Book Review: Disciplinary Literacy in Primary Schools Disciplinary Literacy in Primary Schools - Reading, writing and speaking across the curriculum - Shareen Wilkinson- Hachette Published 22 August 2025 If I asked you what literacy in primary school looked like, you might answer with learning to read and write. While they are the foundational stones of literacy, there is much more to it. In “Disciplinary literacy in primary schools” Shareen Wilkinson captures and explores the nuances of literacy across the whole curriculum, noting the importance of learning to speak and listen, alongside reading and writing, and how these skills can and should be developed across the curriculum and how they vary in each subject.

If I asked you what literacy in primary school looked like, you might answer with learning to read and write. While they are the foundational stones of literacy, there is much more to it. In “Disciplinary literacy in primary schools” Shareen Wilkinson captures and explores the nuances of literacy…

Envisioning the future of school libraries – strategic planning Can you see the future? There are times when I wish I knew what was coming and then others, the mere idea terrifies me. What will tomorrow hold? What will the next month or year? In a similar vein, we don’t know the future of school libraries in general let alone the future of our own school libraries. That can be scary.

Can you see the future? There are times when I wish I knew what was coming and then others, the mere idea terrifies me. What does the future of school libraries look like?

I was surprised to discover just how much future thinking goes into strategic planning. But on reflection, having a strategic…

The Future of School Libraries – 5 possible scenarios I was pondering strategic planning and envisioning the future of school libraries recently and I decided, on a whim, to ask ChatGPT to create 5 possible future scenarios for school libraries looking 5 - 10 years into the future. I was a little surprised by the 5 scenarios it created for me. Of course, these scenarios reflect the work being done by incredible library teams around the world and sharing their work online, safeguarding and creating an impactful future for school libraries.

What do you think the future of school libraries will look like? What do we need to be prepared for?

I was pondering strategic planning and envisioning the future of school libraries recently and I decided, on a whim, to ask a few AI models to create 5 possible future scenarios for school…

Professional Learning: April 2026 Another month of professional development links, articles, webinars, podcasts and more. As Term 1 comes to a close here in Australia, I hope you find some time to put your feet up and maybe enjoy an hour or two of professional learning. 

Another month of professional development links, articles, webinars, podcasts and more. As Term 1 comes to a close here in Australia, I hope you find some time to put your feet up and maybe enjoy an hour or two of professional learning. 

Professional Learning: April 2026

Teaching students AI basics When AI hit in the first big way for education in November 2022 (gosh, can you remember those days?! It feels like so long ago now. And so much has changed) I did a lot of reading and learning about the emerging tools and how it would impact our schools and school libraries. I watched with interest as some schools and systems tried to ban the AI tools (unsurprisingly that didn’t work) and was grateful that instead my school leadership decided to embrace it, not scared but ready, not unsure, but knowledgeable.

Do you remember when AI first hit schools in a big way for education in November 2022? Gosh it feels like so long ago now and so much has changed. Now school AI readiness and AI literacy is even more important, but it too is rapidly shifting. While AI has sped up in exponential rates and AI tools…

A framework for school library practice Last year I found myself in the position of needing to explain exactly what a library does, from its curriculum to space and everything in between. When I approach promoting and advocating for the library, I believe it’s important to share about all aspects of the school library. Often one gets the focus (like collections and reading) or is the part more easily documented (like the beautiful photos of students creating in our makerspace), while other aspects are harder to capture and share.

Last year I found myself in the position of needing to explain exactly what a library does, from its curriculum to space and everything in between.

I was left wondering how I could sum up the work of the school library in a simple, visual and understandable way. How could I capture everything a…

What is an innovation centre? Innovation. It has certainly been a buzzword in education and schools for a while now. But it’s not just the education sector using this word. Do a quick online search for Innovation Centres and you’ll find results from around the world and in every sector from business and marketing to technology and health care. Narrow that search down to “schools innovation centre” and it seems a number of schools have an innovation building or are constructing one or have created positions with Innovation in their titles.

Innovation. It has certainly been a buzzword in education and schools for a while now. But it’s not just the education sector using this word. Do a quick online search for Innovation Centres and you’ll find results from around the world and in every sector from business and marketing to technology…

Do school libraries need to embrace innovation? Do school libraries need to embrace a mindset and approach of innovation? I believe, very strongly, that they do. But what does innovation mean (hint: it's not just technology) and what does it mean and look like for school libraries?

Do school libraries need to embrace a mindset and approach of innovation? I believe, very strongly, that they do. But what does innovation mean (hint: it's not just technology) and what does it mean and look like for school libraries?

Innovation is not just embracing the latest trend, adding a…

Five Years of Professional Learning Opportunity Lists This month I’m celebrating 5 years of creating monthly professional learning opportunity lists. When I discovered the upcoming milestone last year I was surprised at how long I’ve been creating these lists. There definitely have been some months when the 29th or even 31st of the month has rolled around and I’d yet to put together the list, there have been times when I’ve only managed to send out the list once the month has already started, and some moments when I’ve thought about ending the lists altogether.

