policy documents developed by the ministry of education (Non-promotional subject policy). Many of these documents clearly emphasize the need for the development of learners capable of self directed learning and possessing the skills to be independent. ( Ministry of Education strategic plan)

4. In order to achieve these goals, the subject Basic information science was implemented in schools to support the learner centre resource based learning philosophy of the Ministry of Basic Education. It ensures that learners become more independent, enabling them to assume greater control over their own learning and research activities as well as the development of learners’ reading abilities and it forms the basis for lifelong learning. (BIS Syllabus)

5. 1.2 Why Basic Information Science ( BIS) BIS is taught in schools because Information is the major requirement for development and: Is an essential component of critical thinking, research – led teaching and learning Enables all learners to meet the challenges arising from the explosion of information.

6. It helps learners to acquire the benefits of modern environments in everyday life. It plays a key role in promoting an understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and deterring its practice, promoting integrity and accountability in the use and presentation of information. It is also a key to lifelong learning in a knowledge –based society.

7. 3. Basic Information Science and the curriculum As mentioned before, BIS is important in all fields of study. It is best developed with the context of the broad curriculum of education, rather than a separate add-on removed from the subject content. Learners are more likely to recognize the relevance and importance of information literacy if teaching is delivered at the point of needs, integrated in all subjects and included in assessment.

8. The integration of information literacy skills into the teaching and learning process, facilitates learner centered teaching and learning methods, including resource-based. Inquiry-based, evidence – based or outcome –based learning with opportunities for self-directed and reflective learning, if done through collaborative teaching it enhances learners’ achievements. As emphasized in UNESCO manifesto for school libraries.

9. ELS Vision To be a meaningful contributor to the goals of vision 2030 by ensuring that Namibian school libraries are equitably backed up by appropriate, efficiently managed and responsibly integrated library resources across the curriculum used for the benefit of all Namibian school children.

10. ELS Mission Statement To professionally administer education policies by pursuing reforms that facilitate open access of all school children to school library services for the responsible exploitation, efficient use, shared and sustainable benefits of all stakeholders in education.

11. 4. BIS and ELS support Education Library Services (ELS) has developed a national reputation for its support of information literacy and school library integration. Education officers and Librarians are appointed to take the lead in implementing the BIS syllabus and advice approaches to integrating and assessing information literacy across school subjects.

12. A five (5) day in-service training program to integrate the school Library and BIS into activities of study and methods of delivery to suit the requirements of different subjects has been put in place. This training is meant for BIS subject advisors, principals, regional librarian and school library teachers. There is provision for instructions integrated within sessions such as hands on workshops, for small groups of 30 teachers, demonstrations, lectures and practical sessions.

13. With meager funding from the Ministry of Education’s Education Training Sector Improvement Program ( ETSIP) ELS is striving to establish resource banks in the 13 regions of the country at cluster level. This will be a collection of resources of different forms for interactive tasks, study and research which focus on extending the activities of information literacy and ICT.

14. Teaching staff will be expected to incorporate these resources into their teaching/ lesson preparations. Training is offered together with certification of attendance to enable staff to be used as facilitators of BIS and school library management at the regional level.

15. 5.Challenges Historical low priority towards libraries and the information field among school principals and staffing norms in terms of teacher/learners ratio hampers the effective management of school libraries. Most school libraries operate in an inappropriate environment such as converted storerooms/ classrooms, cupboards with no furniture. No school library /BIS advisory teachers to provide proper advice in some regions.

16. 6.Strategies Provide training to sensitize advisory teachers, circuit inspectors and school principals on the need for supporting school libraries and BIS activities Regional Directors of Education to motivate the above mentioned staff on the value of these educational aspects in order for the teaching staff to earn the necessary support. Sustainable school library and BIS training to be provided to cater for teacher transfers.

17. Regular monitoring, evaluation and advice to ensure resource management,optimal utilization as well as relevant integration of the school library and information literacy skills in the teaching and learning process.

18. 8.Recommendations Intensify the facilitation of the integration of the school library and BIS into all teaching and learning programs. To spearhead a mutual agreement in terms of the appointment of a full time school library/BIS teachers for every school with the authorities. To work closely with regional subject advisors to continue the integration of the school library and BIS into all school programs as appropriate.

19. To facilitate and support trained school library /BIS teachers in enhancing their roles as information literacy educators and provide clear terms of reference or job descriptions. ELS to be regarded as the center for information literacy skills and reading promotion activities for schools on the national and international scene.

20. END OF PRESENTATION THANK YOU