Nominations opened in October last year for Great School Libraries when FAIR (Freedom of Access to Information and Resources) joined with library associations to compile a list of the best school libraries across the country.
School libraries are judged on a number of criteria, including the quality of their popular fiction and school resources, their opening hours, internet access, and the qualifications and skill of their librarian. The libraries are also judged on their special activities such as Book Week and the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Sue McKerracher, spokesperson for FAIR, said, “The library has evolved from a repository of books to an e-learning and technology centre where information resources are available via tablets and phones, as well as fulfilling roles as a study centre and a meeting place.”