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Teaching Librarian u discussing the future of designated funding for school library programs and learning resources u reinforcing the connection between literacy and school libraries u school library staffing by qualified educators u cooperation and planning for training and implementation of Knowledge Ontario Pioneering Research into Ontario School Libraries We have much to be proud of regarding our efforts to compile and present Canadian data on school libraries and student achievement. This evolution from a reliance on U.S. sources of information to Canadian-based data is significant, as our province continues to iterate the need for local evidence. It contributes significantly to the case for change and renewal in school libraries in Ontario. We are looking forward to the start of the second phase of the research study which should begin early in 2007. Closing Thoughts In conclusion, I believe that the OSLA and its members have made significant progress during the past few years. Through lobbying on many levels--school, board, Ministry and provincial--we continue to contribute to the momentum of change. We must strive to sustain our efforts for renewal, for we never know when the next positive change will occur, or which key areas for improvement will materialize. The fact remains that there still is significant room for improvement in areas such as: u a dedicated Ministry funding model for school library resources u minimal provincial staffing levels for school libraries u equitable access to school library facilities and programs across our province u consistent funding for libraries by principals at the school level u increased Teacher Federation support, and consistency amongst federations u a revised Ministry document for school libraries u Faculties of Education Pre-service training for new teachers that consistently include exposure to the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians The list of areas for improvement could continue. Through the efforts of OSLA members and their Provincial Subject Association, we will continue to make progress in addressing important issues, facilitate positive change and renewal, and meet the information literacy needs of the students and staff in our schools. Such a stance is succinctly illustrated by Marion Wright Edelman, founder of The Children's Defense Fund, in her statement: "If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time." (Lewis) As concerned educators in the province of Ontario, we are called to continue improving the learning environment for the future of our students. As my term as President of OSLA approaches its conclusion, I continue to look forward to the challenges and changes that will certainly evolve in the field of teacher-librarianship and the role of school libraries in Ontario. Like many others, I recognize that at times, change may be particularly slow, with a seemingly endless effort that must be exerted toward an end goal. At other times, change happens much more quickly, and major progress is made with sweeping momentum. Not knowing the pace of the change is challenging, but it also serves to keep life interesting. We do not know what the future holds in store, but for certain, it will involve change and renewal. Our efforts must therefore continue to concentrate on ensuring that the change will be positive, moving us forward so that the role of school libraries and teacher-librarians becomes even more widely recognized throughout Ontario. z Works Cited Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Growth/Change Quotes." 1995-2006. Wisdom Quotes. 24 Nov. 2005 www.wisdomquotes.com/ cat_changegrowth.html. 58 Ontario School Library Association