Engaging and Empowering School Libraries

Systemic Misconceptions of School Librarians: Conversation with Mary-Rose

In my latest podcast series, I continue my conversation with Mary-Rose from Hartland School in Dubai 

In this episode, we discuss the striking omission of libraries in recent UK Government, Department of Education Reading in Secondary Schools documents and delve into the systemic misconceptions about the roles and capabilities of school libraries and librarians.

Listen in as we propose actionable steps for school leaders to harness the potential of school libraries. We emphasise their importance in fostering inquiry-based learning and supporting student well-being and academic success.

Supporting all Readers in Secondary School https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-all-readers-in-secondary-school 

Do We Need to Use AI to Teach the Skills It Demands?

In this episode, Ruth Maloney and I are joined by school librarians Jenny Toerien, Matthew Rose to explore the evolving role of AI in education. The discussion focuses on the challenges and opportunities of teaching AI-related skills in schools, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, ethical awareness, and the preservation of foundational inquiry skills.

Our guests share their diverse experiences, offering insights into the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining academic integrity. With AI's increasing integration into daily life, we discuss how educators can prepare students not just to use AI technology, but to understand its implications and limitations.

Tune in to discover how librarians are uniquely positioned to guide students through the complexities of the AI landscape, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed for the future while fostering a responsible and informed approach to technology use.

Thanks to Learnics for sponsoring this episode https://www.learnics.com/ 

Sources mentioned:-

• JCQ AI use in assessments (updated April 2025):https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AI-Use-in-Assessments_Apr25_FINAL.pdf
• The integrity of integrity, John Royce (July 2020)https://www.read2live.com/2020/07/29/the-integrity-of-integrity/
• How an embarrassing U-turn exposed a concerning truth about ChatGPT, Chris Stokel-Walker (May 2025)https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/01/chatgpt-chatbot-truth-user-update-ai
  
  
  

Teen Fiction Trends: Sparking a Love for Reading

In this episode, school librarians Donna Baird, Jennifer Horan, and my regular co-host Ruth Maloney join me to discuss the current trends in teenage fiction, whether books today gravitate more towards heavier themes rather than humour, and how these trends impact young readers.

The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities faced by librarians in curating collections that both engage and empower students. They also offer insights into guiding reluctant readers, the influence of social media on reading choices, and the need for diverse genres, including humor and fantasy, in teenage fiction. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or book enthusiast, this episode provides invaluable perspectives on fostering a love for reading among young people.

Join us as we celebrate the magic of connecting the right book with the right reader and share our curated list of must-read titles for teenagers. 

Donna's top picks

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Internment by Samira Ahmed
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Fable by Adrienne Young
Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Jennifer's top picks

One by Sarah Crossan 

Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston 

The Gifted, the Talented and Me by William Sutcliffe 

We Played With Fire by Catherine Barter 

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds and Danica Novgorodoff 

 

Ruth's top picks

 

Needle by Patrice Lawrence, - Short but issues based
A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge, - Escapist
Maus by Art Spiegelman, - Graphic historical
The Number 57 bus - by Dashka Slater, - thought provoking nonfiction
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams - humour

 

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries. A membership for all school librarians https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership 

 

This podcast is kindly sponsored by Learnics https://www.learnics.com/  

 

 

Advocacy and Influence for School Librarians: A conversation with Mary-Rose

We continue our conversation with Mary-Rose from Hartland International School, exploring the evolving role of school librarians. In this episode, we discuss the significant challenges faced by school librarians, including funding, resources, and professional recognition, while highlighting the impactful Great School Libraries campaign. Discover how advocacy and strategic alignment with school goals can redefine the importance of libraries in education, ensuring they become integral to the entire curriculum.

 

Great School Libraries https://www.greatschoollibraries.org.uk/

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/  

Breaking Down Barriers in School Libraries: A Conversation with Mary-Rose Grieve

In this new short podcast series, I'm joined by Mary-Rose Grieve, the experienced librarian from Hartland International School in Dubai. Mary-Rose shares her insights on the state of school libraries in the UK and globally, highlighting key challenges such as funding, recognition, and the unique role of librarians in education.