This month I’m celebrating 5 years of creating monthly professional learning opportunity lists. When I discovered the upcoming milestone last year I was surprised at how long I’ve been creating these lists. There definitely have been some months when the 29th or even 31st of the month has rolled…

Professional Learning: March 2026 This month marks my 5th year anniversary of sharing professional learning lists for school library professionals. It's gone really quickly and I'm honoured to be able to provide these lists to help share and promote amazing learning opportunities that help school library staff improve their practice, reflect and support each other. This month's list has some amazing webinars, podcast episodes, articles and more. 

This month marks my 5th year anniversary of sharing professional learning lists for school library professionals. It's gone really quickly and I'm honoured to be able to provide these lists to help share and promote amazing learning opportunities that help school library staff improve their…

Tweaking the school library I love the movie You’ve Got Mail. In one of the scenes, Tom Hanks tells Meg Ryan via email that he is working on a project that needs  “tweaking”. Now, the word has some different meanings in today’s world, but the basic definition of tweaking is improve a system by making fine adjustments. I think it’s the perfect word to describe my approach to my school library.

I love the movie You’ve Got Mail. In one of the scenes, Tom Hanks tells Meg Ryan via email that he is working on a project that needs  “tweaking”. Now, the word has some different meanings in today’s world, but the basic definition of tweaking is improve a system by making fine adjustments. I think…

Data-Driven Narratives I love sharing the power and impact of my school library. It’s advocacy, marketing and promotions all rolled into one. It helps justify my staffing, budget, and what we do all day, and the importance of that can never be underestimated. One of the most powerful ways to share impact is to use data. We as school library staff have access to an abundance of data to share.

I love sharing the power and impact of my school library. It’s advocacy, marketing and promotions all rolled into one. It helps justify my staffing, budget, and what we do all day, and the importance of that can never be underestimated.

One of the most powerful ways to share impact is to use data.…

Creating a marketing plan for the year Do you ever wish you promoted and marketed your library more? I certainly do. I feel there are so many opportunities I miss to promote the libraries services and resources. All those things I want to do, whether it’s update our digital screens or send a staff email with resources or host a drop-in session. But before I know it, the term has disappeared and I’ve hardly managed to make the school newsletter deadlines (and to be honest, I miss some of those as well).

Do you ever wish you promoted and marketed your library more? I certainly do. I feel there are so many opportunities I miss to promote the libraries services and resources. All those things I want to do, whether it’s update our digital screens or send a staff email with resources or host a drop-in…

Why the School Library Matters for Your Child The school library plays an important role in supporting a child’s learning, literacy, wellbeing, and sense of belonging at school. It is much more than a room of books, it is a carefully designed space and a professionally led service that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school library plays an important role in supporting a child’s learning, literacy, wellbeing, and sense of belonging at school. It is much more than a room of books, it is a carefully designed space and a professionally led service that helps students grow academically, socially, and…

What is a school library for? What is a school library? I’m not sure it’s a question many people ask themselves. School libraries just exist, right? As those of us who work in a school library, it’s probably something we know the answer to, very deeply and thoroughly. But what exactly is a school library? Is it a home for collections of books? A space for reading, for learning?

What is a school library? I’m not sure it’s a question many people ask themselves. School libraries just exist, right? For those of us who work in a school library, it’s probably something we know the answer to, very deeply and thoroughly. But what exactly is a school library? Is it a home for…

Professional Learning: February 2026 Happy new year. I know, we are already a month in, but this is my first professional learning list of the year, so it feels right to start with the traditional new year greeting. This month features Queensland School Library Week and Library Lovers' Day and seems a fitting month to celebrate and love on all things school libraries. I hope you find some joy in these articles, webinars and posts.

Happy February. This month features Queensland School Library Week and Library Lovers' Day and so it seems a fitting month to celebrate and love on all things school libraries. I hope you find some joy in these articles, webinars and posts. Many feature back-to-school tips and tricks and good…

Changing Spaces – Creating a Reading Area I love changing the spaces in my Library. We are regularly changing things around, moving furniture and changing the purpose of areas to suit student needs and respond to different behaviour or events. This year we’ve pretty much changed every area of the secondary library. That includes making changes to the study area, changing the layout of collections on the ground floor and creating a new reading area.

Before the term started, we made lots of changes to our library area. I love making these changes, moving furniture and changing the purpose of areas to suit student needs and respond to different behaviours.

One of the changes we've made this year is creating a reading area. This is a space…

Updating my library budget for the year ahead This is honestly a library task I love doing (okay, there are very few I don’t enjoy). Updating my budget for each year. I’m not a numbers person. Ask me to count, multiply or do a simple sum and I simply can’t, so having a good understanding of my library budget is really important. It’s something I enjoy doing at the start of each year, or late in the previous year, depending on when I get my total for the year ahead, and it helps me keep track of what funds I have, what I can spend on each area of my library service and specifically target funds towards projects as needed.

