History of SLASA

In 1989 three groups that represented school libraries and their staff began to work very closely together. Meetings were held on the same day and time at the same venue. The associations met first, followed by a meeting of representatives from the three groups. This combined group became known as the Council of School Library Associations (CoSLA).  

On Monday 25 November 2001, a group of SASLA and CoSLA (RCTA, SASLA and ALIA Schools Section) representatives met to discuss the amalgamation of the associations to then make one professional association to represent Teacher Librarians in South Australia. The ‘new’ association would be called the School Library Association of South Australia – SLASA. On 29 November 2001, the motion passed at the SASLA and CoSLA meetings.  

SLASA was launched on Tuesday 26 November 2002 and members were informed that  “SLASA is not a new association; it is the result of the merger between the member  associations who were previously CoSLA (ie: SASLA, RCTA and ALIA Schools Section). As one strong association we believe we will be better able to represent and support Teacher Librarians in SA through T&PD, lobbying and other services”.  

In 2021, SLASA continues to represent and support the interests of school library personnel across all education sectors in South Australia through advocacy, professional development and communication and remains an association member of ASLA. 

More details of our history can be found in the SLASA Committee Handbook.