Accessibility at NSW CLIC

(Review by Andrew Downie, July 2009)

Jill Sherlock was a special education teacher. Following her death at only 35 in 1990, her family honoured her life and work by setting up a trust that provides resources to the library to support the education of students requiring assistance with learning. The Library opened in 1993. The Department of Education and Training is responsible for staffing, accommodation and operational costs.

The Physical Library

The Library is situated in the grounds of Oatlands Public School near Parramatta. A single room houses books and other resources. There is also a meeting area that can accommodate up to 30 people.

There are two staff members, Alanna Sydes (Teacher Librarian) and Odarka Brecko (School Administrative Officer).

How it Works

Membership of the Library is free and open to anyone who lives in NSW. Joining can be achieved via the interactive website, by phone, fax or in person. Of the roughly 4,000 members, 60% are teachers, 30% parents and 10% allied professionals. Members can visit the Library to browse (an enquiry terminal is provided). However, a crucial aspect of the service is state wide resource provision. The vast majority of loans are therefore delivered to members via courier. Delivery is free, but the member pays the cost of returning the item. Material can be requested through the website, by phone, fax or in person.

The Library is open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 10am and 4.30pm during school terms. The courier picks up on Monday and Wednesday. Importantly, the website can be used at any time to request material.

The Resources

Reference Material

Books on a diverse range of topics are available. The collection contains resources suitable for parents and teachers. Areas that are covered include:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Learning Difficulties
• Behaviour disorders
• Student Welfare
• Autism
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Down’s Syndrome
• Tourette’s syndrome

Reading Assistance

Many requests are for books that meet needs of students who have reading difficulties. In these cases, it is important that the book offers a high interest level while catering for a low reading age. Examples include the Fast Forward series and Macmillan Readers at various levels. These heavily abridged books start with a reading age of 6, but the content is suitable for upper primary to secondary.

Software

There is huge potential for computer software to assist people who have reading difficulties. The Library has invested heavily in products that represent various approaches. Well-known products for direct student use include WYNN, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Write:Outloud, Co:Writer and TextHELP Read & Write. Lesson preparation software includes Boardmaker, ISPEEK, Softpics, SpeakingPix and Picture This. Reading assistance software includes numerous PM Readers, Fitzroy Readers, Earobics and ReadOn.

An Educational Resource

University and TAFE students studying welfare or special education subjects visit the Library throughout the year.

Armed with suitable material, staff attend relevant conferences to promote the Library. Within the armoury are books relevant to the particular conference, publicity packs and bookmarks. Also included are application forms, allowing conference delegates to join the Library and borrow there and then.

Summary

The Jill Sherlock Library offers valuable resource material for teachers, other professionals and parents. Resources include extensive information on a wide variety of subjects relating to learning difficulties. Being a state-wide service with an effective courier service means that it is readily available to all who need it.

Contact Information

Address	Oatlands Public School Belmore St East OATLANDS NSW 2117
Phone	(02) 9630-8684
Fax	(02) 9630-2326
Email	jsherlock.library@det.nsw.edu.au
Website	http://www.sherlocklibrary.det.nsw.edu.au/index.php