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An increasing body of research demonstrates the direct connection between strong school libraries and increased student achievement. Despite this, Ontario's publicly-funded school libraries are falling farther and farther behind.
The Ontario Coalition for School Libraries (OCSL) is a volunteer organization working to heighten public, media, and government attention to the alarming state and growing crisis in Ontario's school libraries. Parents, educators, business people, cultural sector representatives and concerned individuals are working together to put school libraries on the government agenda.
The Mission
To advance literacy, culture, and student achievement through strong school library programs.
The Vision
Every school library in Ontario will:
- be the heart of the school's learning community
- be open and accessible for students and teachers all day
- be staffed by qualified teacher-librarians and supported by technical/clerical assistance
- have sufficient funding to purchase, sustain, and promote current, rich collections with a focus on Canadian materials
- teach all students to read for pleasure, breadth, and understanding; research with purpose, build knowledge with insight and responsibility; and transform their knowledge into wisdom for a lifetime of learning
The Goals
- to seek explicit recognition from the Ministry of Education as to the central role school libraries have in student achievement, literacy attainment, and preparation for post-secondary success
- to secure from the Ministry of Education clear policy direction and high program standards for school libraries
- to ensure adequate funding in each school board and individual school to build and sustain strong school libraries
- to work with the Canadian Coalition for School Libraries to build a body of Canadian research with respect to school libraries and student achievement
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