Explore dynamic, sustainable, inclusive and future-ready school libraries

Overview

School libraries have emerged as dynamic hubs of learning, encompassing literacy and reading, AI integration, digital literacy and citizenship. As spaces for inquiry and collaboration, they offer personalised learning experiences to foster critical thinking and information evaluation skills preparing students for the digital age. Strategic leadership is vital in shaping library spaces, collections and initiatives that align with the evolving needs and well-being of students and educators.

The conference will focus on four major streams:

Literacy and Reading

School libraries are pivotal in cultivating a strong literacy and reading culture. By implementing diverse and inclusive programs, libraries create engaging spaces where students can explore their passions and interests, and develop a love of reading. Target support and differentiated instruction enhance reading development for all students. Carefully curated collections that reflect diverse perspectives, genres and reading levels empower students to become confident and engaged readers. Libraries provide a welcoming and inclusive environment and space that contribute to students’ well-being and emotional intelligence.

AI and Digital Literacy

School libraries are at the forefront of equipping students with essential AI and digital literacy skills. By integrating information literacy frameworks into lessons and programs student develop their future-ready skills necessary for navigating the digital landscape effectively. Libraries also foster digital citizenship to empower students to use technology responsibly and ethically. Through hands-on experiences, digital resources and expert guidance students can learn to become discerning consumers and responsible creators of information.

Leadership and Strategic Direction

Effective school library leadership is essential in driving strategic direction to maximise the library’s impact. By developing comprehensive strategic plans aligned with the school’s overall goals, library leaders can ensure the library is a dynamic and responsive learning environment. Fostering strong collaborations with teachers, parents and the wider community builds support and expands the reach of the library. Through innovative strategies, effective promotion and advocacy, libraries can enhance their visibility and influence within the school. Careful collection development and strong curriculum connections are vital to ensure library resources and programs support student learning and achievement.

Target Audience

This conference is best suited to innovative classroom teachers, teacher librarians and those on the executive looking to build capacity at a school level or within the individual classroom.

Supporting Association

Tickets

Tickets include arrival tea/coffee, morning tea, buffet lunch and a Certificate of Attendance (mapped to APST).

Speaker: June Wall, Digital Educator and Lecturer, CSU

Learning with Information Fluency: strategies for educators

Student learning is more complex with the uptake of AI, the need to instill lifelong learning for all, together with the increasing demands on teachers. Information Fluency is one pathway that has the capacity to bring these together for the benefit of students and teachers. Information Fluency incorporates research skills, the General Capabilities, digital literacies and because it is a living framework, it also enables an approach to how educators can work with AI. This session will provide some ideas and strategies in how to use Information Fluency for teaching and learning.

Speaker: Mali Jorm, Head of Libraries, Bacchus Marsh Grammar

Inspiring Interventions

Library interventions can be powerful tools to connect with students of all ages and spark interest in genres, titles, authors and library programs. This presentation will showcase research-backed engagement strategies alongside innovative events and promotion techniques to inspire you to host memorable interventions that will become the talk of your school.

Speaker: Trish Trchala, Head of Learning Resources, Jemma Trchala, Library Assistant and Digital Content Creator, Xavier College Kew & Caterina Chng, Head of Loreto Academy, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak

Your Voice Library Program

'Your Voice' is a Literary Program that runs out of our Senior and Junior Campus Libraries. Each year, the students decide the theme which is unpacked by the Library Team and students in Year 5-Year 12. Students can express the theme through the written word, pieces of art, drama script, musical composition or spoken word. It runs over 3 terms and Library Team members, and staff become mentors to those involved. A book is published with creative content, then a live presentation runs on an evening during Book Week for families and staff to be part of. In 2025 we will take it a little further by introducing Generative Artificial Intelligence in their creative pieces and the ethical use of these. Combining creativity and academic integrity in a fun way is a wonderful opportunity for the students involved.

Speaker: Natasha Georgiou, Head of Research and Study, Kennedy Baptist College

Empowering Lifelong Learners: A Comprehensive Approach to Research and Study Skills

At Kennedy Baptist College, the Research and Study Centre (RASC) plays a pivotal role in equipping students with essential research and study skills through a structured, evidence-based programme that begins in Year 7. Our SMARTS programme introduces students to fundamental study strategies, setting a strong foundation for academic success. This is further supported by workshops integrated into the pastoral care schedule, ensuring that skills are consistently reinforced.

The programme evolves as students progress through high school offering personalised, one-on-one study assistance for students requiring additional support. Our commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that we continuously refine our approach, utilising pre-and post-surveys, along with focus groups, to assess and enhance program effectiveness.

Speaker: Virginia Catharine Hand, Teacher Librarian, Shellharbour Anglican College

Empowering Education: Deep Learning Framework and AI Integration for Future-Ready Classrooms

This session explores the key elements of the Deep Learning Framework and the integration of AI tools with pedagogical approaches to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will dive into innovative teaching methods designed to promote deep understanding, critical thinking, and creativity, aligned with 21st-century skills. The session will highlight the importance of leveraging digital technologies, not only as content delivery platforms but as tools for collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Educators will be equipped with strategies to integrate AI into their teaching to personalize learning experiences and create dynamic, adaptive learning environments.

By the end of the session, educators will have practical strategies to use digital resources and AI to create meaningful learning experiences that align with the future needs of students.

Speaker: Raffaela Grasso, Teacher Librarian, Bialik College Hawthorn

Embedding digital and global citizenship skills in a library program.

How can teacher librarians embed digital and global citizenship skills within a school library program? Where do digital and global citizenship skills fit within a school library program?
Where do tools such as AI fit in a school library program?