Contributed by the School Library Association of South Australia
When choosing a school, it’s easy to focus on classrooms, facilities and academic results. But one of the most telling questions you can ask is about the library, and who’s running it.
A great school library is much more than a room full of books. It’s a welcoming space where students read, study and connect with others, and it plays a vital role in helping children develop the skills they’ll rely on for life: finding reliable information, thinking critically and using digital tools responsibly. Perhaps most importantly, a good library fosters a genuine love of reading.
Strong libraries are powered by a dedicated team, typically a qualified teacher librarian supported by library technicians or assistants. The teacher librarian leads the library’s teaching and learning program, working closely with students and classroom teachers to build skills in literacy, research and critical thinking. These are capabilities that matter more than ever in a world saturated with information, including misinformation.
Literacy remains a key concern across Australia, and reading for enjoyment is one of the most effective ways to support it. Teacher librarians are experts in children’s and young adult literature, they know how to find the right book for each individual student and build collections that reflect the full diversity of the school community.
Yet not all school libraries are equally resourced. In South Australia, 85% of schools do not have a qualified teacher librarian leading their library program, a striking gap, given the evidence for their impact. When visiting a prospective school, it’s worth asking directly who staffs the library, and how are they supporting students?
What to look for in a school library
A well-resourced school library should offer students:
- Support for reading from someone who has broad knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, knows how to match the right book to each individual, and holds dual qualifications in teaching and librarianship.
- A welcoming, safe space that is accessible before, during and after school, somewhere students can read, study, play games, meet friends or simply have some quiet time away from the schoolyard.
- Guidance on using information from a qualified teacher librarian who can teach students to find reliable print and digital sources, use AI ethically, evaluate credibility, navigate the internet safely and reference sources correctly.
“Centralised libraries provide a common space where students of different ages can interact, collaborate and learn from each other. This interaction fosters a sense of community and enhances social wellbeing.”
Dix & Van Der Zant, 2025
- A well-maintained collection that is current, relevant to the curriculum and student interests, age-appropriate and attractively presented.
Figure 9. Percentage of schools with someone to manage the library collection, alone or with a team (n=692)
Data source: Q14 & Dix et al., 2020, Figure 12
School library health checklist
Take this with you when visiting schools in your area.
- Staffed by a qualified teacher librarian and library technicians or assistants
- Supports students to develop research skills across the curriculum
- Holds a carefully curated collection reflecting diverse backgrounds, needs and abilities
- Equipped with a wide range of print and digital resources
- Built on strong collaboration between the teacher librarian and classroom teachers
- Running evidence-based programs that encourage reading for pleasure
- Accessible to all students before, during and after school
- A sanctuary for connection, collaboration, private study and independent reading
- Visibly supported by school leadership
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