Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch recently launched the eBook Library, a new online resource for ACT public school students and teachers.
“The eBook Library provides students and teachers with access to eBooks and audio books via the secure ACT schools online resource portal – the Digital Backpack,” Ms Burch said.
Ms Burch explained that the eBook Library is part of the Government’s Digital Schools Strategy and complements the significant uptake of tablet devices and wireless in schools, purchased through the Government’s $9.2 million Sustaining Smart Schools commitment. Ms Burch added that 1,400 eBooks have been purchased and more than 600 have been borrowed. More books will be added as more school library catalogues come online.
“The collection is based on age appropriate access to reading materials and is aligned to the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.” Ms Burch commented.
Ms Burch went on to explain that a team of teacher librarians representing all levels of schooling decides which books are purchased, and $40,000 has been allocated annually for purchasing new books.
“This is not a replacement for traditional books, but an addition that will expand the opportunities for reading across all public school communities.” Ms Burch commented.