by Sarah Pavey
For many, a school library is simply a quiet space filled with books and resources. But for those who step into the role of school librarian, it is far more than that—it is a centre of learning, curiosity and transformation. A well-led library can shape school culture, support learning goals through co-design and delivery, ignite a love of reading and empower students to become independent thinkers. Yet, too often, librarians find themselves in the background, underutilised and undervalued in strategic decision-making. It’s time to change that!
The Leading Your International School Library course, taking place in China and Vietnam in May 2025, is a unique opportunity designed to help school librarians take charge of their professional path and become visionary leaders in their schools. Through two intensive days of interactive training, you will develop key leadership skills, explore new strategies, and gain practical tools that you can implement immediately in your own library.
Breaking Out of the Shadows: The Librarian as a School Leader
School librarians are sometimes seen as custodians of books rather than catalysts for learning. But a modern school librarian is a strategist, an innovator, and an essential leader within the school’s educational framework. Leadership is about influencing change, making informed decisions, and ensuring the library remains a driving force in the school’s success.
This course begins with an exploration of personal leadership. What makes a great leader? How can school librarians step forward with confidence? Through self-reflection and interactive activities, you can uncover your hidden strengths and learn how to apply leadership models to your unique school environment. A past participant, a librarian with 15 years of experience, admitted,
“I thought I knew it all, but this course opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. The session on leadership made me realise that I had been waiting for permission to lead when, in reality, I had the ability all along.”
More Than a Reading Room: Designing a Library That Inspires
A great library is more than its collection—it’s a welcoming, inclusive space that meets the diverse needs of students and staff alike. Yet, many librarians struggle with designing an environment that is both functional and inspiring. This course offers practical, hands-on exercises in library space design, helping delegates rethink how they use their space to support learning and can lead others in the wider school community to follow their initiatives.
One previous participant shared how the course transformed their perspective:
“After the space design workshop, I reimagined how students move through the library. By making simple changes to the layout and signage, I created an environment where students feel encouraged to explore. It’s no longer just a room—it’s an experience.”
From seating arrangements to multilingual resource accessibility, this session ensures that every student feels seen and supported in the library, regardless of background.
Curating a Library That Represents and Empowers Every Learner
Collection development is so much more than shelving a selection of books; it reflects the community it serves. A school librarian’s job is to ensure that their library provides students with resources that are diverse, inclusive, and aligned with international curricula.
In one of the course’s most interactive sessions, you will engage in a resource evaluation workshop, examining materials through a critical lens of inclusion and relevance. You will learn to advocate for their selections when speaking to school administrators such as the finance officer and other stakeholders including senior leadership, ensuring that the library’s role in learning is recognised and valued. True leadership!
As one past attendee shared:
“The ‘Curating Resources for Global Learners’ module gave me the confidence to develop a collection that truly represents our diverse student body and aligns with school leadership goals.”
Digital Literacy: The Librarian’s New Frontier
The role of the librarian has evolved beyond the bookshelves. With the rise of AI and digital platforms and the combatting of misinformation and disinformation, librarians must be at the forefront of teaching critical digital literacy skills. The challenge is not just using technology but also guiding students and staff to navigate the digital world responsibly, helping them to become true global digital citizens.
This course tackles digital literacy head-on, helping librarians understand the ethics of information, the challenges of misinformation, and the role of AI in education. Through practical exercises, delegates will develop their own digital citizenship strategies, ensuring they return to their schools equipped to teach and model ethical digital behaviour. One past participant in the course commented:
“The ‘Navigating the Digital Landscape’ module completely changed how I teach research skills. Now, instead of just helping students find information, I help them question and analyse it.”
The Power of Data: Proving the Library’s Impact
One of school librarians’ greatest frustrations is demonstrating their value to the senior leadership team. How do you prove that your work directly impacts student success? This course provides concrete strategies for impact assessment, teaching librarians how to use data, storytelling and stakeholder engagement to make their case effectively. The following quote from a delegate on the online course reveals that
“The ‘Measuring Success’ module challenged me to rethink how I advocate for our library. I now have powerful tools to show my administration that the library isn’t just an extra—it’s essential.”
As this is an in-person course, you will have created your own impact measurement toolkit by the end of this session. This toolkit is designed to showcase the library’s true contribution to the school’s academic mission.
More Than a Course: Becoming Part of a Global Network of Library Leaders
Beyond the hands-on learning, what truly makes this course life-changing is the opportunity to connect with other librarians teaching in international schools with all their diverse experiences. You will join a global community of like-minded professionals who continue to exchange ideas, share successes, and provide support long after the course ends. With plenty of opportunities for discussion over the two days, you will find the collaborative practical exercises invaluable. You can hear how school librarians with experience in different countries approach similar challenges, giving you fresh perspectives and new solutions in your own environment.
You will continue to grow and innovate through ongoing networking, ensuring that your library remains a vibrant, future-ready space.
Are You Ready to Lead? Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
This course is the perfect launchpad for librarians who want to move beyond management and step into leadership. Whether you’re looking to:
·Redefine your role within the school
·Develop innovative strategies for student engagement
·Advocate for the library’s place in teaching and learning
·Stay ahead of digital literacy trends
…this course will provide the skills, confidence, and connections to make it happen.
Don’t wait for leadership opportunities—create them!
Join us in China or Vietnam in May 2025 and take the next step in your professional journey.
Course Details:
·20-21 May 2025 – Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, China
·24-25 May 2025 – CWA Changshu, China
·27-28 May 2025 – Sedbergh Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
Your library has the potential to transform lives. Are you ready to lead the way?
Register now:
Sarah Pavey was the librarian for Epsom College in the UK for 11 years and has been a Library Consultant and Trainer for nearly 20 years.