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Professional Learning 

SLASA run a number of events throughout the year to benefit our members and support the Professional Development of ALL staff, working in a school library setting. 

Our goal is to:

  • Ensure that Teacher Librarians’ and other library staff have professional standing and qualifications which are promoted and strengthened in schools.
  • Provide relevant professional learning opportunities for school library staff at appropriate levels considering current trends and technologies.
  • Find suitable pathways for qualifications for those wishing to work in school libraries.
  • Promote relevant professional learning offered by other appropriate organisations.
  • Ensure that SLASA members are supported to participate in professional learning.

Each year SLASA endeavors to host an annual conference featuring keynote speakers who are prominent figures in the library sector. The committee attempts to organise professional development sessions on current, relevant topics to address the evolving needs of the sector.


Upcoming events

    • 10 May 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Golden Grove Primary School Library | 140 Bicentennial Drive, Golden Grove, SA 5125
    • 15
    Register


    Join us for a special professional development session presented by Kate Pulford, Archives Leader and College Archivist at Prince Alfred College.

    In this insightful session, Kate will share her process of integrating the Prince Alfred College Archives into Softlink Oliver v5 — the school’s library management system. She’ll walk us through the back story, data preparation workflow, and the practical steps taken to increase access, encourage use, and prevent digital obsolescence.

    This session is ideal for school library staff and educators interested in the intersection of archives, library systems, and cultural preservation in education settings.

    About the Presenter
    Kate Pulford is a distinguished leader in the GLAM sector, with more than 20 years of experience across art, archives, and museum collections. With a 15-year tenure at the State Library of South Australia and a current leadership role at Prince Alfred College, Kate brings unparalleled insight into archival practice in schools. She is also a lecturer for UniSA STEM and an active contributor to numerous professional associations, including the Australian Society of Archivists and the Professional Historians Association.

    Cost:
    SLASA Members – $20
    Non-members – $30

    Light refreshments will be provided.
    Places are limited — secure your spot today!


    PRESENTED BY:


    • 20 Jun 2025
    • 8:15 AM
    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Hotel Grand Chancellor | Hindley St, Adelaide
    • 67
    Register


    Join Us for the 2025 School Library Association of South Australia Conference!

    We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming dynamic and informative conference at our new venue, The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Adelaide.

    This year's theme, "School Libraries: Choose Your Own Adventure," promises an exciting lineup of speakers and sessions covering a wide array of topics relevant to school libraries. From Archives to Information Literacy, 3D Printing to Cataloguing, and Library Design, our conference has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore new initiatives or find practical solutions to keep your library engaging and useful, you'll find it here.

    Our new venue offers ample space for learning and networking. Your registration includes a delicious lunch and a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your skills and knowledge in a supportive and inspiring environment.

    Need Accommodation?
    We’ve secured a discounted accommodation rate at the Hotel Grand Chancellor – Adelaide for conference attendees. Book your stay here: Grand Chancellor Accommodation Booking

    Come along and be part of this adventure!


    • 2 Aug 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • McDonald Park School | 57 North Tce, Mount Gambier.
    • 97
    Register


    Date: Saturday, 2nd August 2025
    Venue: McDonald Park Primary School, Mount Gambier
    Cost: Free

    Mount Gambier Regional Conference 2025

    SLASA is excited to bring professional development directly to your region with our Mount Gambier Regional Conference 2025! This event is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by regional school libraries.

    Morning Sessions
    The morning will focus on practical, actionable strategies that you can implement in your library, covering topics such as:

    • Library 101: Building Strong Foundations
      Perfect for those new to library work or those wanting a refresher on running an effective school library.

    • Promoting Your Library
      Learn how to advocate for your library within your school community and highlight its vital role in supporting student learning.

    • Talking About Books
      Discover tips and strategies for engaging students in reading and fostering a love of literature.

    Lunch Provided
    Enjoy a complimentary lunch while networking and sharing ideas with peers.

    Afternoon Library Tours
    After lunch, join us for special guided visits to two local libraries:

    • St Martin’s Lutheran College (2-minute drive from McDonald Park Primary School)

    • Tenison Woods College (10-minute drive across town)

    This is a fantastic opportunity to explore different school library environments and gather ideas to take back to your own school.

    Join Us for Dinner – Post Conference
    We’d love for you to join us for a casual dinner following the conference:

    • Location: Caffe Belgiorno, 7 Percy St, Mount Gambier SA 5290

    • Time: Saturday evening, 2nd August 2025

    • Cost: Attendees will cover their own meals and drinks.

    If you’re interested in attending the dinner, please let us know when registering your ticket so we can book accordingly.

    This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other library staff in the region, build your skills, and strengthen your library’s role in your school community.

    We look forward to seeing you in Mount Gambier!

    SPONSOERED BY:

Past events

1 Apr 2025 Indigenous Literacy Foundation Presentation … with break out sessions and the AGM | 1st April 2025
20 Mar 2025 Calm Libraries - Calm Kids
20 Feb 2025 2025 Literature Evening for Primary, Middle years and SACE students
19 Oct 2024 SLASA Lunch at The Highway Hotel – 19th October
19 Oct 2024 Annual Report Writing Workshop
7 Aug 2024 Bookmark Design Competition 2024
1 Aug 2024 St Peter’s College | Library & Rare Books Tour
28 Jul 2024 Kadina Roadshow
21 Jun 2024 SLASA and CBCA SA | 2024 Conference: Captivate, Connect and Curate
22 May 2024 Tristan Bancks: Engaging students with reading and writing stories
6 Mar 2024 SLASA AGM | 6th March 2024
22 Feb 2024 2024 Literature Evening for Primary, Middle years and SACE students
25 Oct 2023 Library Tours 〰 Concordia College
20 Sep 2023 SLASA Wednesday Webinars ~ Emily Feetham ~ 20 September
30 Aug 2023 SLASA Wednesday Webinars ~ Jodie Benveniste ~ 30 August
16 Aug 2023 SLASA Wednesday Webinars ~ Emma Phillips ~ Aug 16
9 Aug 2023 SLASA Wednesday Webinars ~ Adam Fitzgerald ~ Aug 9
30 Jun 2023 SLASA conference 〰 SA School Libraries: Where I belong.
10 May 2023 School Leaders Empowering Literacy, Research and Well-being Think Tank ~ registrations closed
23 Feb 2023 SLASA Event: SACE Literature Evening 2023
15 Feb 2023 SLASA AGM 〰 Registration closes 13 Feb 23
9 Nov 2022 Joan Brewer Award
9 Nov 2022 Library Advocate Award
9 Nov 2022 Innovation Award
9 Nov 2022 Regional Excellence Award
2 Nov 2022 Library Tours 〰 Norwood International High School
24 Oct 2022 WIN A $500 BOOK VOUCHER
24 Oct 2022 10 STUDENTS COULD WIN A $25 BOOK VOUCHER EACH!


© 2024 School Library Association of South Australia
Phone: (08) 8332 2845  (Option 4)  
Free phone: 1800 248 379 (Option 4)
PO BOX 3203, Norwood SA 5067

Email all enquiries to: slasa@slasa.asn.au

www.slasa.asn.au

ABN: 64 533 542 210

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