Teachers oppose plans to withdraw reference books to schools

Teachers oppose plans to withdraw reference books to schools

11 February 2015

NZEI is calling on the National Library to halt plans to withdraw its reference book service to schools.

There is mounting concern about the effect that changes to the National Library service will have on schools and children’s education.

The National Library plans to close its service that allows teachers to request reference books for classrooms. Instead teachers and students will have to source all non-fiction material online or from elsewhere.

NZEI Te Riu Roa National President Louise Green says the announcement, late last year, came as a big surprise to teachers and principals.

“There was no discussion or consultation with teachers or school support staff before the decision was made.

“It appears to be a cost cutting exercise that hasn’t taken into account the day to day effect that it will have in many classrooms.

“We support modern digital learning but it needs to be balanced. Schools that are struggling with funding will be hit hardest, especially those that are not yet up to speed with fast broadband and don’t have unlimited access to digital devices.

“Books in classrooms are an essential tool for learning. Children still need access to reference books and they need them in classrooms.

"We urge the National Library to put this decision on ice until it has talked to education practitioners."

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