[with apologies for cross-posting]

Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 21, 2002 -- With school library funding and
programming at the forefront of library advocacy efforts in Canada, the
Canadian Library Association today announces the launch of SLiP - a new
internet portal that responds to the growing demand for resources for
school library personnel and for the key stakeholders in the decision
making process for school libraries in Canada - from parents and
students to administrators and government officials. SLiP (School
Library Internet Portal), now live at slip.cla.ca, is a free gateway to
documents originating in Canadian libraries, school boards, districts,
and provinces. The launch will take place in conjunction with the
Canadian Library Association annual conference at the World Trade and
Convention Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

SLiP is a link collection, created collaboratively by members of a
Steering Committee from Canadian School Library Association (CSLA) and
the Association for Teacher Librarians in Canada (ATLC). It is a work in
progress, with the ultimate goal of having exemplary documents from all
parts of Canada in six main categories from Advocacy, Standards, School
Library Programs to Professional Development, Research, and School
Library Management. Support has also been provided by the National
Library of Canada, in response to the need to help Canadian school
libraries share their resources.

These links in one place on-line serve to support those across Canada
working in school libraries as well as decision-makers looking for
guidance in creating and protecting school library programs for all
Canadian children and youth.

Media Contacts:

Dianne E. Clipsham
Words Work
(613) 829-0898
[log in to unmask]

Peter Wilson
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Library Association
(613) 232-9625, ext. 320
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Canadian Library Association
328 Frank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA K2P 0X8
(613) 232-9625; Fax: (613) 563-9895
http://www.cla.ca