This is honestly a library task I love doing (okay, there are very few I don’t enjoy). Updating my budget for each year. I’m not a numbers person. Ask me to count, multiply or do a simple sum and I simply can’t, so having a good understanding of my library budget is really important. It’s something…

Planning Library Lessons for the Year 2026 In the summer holidays I enjoy spending time planning my library lessons for the year ahead. It’s a relaxed, more creative time and I enjoy jotting down my ideas and planning out the year. It’s an adaptable plan, that changes depending on the needs that arise during the year, but I love having a solid plan to start the year.

In the summer holidays I enjoy spending time planning my library lessons for the year ahead. It’s a relaxed, more creative time and I enjoy jotting down my ideas and planning out the year. It’s an adaptable plan, that changes depending on the needs that arise during the year, but I love having a…

Content in an age of AI As many of you know, each month I put together a list of professional learning opportunities for fellow school library staff. They might be links to video recordings, podcasts, webinars or articles and blog posts. I collect them over the month from my own professional learning network and from my favourite go-to sources of information and learning. Last month I came across a post on LinkedIn that at first glance looked great.

As many of you know, each month I put together a list of professional learning opportunities for fellow school library staff. They might be links to video recordings, podcasts, webinars or articles and blog posts. I collect them over the month from my own professional learning network and from my…

Creating my annual report 2025 It’s that time of year again. End-of-year parties, final award assemblies and the push to send students home with as many books as possible for holiday reading. That means it’s also time to sum up the year in an annual report.

It’s that time of year again. End-of-year parties, final award assemblies and the push to send students home with as many books as possible for holiday reading. That means it’s also time to sum up the year in an annual report.

I have to say, creating an annual report is one of my favourite library…

Professional Learning: December 2025 – January 2026 Well, my dear readers, we've almost made it to the end of another year. A year full of changes, challenges, successes and wonderful professional learning opportunities to grow the strength and capacity of our school libraries. I hope these professional learning lists have been helpful over the past 12 months. Here's to another year ahead of wonderful learning together. To finish and start the year, as has become tradition, I am combining the December 2025 and January 2026 list, and taking a break for the summer.

Well, my dear readers, we've almost made it to the end of another year. A year full of changes, challenges, successes and wonderful professional learning opportunities to grow the strength and capacity of our school libraries. I hope these professional learning lists have been helpful over the past…

Social Media Delay – impact on the school library If you are in Australia, you are probably aware of the social media delay that is rolling out in early December 2025 for children below 16. It’s something that all schools and school libraries should be aware of and now’s the time to take some steps to ensure you are ready. The eSafety website is a great resource for finding guidance and sharing with students and caregivers.

If you are in Australia, you are probably aware of the social media delay that is rolling out in early December 2025 for children below 16. It’s something that all schools and school libraries should be aware of and now’s the time to take some steps to ensure you are ready. As a teacher librarian…

Does the school library have a curriculum? Hang around any school, and the word curriculum is one you’ll hear a lot. It’s the roadmap teachers follow, the planned sequence of knowledge and skills that shape what students learn and how they grow. But step into the school library, and the question might be asked: does the school library have a curriculum?

Hang around any school and the word curriculum is one you’ll hear a lot. It’s the roadmap teachers follow — the planned sequence of knowledge and skills that shapes what students learn and how they grow.
But step into the school library and the question might be asked: does the library have a…

Professional Learning: November 2025 To say this is a jam-packed edition of my monthly professional learning opportunities list feels like an understatement. There are so many incredible articles, reflections, frameworks, webinars and resources to help you with your professional goals this month. From AI (and lots of it) to keeping students reading, there's something for all school library staff.

To say this is a jam-packed edition of my monthly professional learning opportunities list feels like an understatement. There are so many incredible articles, reflections, frameworks, webinars and resources to help you with your professional goals this month. From AI (and lots of it) to keeping…

Incredible presentation from Karen Eyre on how she advocates for her school library and position through the programming, events, marketing and connections she builds.
An inspiring session with lots of practical ideas and encouragement.
#SchoolLibraries #FutureLibrariesConference

Helpful sessions at the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference from SCIS, Reading Australia and SLQ with updates and resources to use in our space and to share with our departments and teachers.

#SchoolLibraries #FutureLibrariesConference

Massive congratulations to Kelly Dunham, the incredibly deserving winner of the @qldsla School Leader of the Year award and to Assunta Austin and Lizzy Dixon, dual recipients of the @qldsla Teacher Librarian of the year award.

#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearning

Andy Griffiths kicking off the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference with a funny (of course, would you expect anything else), but also nostalgic and provoking keynote.

#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearning

Excited to be at the @qldsla Future Libraries Conference.
Looking forward to a full day of learning and connecting and catching up with the amazing school library profession of Queensland, near and far.

#FutureLibrariesConference #SchoolLibraries #ProfessionalLearning