Together, we explore the differences between public and school librarians, the importance of professional standards, and how librarians can adapt to diverse school environments. Mary-Rose emphasises the need for guidelines, like the IFLA and CILIP School Library Guidelines, to ensure that educational stakeholders understand the value that librarians bring to the table.

Listen in as Mary Rose and I discuss ways to empower school librarians to have a voice and inspire meaningful change in their schools. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our next enlightening conversation!

IFLA School Library Guidelines https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf 

CILIP School Library Guidelines https://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/page/detail/cilip-guidelines-for-secondary-school-libraries-by-sue-shaper/?k=9781783300303 

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership 

Inaugural FOSIL Symposium Recordings https://fosil.org.uk/forums/forum/fosil-presentations/2025-symposium/ 

Navigating Media and Technology with Common Sense

In this episode we welcome Merve Lapus from Common Sense Media, who shares insights into empowering children and families to navigate media and technology responsibly, providing resources and curricula for digital, media, and AI literacy from ages 5 to 18.

We explore the instrumental role of school librarians in teaching digital literacy and supporting inquiry-based learning, and the importance of parents in guiding their children's digital and social media experiences.

Stay tuned for thoughtful discussions on how to instil critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship in students, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an age of innovation.

Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ 

Research - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-2025-common-sense-census-media-use-by-kids-zero-to-eight  

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/ 

Thanks to our sponsors Learnics https://www.learnics.com/ 

 

Unveiling Solo Librarianship: Challenges and Innovations

We are delighted to introduce our guest Lucy Roper, author of "The Solo Librarian." Lucy shares her journey, from navigating the professional landscape as a solo librarian to writing her book that guides others in similar positions. She discusses the challenges solo librarians face, including workload management and isolation, and offers strategies for overcoming them.

The conversation also explores the evolving role of school librarians in the age of AI, highlighting the need for librarians to adapt to new technologies while maintaining their core role of supporting education. Ruth, a co-host and solo librarian, adds her insights on career progression, networking, and the importance of collaboration in enhancing the librarian’s role.

Join us to learn about innovative approaches in school librarianship and how librarians can continue to make a significant impact in the educational sector. 

The Solo Librarian by Lucy Roper https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Librarian-Practical-Handbook/dp/0443157952

Learnics.com 

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership

 

Unlocking the Potential of School Libraries

Please ignore the poor internet connection at the beginning. It does get better so please push through that bit! 

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Adam Barry, Development Manager at Technology for Sage. Together we explore the expansive impact of school libraries beyond their walls, emphasising the need for advocacy and showcasing the indispensable role of librarians in education and community support.

Adam shares his journey of discovering the profound significance of libraries, presenting thought-provoking questions to our host Elizabeth, who offers insights on the diverse roles of school librarians beyond promoting reading for pleasure. Together, they discuss the importance of networking, personal branding, and marketing skills to effectively communicate the value of school libraries to a broader audience.

Whether you're an educator, librarian, or simply interested in education's evolving landscape, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the transformative power of school libraries. Tune in and discover how librarians can elevate their impact and foster a love for learning across the curriculum.

History of School Libraries Part 1 https://elizabethhutchinson.substack.com/p/the-history-of-school-libraries-from 

History of School Libraries Part 2

https://elizabethhutchinson.substack.com/p/the-history-of-school-libraries-1986

FOSIL https://fosil.org.uk/fosil-cycle/ 

Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership 

Kay Odonne personal learning networks research https://www.linkedin.com/in/koddone/ 

Three Thoughts for Your Week https://elizabethhutchinson.substack.com/s/three-thoughts-for-your-week 

School Libraries Report -https://www.greatschoollibraries.org.uk/2023research  

IFLA School Library Guidelines https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf