by Elizabeth Hutchinson
Engaging and empowering school libraries is a podcast that aims to raise the profile of school libraries by talking about topics that are current across education and teaching. We talk about issues that impact school libraries and invite guests to come along and speak on selected topics keeping our chats lively, engaging and current. We hope you enjoy listening. Find more CPD for school librarians and teachers here https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/
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Publishing Since
6/7/2022
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December 16, 2025
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Kay Odonne, Education and Research Leader, and teacher librarian Hajanlka Molloy, as we discuss why networking matters for school librarians, especially those working alone. We cover how social media, local hub groups, mentoring, and face-to-face events build confidence, professional skills, and advocacy power. Practical tips include joining professional associations, making time for networking as part of your work, being brave and kind when reaching out, contributing as well as receiving, and balancing online and in-person connections to grow a lasting network. Podcast - When Libraries Break: Leadership, Redundancy and Resiliance Empower: The Library Collective
November 17, 2025
On this episode of Engaging and Empowering School Libraries, Claudine Crabtree, a New Zealand school librarian and Churchill Fellow, shares insights from her travels to Singapore, Scotland and England investigating how school libraries support students' literacy and wellbeing. Claudine discusses successful approaches, persistent challenges around funding, staffing and measuring impact, and her advocacy work to strengthen school libraries in New Zealand and beyond. The revised IFLA School Library Manifesto endorsed by UNESCO. IFLA-UNESCO. (2025). IFLA–UNESCO school library manifesto 2025 [Manifesto]. IFLA.Https://repository.ifla.org/rest/api/core/bitstreams/e23b5ab5-d7ff-4c17-9012-badcc46cad25/content The website to new school libraries campaign... https://schoolsneedlibraries.org.nz/ Below are links to relevant research from Singapore and New Zealand that Claudine used pre and post grant. SINGAPORE CIVICA (Spydus) Singapore - Provides centralised hosted integrated library management system, staff of professional senior librarians and technical experts, plus library programme packages for government schools. https://www.civica.com/en-sg/sector-pages/education/ Loh, C.E. Chin Ee Loh Reading by design – Singapore. https://www.readingbydesignsg.org/ Reading by design – Singapore. https://www.readingbydesignsg.org/ Loh, C. E. (2023). Designing future-ready school libraries: Empowering stakeholders for evidence-based change. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). https://repository.ifla.org/handle/123456789/2764 Loh, C. E., & Sun, B. (2021) Reading Habits of Singapore Teenagers. Singapore: National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. https://repository.nie.edu.sg/server/api/core/bitstreams/ac3c57d8-cf0c-4253-923b-8b6ae15c1a09/content Loh, C. E., Ellis, M., Paculdar, A. A., & Wan, Z. H. (2017). Building a successful reading culture through the school library: A case study of a Singapore secondary school. IFLA Journal, 43(4), 335–347. https://doi.org/10.1177/0340035217732069 Loh, C. E., Tam, A., & Okada, D. (2019, October). School library perspectives from Asia: Trends, innovations and challenges in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7258 Loh, C.E. (2018). Envisioning the School Library of the Future: A 21st Century Framework. Singapore: National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. Loh, C.E. (2018). School Library Perspectives Survey Report 2018. Singapore: National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. https://repository.nie.edu.sg/server/api/core/bitstreams/4703367a-8a4c-4c40-afe4-9de74ae48e1d/content Loh, C.E. (2019). Design Patterns for School Libraries: A Preliminary Report of the Building a Reading Culture Study 2019. National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Https://repository.nie.edu.sg/entities/publication/1c74986a-adbd-4aba-be66-8f7593b8be82 NEW ZEALAND Hood, N. & Hughson, T. (2022). Now I don’t know my ABC: the perilous state of literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Education Hub. Https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006241230101 Boyask, R., Wall, C., Harrington, C., Milne, J., Couch, D. (2021). Reading for Pleasure: For the Collective Good of Aotearoa New Zealand. National Library of New Zealand. Https://natlib.govt.nz/about-us/collaborative- projects/communities-of-readers/putoi-rito-communities-of-readers-reports/reading-for-pleasure-for-the-collective-good-of-aotearoa-new-zealand Little, P. (2023, August 23). Why are schools sacrificing libraries despite plummeting literacy rates? New Zealand Listener. Https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/why-are-schools-sacrificing-libraries-despite-plummeting-literacy-rates McNaughton, S. (2020). The literacy landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand: What we know, what needs fixing and what we should prioritise. Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor
November 7, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Lara Price and Rachel Huskisson to explore what happens when school library management goes wrong. We discuss the consequences of poor leadership and redundancy, the emotional and professional toll it can take, and how reflection, resilience, and lifelong learning can turn challenging experiences into opportunities for growth. Our conversation offers practical advice for librarians navigating difficult management situations, examines the evolving role of school libraries in an age of AI, media, and information literacy, and reinforces the enduring importance of reading. We also share valuable resources and sources of support for those seeking to move forward positively. Kindness Strategies - Helen Rimmer The episode is sponsored thanks to Learnics https://www.learnics.com/ Lara is happy to have virtual coffees with any listener who wants to chat about libraries and learning. Her email is lara@athenastoolbox.co.uk
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Engaging and empowering school libraries is a podcast that aims to raise the profile of school libraries by talking about topics that are current across education and teaching.
We talk about issues that impact school libraries and invite guests to come along and speak on selected topics keeping our chats lively, engaging and current. We hope you enjoy listening.
Find more CPD for school librarians and teachers here https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/
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