This edition of Synergy offers interesting reading on some diverse topics. Our profession includes a range of different libraries and professionals with many different approaches, views and experiences. It is important that SLAV’s publishing reflect that diversity and offers learning experiences through varied and interesting professional readings. If there is a topic or idea you would like to see addressed, please do let us know – we are keen to ensure that the variety we offer is relevant and useful.
It has been a distinct pleasure to have Canadian, Anita Brooks Kirkland, as our guest writer of the Reflections and Actions section of the journal during 2018. Brooks Kirkland has shared developments in her country that have been both interesting and timely. In this edition, Brooks Kirkland’s article is titled ‘Moving Boldly Forward with Canadian School Libraries’ and it outlines an important model for the support of school libraries in that country.
It is most pleasing to publish, in this edition of Synergy, two articles that are, in different ways, related to the SLAV annual awards. Karys McEwen, in her article, ‘Mother Tongue & World Literature: How Singapore Libraries Serve Their Young Multilingual Patrons’, describes the research she undertook in Singapore that was supported by her receiving the SLAV Research Award in 2017. David Feighan and Julie Purcell report on their efforts at benchmarking between their two school libraries in an article entitled ‘Benchmarking the Library: Data for Best Practice’. This project grew out of their collaboration in the area of ebook provision, collaboration which resulted in the SLAV Innovators Grant being awarded to Julie and David in 2014. It is very pleasing to see these award winners represented in the journal and, equally importantly, to see them sharing their learning with the wider SLAV community.
The SLAV awards have recently opened for 2018. This year’s awards will be presented at the November conference at Marvel Stadium. There are several awards open to members. The descriptions and details can be found online at the SLAV website awards page. Consider nominating yourself, or a colleague, in one of the categories. A range of learning opportunities can arise from receiving an award, including writing for one of our journals.
I mentioned in my editorial in the first edition of 2018 that Synergy is in its fifteenth year; it is quite an achievement to have been publishing the journal for this period of time. Thirty editions, each containing high-quality articles discussing issues and ideas of importance to our profession. I would like to congratulate the Board of Synergy and SLAV’s Council and Committee of Management for supporting this long and valuable journey and for continuing to support the journal as it grows and changes.
Dr Susan La Marca
Editor